Nimble new Komatsu hybrid excavator delivers instant power and quiet operation

Komatsu's new PC365LC-11 multifunction plus excavator features a refreshed exterior design, an enhanced operator cab, and several new standard and optional features built for the North American construction market. Komatsu, which has a long track record of producing hybrid excavators, offers different hybrid functions on the PC365LC-11 compared to its other hybrid excavators.

How Komatsu's hybrid PC356LC-11 excavator works

The PC365LC-11 is Komatsu's only excavator to feature an innovative electric swing system with "boom-up" power assist. The dedicated electric swing motor improves swing speeds and operational efficiency, reducing cycle times in multifunction applications delivering up to a 15 percent increase in productivity. The ultracapacitor stores an additional 70 electric horsepower for acceleration when the engine is in ultra-low idle for instantaneous power to the work equipment on demand. 

The ultra-low idle state reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, extending runtimes and lowering total cost of ownership. All electrical energy used in this system is generated during normal operation and stored in the ultracapacitor — no external charging needed. Without the need for hydraulic power for swing operations, this power is fully available for the boom, arm, and bucket cylinders. Optimizing hydraulic flow further reduces digging cycle times and reduces work equipment lag, enabling smoother operation in multifunction applications. These features also make the PC365LC-11 significantly quieter. 

Compared to the previous model, this workhorse brings new features and enhancements across three key areas —operator experience, technology, and attachment flexibility:

• Greater operator comfort for long shifts: A new premium heated air-suspension operator seat features a high leather back, improved cushioning and multiple adjustments. New proportional joysticks offer an intuitive, ergonomic feel that's easy to use, helping reduce operator fatigue and wrist stress.
• Technology that gets the job done: The KomVision camera system comes as standard and provides a real-time bird's-eye view of the machine and its surroundings to help improve situational awareness that drives Komatsu's mission of zero harm. An optional Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit can be factory-installed. This system provides operators in the field and managers in the office access to 3D design and topography data that help drive work accuracy, control load volumes, and promote optimized operations.
• Efficient, fast, and versatile attachment operation: The tool control system is standard for machine configurations with an additional hydraulic piping line, which allows operators to configure and store flow rates/target pressures for multiple attachments. Attachment information is displayed on the in-cab monitor interface. This system improves efficiency, precision, and performance by enabling quick switching between attachments with accurate, preconfigured hydraulic settings tailored to each tool. Optional hydraulic quick coupler piping can be factory-installed for quick, easy attachment of tools, such as the Lehnhoff quick coupler system.  

"The PC365LC-11 was engineered for excellence in multifunction applications by leveraging its innovative electric powertrain system to boost job site productivity while reducing fuel consumption," says Matthew Moen, product manager. "To highlight these performance enhancements, we're emphasizing the concept of ‘multifunction plus' as the defining feature of this machine."