A Fuel-Saving Wheel Loader for All Four Seasons

The Komatsu WA270-8 wheel loader, powered by an EPA Tier 4 Final-­certified engine, can tackle a variety of jobs including snow plowing, post-flood mud removal, and construction applications, according to Komatsu America Corp.

The WA270-8’s parallel-lift linkage, with auto tilt-in to simulate a Z-bar, makes the wheel loader particularly versatile.

Greater Fuel Efficiency

The 6.69L, 149-hp SAA6D107E-3 engine uses up to 3% less fuel than its Tier 4 Interim predecessor. The Komatsu diesel particulate filter (DPF) and other ­after-treatment components are designed in conjunction with the engine for efficiency and long life, the manufacturer said.

More than 98% of the Komatsu DPF regeneration is performed passively, requiring no action by the operator. There’s also no interference with machine operation. The new selective catalytic reduction system cuts nitrogen oxide emissions and is designed to last the life of the engine.

The WA270-8 is on the company’s fourth-generation hydrostatic transmission (HST). The hydrostatic drivetrain with variable traction control and S-mode is designed to reduce wheel slip.

Traction Control During Snow Removal

“Komatsu HST transmissions are highly reliable and offer more efficient power to the ground,” said Frank Nyquist, product specialist for wheel loaders at Komatsu America Corp. “And the traction can easily be adjusted to match the ground conditions, prolonging tire life.”

In very slippery conditions, the traction can be turned down via S mode, allowing a more sure-footed feel, Nyquist explained. This is particularly beneficial during snow removal operations.

The dynamic braking of the HST makes brake repairs a rare occurrence, further reducing owning and operating costs, according to Komatsu.

“The WA270-8 also has good tip load and smooth hydraulics, which operators will appreciate,” Nyquist said.

Equipment attributes also include the fine control of the electronic pressure control (EPC) switch and the on/off detent feature that reduces operator fatigue when using a continuous flow attachment such as a broom, Nyquist added.

The WA270-8’s cab features high-back, heated seats designed to soften machine vibrations for greater operator comfort, according to Komatsu. Also included are a 7-inch LCD color monitor with Ecology Guidance and a separate full-color rearview monitor.

Delivering Ecology Guidance

“The high-resolution monitor provides everything you would expect from a machine monitor, such as critical fluid temperatures, travel speed, a clock, etc. But that is only the beginning,” Nyquist said. “This monitor also provides Ecology Guidance to help guide the operator to be more efficient. Additionally, it acts as the interface to access the powerful onboard diagnostics system and is interwoven into the KOMTRAX system.”

The KOMTRAX telematics system provides key machine metrics as well as performance information collected and sorted by operator ID. Komatsu has provided KOMTRAX to customers at no charge for more than a decade.