Komatsu haul truck features tight turning radius, traction control, and fuel-saving technology

Komatsu’s rigid frame off-highway haul truck, the HD1500-8E0, is built for mining, quarry, and aggregate applications. The machine can handle 150 U.S. tons of material, delivers performance on grade, and uses energy-saving technologies.

Delivering performance with a 1,580 gross horsepower (1180 kW), Tier 4 final Komatsu SDA16V159E-3 engine, the HD1500-8E0 helps drive ideal levels of productivity. The redesigned cab, combined with a MacPherson strut-type and hydropneumatic suspension, gives operators a smooth ride.

Quick Specs of the HD1500-8E0: 

  • Net horsepower: 1,570 HP (1,171 kW) @ 1,900 rpm 
  • Operating weight: 550,229 lbs. (249,579 kg) 
  • Rated payload: 153.2 U.S. tons (139.0 t) 
  • Rated Capacity (SAE Heaped 2:1): 102 yd³ (78 m³)

Travel performance for productivity

In addition to speed on grade, the HD1500-8E0 is equipped with hydraulic, wet multiple-disc brakes on all four corners. The continuously cooled, large-capacity brakes also act as a responsive retarder, providing operators with confidence at higher speeds when travelling downhill. Downhill descent can also be controlled by setting a desired travel speed with the automatic retard speed control (ARSC), which applies the brake retarder to maintain the desired setting.

Maneuverability for tight spaces, steep grades, and slippery haul road conditions

With a tight turning radius (36 feet 9 inches), operators in the HD1500-8E0 can maneuver in and out of tight spaces when spotting to be loaded or positioning to dump. The MacPherson strut-type independent front suspension features an A-arm wheel-to-mainframe design for wide spacing and easy access to the engine bay. 

Komatsu’s Traction Control System (KTCS) provides ideal control in loose or slippery haul road conditions by monitoring the rear wheels for slippage and automatically applying pressure to the independent wheel brake assemblies. 

What technology does the Komatsu HD1500-8E0 rigid frame off-highway haul truck use?

The HD1500-8E0 has a seven-speed, fully automatic transmission with two configurable reverse speeds. Komatsu’s advanced transmission with an ideal modulation control system (K-ATOMiCS) provides electronic shift control with automatic clutch modulation, promoting optimized clutch engagement at every gear to provide smooth shifting without losing torque.

Enhance payloads and control the life cycle costs with the HD1500-8E0‘s integrated payload meter (PLM). It manages the payload of each hauling cycle, analyzing production volume, and the working conditions of the machine. 

Operator comfort and visibility of the Komatsu HD1500-8E0

Designed with a convenient control layout, the ergonomic operator cab is equipped with an air suspension seat to help dampen vibrations. A seat heater and ventilator are equipped as standard. To help improve operator comfort, the hydropneumatic suspension provides a smoother ride over rough terrain, while the low noise engine, fan clutch, and cab sealing provide a quiet, low decibel operating environment.

KomVision, a 360-degree monitoring system, uses six cameras for a real-time view of surroundings which helps operators see more. Two screen modes allow operators to view the 360-degree view and any of the six cameras to be viewed simultaneously, on a dedicated monitor.

Machine maintenance of the HD1500-8E0

Designed for convenient preventative maintenance and servicing, a ground-level service centre is located at the bottom of the HD1500-8E0‘s hydraulic tank, putting the engine, transmission, brake control, and hydraulic oil filling evacuation ports accessible in one central location. The automatic greasing system helps minimize maintenance time by automatically supplying grease at predetermined intervals. A battery disconnect switch, located on the left side of the vehicle, is accessible from the ground level. For security during maintenance, there are tie-off anchor points for safety harnesses.

The cold weather package includes electric heating elements for engine oil pan, coolant, steering and hoist oil tank, transmission oil pan, and brake oil tank, which plugs into an external power supply. The engine is also equipped with a cold weather ether starting aid system, a standard for the HD1500-8E0.

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