Komatsu announces development of its largest hydraulic mining excavator
SMS Equipment and Komatsu will deliver the inaugural PC9000 for use in Alberta's oil sands
Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) and SMS Equipment will deliver what will be Komatsu's largest hydraulic mining excavator yet to a customer in Canada's oil sands.
The PC9000 will be optimized for use with Komatsu 830E through 980E mining trucks, with an eye for increased productivity, performance, and efficiency in mining operations. Truck matching will improve cycle times and lower overall cost-per-ton of material moved.
In late 2023, SMS Equipment delivered a PC8000-11, previously Komatsu's largest hydraulic mining excavator, to an operation in British Columbia. The PC9000 is destined for use in Alberta's oil sands region.
Compared to previous machines, the PC9000 features a larger digging bucket, higher digging forces, and other features to improve cycle time. It has an extended reach to help support the growing use of Automated Haulage Systems (AHS). A redesigned hydraulic system leads to lower emissions.
"More productive and more efficient while achieving the highest safety standards, the PC9000 marks an exciting evolution of our surface mining lineup," says Peter Buhles, Vice President Sales & Service at KGM. "Komatsu is focused on creating value together. In developing the PC9000, we gathered input from our global customers and distributors to create a machine that responds to the mining industry's emerging needs and is suitable for any type of surface mining application."
"We're incredibly proud to work in conjunction with Komatsu to bring the first PC9000 to Canada," says Dennis Chmielewski, Executive Vice President, Mining at SMS Equipment. "Helping customers increase productivity and safety while reducing emissions is a big part of what we do as an equipment solutions provider. That includes maintaining a continual feedback loop with customers and manufacturers that ensures customers' needs in the field are translated to future equipment models, as was the case with this machine."
More information on the PC9000 will be available closer to its commercial launch.
