Komatsu America Corp. announces the introduction of the WA150-6 wheel loader. With increased loading power and performance for the construction, utility, government, sewer, waste and agricultural markets, this machine includes significant technological enhancements over the Dash 5 model to deliver greater performance, operator comfort and efficiency.

The WA150-6, with an operating weight of 17,271 to 17,461 pounds and a heaped bucket capacity of 1.7 yd3 to 2.2 yd3, gets its power and productivity from a Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5 engine. This engine has a net horsepower of 98 HP, is EPA Tier 3 emissions certified and provides high productivity with low fuel consumption and low noise.

The WA150-6 is equipped with the latest Komtrax technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Data such as fuel consumed, operating hours, working hours, location and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. The Komtrax fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Special Features of the New WA150-6 include:

Increased Power and Performance With Hydrostatic Transmission

The WA150-6 incorporates Komatsu's Hydrostatic Transmission (HST) which allocates only as much power as is needed for a given application. The engine power is transmitted hydraulically to a transfer case, then mechanically out to the differentials and to the four driving wheels, making the WA150-6 a very powerful yet efficient machine that responds quickly and smoothly to varying job conditions.

By adjusting automatically to the tractive effort demands of the work at hand, Komatsu's HST provides for quick travel response and aggressive drive into the pile. The full auto-shifting feature eliminates gear shifting and the kick-down switch gives the operator the ability to concentrate on digging and loading operations for faster cycle times and increased productivity.

Komatsu's Hydrostatic Transmission also provides the loader with dynamic braking. When the loader decelerates, the HST system acts as a dynamic brake causing the loader to slow down without using the wet disc brakes. Dynamic braking can also hold the loader on most workable slopes.

Variable Traction Control With "S-mode"

The tractive effort of the machine, when traveling at low speeds, can be reduced by using the traction control switch to control tire slippage. This is especially beneficial for surfaces such as wet concrete or soft ground where tires are more likely to slip. The traction control system eliminates excessive bucket penetration and tire slippage during operations such as stockpile loading, extending the life-cycle of tires and improving work efficiency. A new "S-mode" control provides optimum driving force for operations on slippery road surfaces, including snow removal or working on snow-covered surfaces. The S-Mode works by controlling the engine speed and HST motor when traveling at a low speed to reduce wheel spin, making the operator more productive.

Maximum Breakout Force, Dumping Clearance And Reach

The WA150-6 also has an excellent breakout force of 16,310 pounds and high static tipping loads (14,873 pounds straight and 12,939 pounds at a 40