Rolling Meadows, IL— Komatsu America Corp. today introduced its new line of D61-23 crawler dozers that were developed with extensive customer input. Utilizing this invaluable customer feedback, Komatsu America has produced a crawler dozer that is smarter, more productive, more owner- and operator-focused and that offers lower owning and operating costs.  Using its popular D51-22 as a design starting point, Komatsu refined the dozer design to meet EPA Tier 4 Interim regulations while providing more owner- and operator-focused features, all bundled in a larger 130 to 160 HP package that pushes productivity and efficiency to new levels.  

New longer track-on-ground standard (EX) and low ground pressure (PX) models are available to offer customers flotation and weight distribution options that best match their applications.  Operating weight ranges from 39,099 lbs. to 41,138 lbs. depending on the configuration. The new models push with a net 168 HP at 2200 rpm. 

Developed as a versatile multi-tool, the D61-23 is designed for a wide variety of applications, including land clearing, grading, forestry and site work. A full guarding package, hydraulic winch and other attachments are available for easy customization to meet specific customer requirements.

The D61-23 crawler dozer is equipped with the latest KOMTRAXÒ technology, which is fully integrated with Komatsu’s Tier 4 technology and sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology. Hour meter, location, cautions, load ratio, fuel consumption and maintenance alerts – to name a few of its features – are relayed to the web application for analysis.  The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft (compared to machines not KOMTRAX-equipped), allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor, and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity.

Special features of these new crawler dozers include:

• EPA Tier 4 Interim and EU stage 3B emission certified engine

Built upon proven Komatsu Tier 3 technology, the Tier 4 Interim SAA6D107E-2 engine provides the same horsepower as its predecessor while lowering fuel consumption by up to 10%.  Komatsu’s Tier 4 Interim engine platform uses an advanced electronic control system to manage airflow rate, fuel injection, combustion parameters, and after treatment functions to optimize performance, reduce emissions, and provide advanced diagnostic capability.

The Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) has an integrated design that will not interfere with daily operation but will keep the operator aware of its status.

This smart and simplified system removes soot using “passive regeneration” the majority of the time, to minimize “active regeneration” events.  For owners, this means lower fuel costs because of fewer active regeneration events as well as seamless operation for the operator.

As a leader in hydraulic technology, Komatsu has also developed a hydraulically actuated Komatsu Variable Geometry Turbocharger (KVGT) and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, resulting in better precision and air management as well as longer component life due to less moving parts and reduced component complexity. 

• Unrivaled blade visibility and ride

The steeply sloped engine hood and new forward cab design provide more room for operators while moving them closer to the blade, for improved blade visibility, ride quality and overall comfort. The cab also has an integrated ROPS / FOPS structure and is designed using large glass windows for better visibility.  Internal cab air pressure and air filters minimize dust entering the cab, and viscous cab damper mounts suppress noise and vibration when traveling over rough terrain.

• New durable and productive power angle tilt (PAT) blade

A newly designed PAT blade with a highly durable box structure and good curvature rolls material efficiently, to improve productivity.  The new standard adjustable blade pitch allows the operator to adjust the aggressiveness of the cutting edge for varying applications. The new hydraulic blade angle toggle switch improves ease of blade operation.  Enhanced provision for Topcon® is standard; only a simple bolt-on completing kit is required to make the machine Topcon® Plug N Play.  Standard rear hydraulics for winch or ripper are also included for increased machine versatility.

• Next generation HST transmission and engine control technology significantly improves fuel economy

Two selectable Working Modes – E and P – match machine performance to the application.  E Mode is intended for all general dozing, leveling and spreading applications providing adequate speed and power while saving fuel.  P Mode is intended for slot dozing, ripping, uphill dozing or other applications that require maximum power where engine power has priority over fuel consumption. 

The D61-23 incorporates new proprietary engine and hydrostatic transmission pump control technology to improve operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption to levels lower than a conventional HST control system can obtain. This Komatsu exclusive feature reduces fuel consumption by up to 10% in P mode in demanding working conditions and up to 20% in E mode under lighter load conditions as compared to the prior model.

Powerful turns under various work conditions are achieved with the new HST transmission, even under load. Counter-rotation is available for minimum turning radius, providing excellent maneuverability in tight spots.