Komatsu America Corp.'s WA250-6 Wheel Loader offers increased loading power and performance for the construction, utility, government, sewer, waste and agricultural markets. Replacing the WA250-5, this machine includes significant technological enhancements for greater performance, operator comfort and efficiency.

The unit, with an operating weight of 25,441 to 25,761 pounds and a heaped bucket capacity of 2.5 yd3 to 3.5 yd3, gets its power and productivity from a Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine. This engine has a net horsepower of 138, is EPA Tier-3 emissions-certified and provides high productivity with low fuel consumption and low noise.

Equipped with the latest Komtrax technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology, data such as operating hours, location and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis. The Komtrax fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft, allows for remote diagnosis by the distributor and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency and productivity. Special features include:

The WA250-6 incorporates Komatsu's Hydrostatic Transmission System (HST) that allocates only as much power as is needed for a given application. Engine power is transmitted hydraulically to a transfer case, then mechanically out to the differentials and to the four driving wheels, making the unit a very powerful yet efficient machine that responds quickly and smoothly to varying job conditions.

By adjusting automatically to the tractive effort demands of the work at hand, Komatsu's HST provides for quick travel response and aggressive drive into the pile. The full auto-shifting feature eliminates gear shifting and the kick-down switch gives the operator the ability to concentrate on digging and loading operations for faster cycle times and increased productivity.

The tractive effort of the machine, when traveling at low speeds, can be reduced by using the traction control switch to control tire slippage. This is especially beneficial for surfaces such as wet concrete or soft ground where tires are more likely to slip. The traction control system eliminates excessive bucket penetration and tire slippage during operations such as stockpile loading, extending the life-cycle of tires and improving work efficiency. An "S-mode" control provides optimum driving force for operations on slippery road surfaces, including snow removal or working on snow-covered surfaces, by controlling the engine speed and HST motor when traveling at a low speed.

The WA250-6 also has an excellent breakout force of 27,210 pounds and high static tipping loads (26,367 pounds straight and 23,204 pounds at a 40-degree full turn) to provide superior power and stability during the toughest operations. Long lift arms provide high dumping clearances and maximum dumping reach so the operator can easily "level" or "even" loads on the body of a dump truck.

Komatsu designed an operator-friendly cab with increased backwards seat slide adjustment and more interior room. The pressurized cab reduces noise levels to a low 70 decibels keeping dust and other particles from the cabs interior and the rear-hinged cab doors and sloped staircase type steps with large diameter handrails allow for easy entrance and exit. A wide pillar-less glass windshield provides for maximum visibility. The viscous damping mount system helps to minimize noise, shock and vibration in rough working conditions. For optimum comfort, the machine features a low effort, multi-function mono lever Pressure Proportional Control (PPC) hydraulic system with a forward, neutral and reverse control switch for smooth and easy directional changes. There is also a max traction switch on the mono lever to cut traction control on and off easily with the push of a button.

WA250-6 allows for easy and maintenance in order to reduce costly downtime. Large gull-wing type doors open widely and easily (with the assistance of a gas spring) to allow operator or technician to perform daily service checks from the ground. The engine fan is hydraulically driven and if the machine is operating in adverse conditions, the operator can reverse the hydraulic cooling fan (to blow out debris) from inside the cab by simply pressing a button on the control panel, or the fan can be preset to automatically activate at given intervals.

The wheel loader is equipped with the exclusive Komatsu EMMS Equipment Management Monitoring System (EMMS) which monitors all critical systems and alerting and guiding the operator should an abnormality occur. The EMMS often prevents a small problem from becoming a major service issue contributing to a reduced cost of operation and the controller monitors key engine features such as oil pressure, coolant temperature air cleaner clogging, etc. If the controller finds abnormalities the error is displayed on the LCD. The EMMS also stores abnormalities and error codes for troubleshooting assistance to mechanics which minimizes diagnosis and repair time.

The wet multi-disc brakes and fully hydraulic braking system, combined with dynamic braking, mean lower maintenance costs and higher reliability. The dynamic braking function means you don't have to use the wet disc brakes as often, increasing overall brake disc life, plus the wet disc brakes are fully sealed keeping contaminants out and reducing wear and subsequent maintenance. This also means no air system to bleed and no condensation of water that can lead to corrosion and freezing.

Highly reliable and exclusively designed electronic components such as controllers, connectors, sensors and wiring have undergone extensive testing to ensure reliability in the harshest of conditions. The electronic connectors are DT-type and seal against dirt and moisture while flat face-to-face O-ring seals are used to securely seal hydraulic hose connections and all hydraulic cylinders are protected by metal guard rings for additional reliability.