As global demand for critical minerals increases, so too does the need for mining machinery like dump trucks and excavators to be more productive and efficient.
Having been involved in the mining industry since 1917, Komatsu is well accustomed to evolving with the times.
And with the world calling out for an increase in critical minerals supply, Komatsu has built its PC3400-11M0 excavator to help meet this demand.
Delivering a 31 per cent increase in production volume and a 22 per cent increase in fuel efficiency over the previous model in the range, Komatsu Australia national product manager – mining Michael Hall said the model was needed to fill a gap in the larger mining excavator line-up.
“We were missing a model in our 300-tonne mining class between the PC3000 and the PC4000,” Hall said.
“The PC3400-11M0 completes the range, building on Komatsu’s extensive experience delivering front-line excavators and giving mine sites another option for optimum truck matching.”
A boost in production volume
Hall said one of the biggest priorities in mining operations is to fill each dump truck as quickly as possible.
“The PC3400-11M0 achieves this with a massive 31 per cent increase in production volume thanks to key improvements from the previous model in the range – increased bucket capacity, and increased engine output,” Hall said.
The previous model, the PC3000-6, has a bucket capacity of up to 15–16m3.
By increasing the bucket capacity by 20 per cent to 18–19m3, Hall said the number of bucket passes is significantly reduced, which in turn reduces the loading time per dump truck by 25 per cent.
“Our team is always focused on how we can help improve productivity and reduce downtime on mine sites through machine improvements and upgrades, especially as demand grows as the industry looks towards energy-saving solutions,” Hall said.
Image: Komatsu
“We saw a need for larger capacity on this range of excavator, and that’s what we delivered.”
Another key production volume improvement is the increased engine output.
“We had to ensure cycle time was less than the previous model, but the new model also needed to handle the increased bucket capacity,” Hall said.
“We added a larger 1193-kilowatt Cummins engine which increased the engine output, and also reduced cycle time, which is another big plus.”
Improved fuel efficiency
A 22 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency for the PC3400-11M0 compared to the previous model is due to design mechanical improvements.
“This model has a variable speed hydraulic drive fan control – an advanced cooling system that improves machine efficiency, performance, and reliability by dynamically adjusting fan speed to meet real-time cooling demands,” Hall said.
“This reduces fuel consumption for the fan drive and improves fuel efficiency.
“Another improvement is a newly developed Komatsu main valve. The valve on this model is the largest valve in the Komatsu series, but we’ve managed to not let the increase in size and weight impact the fuel efficiency.”
The Komatsu team is ready to support customers who are looking to add the PC3400-11M0 to their fleet.
“The service, sales and parts teams can provide a variety of support before and after machine delivery to keep them efficient and minimise operational costs as they continue to focus on meeting the demand for critical minerals,” Hall said.
This feature appeared in the November 2024 issue of Australian Mining.