contacts
technologies

Komatsu WE-series wheel loader with Generation 3 hybrid technology offers sustainable operation with great fuel efficiency, strength and versatility

Surface mining / Press release

Komatsu WE-series wheel loader with Generation 3 hybrid technology offers sustainable operation with great fuel efficiency, strength and versatility

2 min read / September 13, 2021

Image: The WE1850-3 wheel loader can help maximize productivity.

September 13, 2021 — For mine operators with a focus on sustainable operation, Komatsu’s new WE1850-3 wheel loader, part of the new Generation 3 series, is a versatile loading tool that can be used for main line production and shovel backup as well as cleanup and ramp building.

Komatsu is rebranding all of its hybrid wheel loader products, as part of its ongoing process to integrate its legacy brands into One Komatsu. This rebranding transitions legacy brands, such as the P&H L1150, P&H L1350, P&H L1850 and P&H L2350 loaders to Komatsu.

“Our large hybrid loaders have carried the legendary LeTourneau and P&H names for many years, but we are proud to move the product line to the Komatsu brand, ” said Brian Fox, vice president, mining products. “Since the Komatsu acquisition of Joy Global in 2017, we’ve been making significant investments in our factories and new product development with the goal of bringing the Komatsu standard of quality and product support to this unique, highly efficient product line.”

The WE series of wheel loaders have an SR Hybrid Drive system that is fully regenerative. During braking or retarding, electrical motors become generators and feed power back into the electrical system. This allows for up to 45% less fuel consumption than comparably sized mechanical drive wheel loaders or hydraulic excavator machines, as well as considerable reduction in carbon emissions per ton.

For faster cycle times without a commensurate increase in fuel usage, Generation 3 series wheel loaders include the Kinetic Energy Storage System (KESS), which works in concert with the SR Hybrid Drive to store significant horsepower captured from braking and direct it to supplement peak power demand.

“The goal here was maximizing productivity, lowering that cost per ton, ” said Jesse Dubberly, product director. “The Generation 3 series is engineered to improve both sides of that equation. Lower cycle times and increased payload, which can lead to higher productivity and more tons moved.”

The LINCS II network control system on the WE180-3 provides real-time feedback and vital statistics, such as bucket height and angle, individual bucket payload, and total tons moved. This can help improve productivity by allowing operators to quickly adjust to conditions.

To keep operators comfortable during shifts, the spacious, environmentally controlled cab was designed to offer excellent visibility, and a trainer seat that is now standard. Digital joysticks offer easy and responsive control, while the highly adjustable, heated/cooled seat helps minimize driver discomfort.

Located in Central Hall C3, the Komatsu booth (#7027) at MINExpo 2021 will feature the WE1850-3 wheel loader, as well as the company’s unified and expanded mining offerings. Additional solutions will be highlighted at neighboring booths for Modular Mining, a Komatsu technology brand (Booth #7671), and Immersive Technologies (Booth #7583) and Hensley Industries (Booth #5401), both Komatsu subsidiaries.

Learn more about the company's wheel loader offerings.

About Komatsu

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company’s global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance.

Media inquiries contacts

Caley Clinton
Senior manager
PR, CSR and content
caley.clinton@mining.komatsu
(414) 670-5955

Shawn-Laree O'Neil
Strategic marketing, Public &
Media relations
sloneil@komatsuna.com
(773) 802–0377
 
press contacts

Shawn-Laree O'Neil
USA
Tel.:
(773) 802–0377
e-mail

illustration

image for web
original [jpg 159 K]
1100x734 px
technologies

© 2007