Product photos in this magazine may show optional equipment.

Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

Available models may vary by region or country.
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced
Views is a PR magazine published by Komatsu Ltd.
without the prior written permission of Komatsu Ltd.
Product Marketing Dept.
The comments expressed in this magazine are those of the 2-3-6, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8414, Japan
contributors, and are not necessarily endorsed by Komatsu Ltd. http://www.komatsu.com
 Rising from the Waters of Chesapeake Bay
on the American Coastline
Reported by Steve Cihock, Komatsu America Corp. Baltimore

U.S.A.

VSA Construction Services Helps Washington, D.C.

Rebuild Natural Habitat

Poplar Island
In the mid-1990s, Poplar Island was designated

Chesap
as a potential site for disposal of dredged material
from the shipping lanes of Chesapeake Bay leading

e
ake Ba
F O C U S

in and out of Baltimore in the U.S. state of

y
Maryland. In 1998, work began on a restoration
project that will use more than 29 million m3
(38 million yd3) of material to create a new refuge
for the regions
birds. When com-
pleted, the habitat Challenging Work Environment
will feature Tempered with Technology
I N

445 ha (1,100 ac)

of uplands and VSA relies on 11 Komatsu HM300-1 articulated
lowlands with dump trucks with a 27-ton (30-U.S.-ton) capacity
C U S T O M E R S

work estimated to to haul sand for the Cell 2 dike throughout the
run through 2016. day. Each articulated dump truck racks up roughly
With the 193 km (120 mi) per day on Poplar Islanda
pumping of large amount, without even considering that the
dredged material trucks are constantly transitioning from dredging
into the island through wet, fine sand and clay to solid haul
Four of the 11 HM300-1 articulated comes the need to roads and through varying conditions of the dike
dump trucks feature wide profile
tires to make driving through the continuously raise and its bench. Only articulated dump trucks can
soggy, wet material easier. its dikes to ensure effectively handle these conditions while remain-
containment. ing efficient to operate. Four of the 11 HM300-1s
VSA Construction Services, LLC of Jessup, even feature wide profile tires to make driving
Maryland, is one of the construction firms work- through the material easier.
ing with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on
the projects most recent phase of adding another
0.9-m (3-ft) lift to the existing dike of Cell 2, the
islands largest cell with an estimated 8 km (5 mi)
perimeter. To remain on schedule, VSA utilizes
diverse equipment to excavate, haul and place an
estimated 3,440 m3 (4,500 yd3) of material per
day in a challenging work environment.
One element of VSAs work on Poplar
Island involves repairing a breach in the original
dike caused by Hurricane Isabelle in September
2003. The most intense work on the island, how-
ever, involves the excavation, hauling and placing
of over 405,200 m3 (530,000 yd3) of material to
raise the dike of Cell 2 to its desired height:
7 m (23 ft) above water, 21 m (70 ft) wide with a
The PC300s have the fastest swing and good lifting capacity,
2 4.6-m (15-ft) bench and a required 2-1 step back. says Mr. Dave Krebs.
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 Mr. Dave Krebs, field manager for VSA at
Poplar Island, explains: Day to day, weather is
the biggest factor, and we work in material that is
unforgiving. Ive been impressed with these
(HM300-1) dump trucks because they go through
this material better than any truck Ive ever had.
Theyve got the best (hydro-pneumatic) suspen-
sion of any off-road dump truck that Ive ever
driven, and the way the bed is designed and the
way the cylinders are manufactured, it handles
the load much better. These trucks are very fuel The D61PX-12 gives an extra boost to productivity for VSA on
efficient, and weve been steadily going through Poplar Island.
material 76 cm (30 in) deep.
Mr. Jeff Thielker, vice president of opera- president of VSA. Standard disc brakes would
tions, points to the transmission as being a plus: allow water to get them wet, and then the fine
Our operators are happy with the transmis- sand would tear them up. The dry braking
sionsthere are areas on the island where trucks system wouldnt last, and a lot of times wouldnt
will be traveling at top haul speeds and then even work.
power down to 8 km (5 mi) per hour. These Despite the unique challenges of working
trucks dont have any problem downshifting or on an island in the middle of Chesapeake Bay,
upshifting. effective equipment operations and strong man-
Another feature critical to the operations agement have made it a memorable project for
on Poplar Island is the trucks wet disc braking Mr. Vance and his crew.
system. The HM300-1s continuously cooled, All the work weve done around the world
wet-type multiple-disc brakes offer VSA produc- has been in weird and wonderful places, says
tivity that standard dry brakes could not. Mr. Vance. Were good at doing jobs that are a
These trucks are in muddy or rough condi- little strange.
tions most of the time, says Mr. Richard Vance,

A high level of productivity can be attributed to the good size match between the PC300LC-7 and the HM300-1.

3
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 New Episode in Indonesian
Nickel Mine
Reported by Heri Puji, Komatsu Asia & Pacific Pte Ltd

A s one of the biggest nickel miners in the

world, PT Inco had never used Komatsu
machines in the history of its operations.
However, from August 2004, PT Inco started
using a total of 37 Komatsu machines, including Soroako
HD785-5 and HD465-7 dump trucks, PC800SE-7
Sulawesi
F O C U S

hydraulic excavators, D375A-5 bulldozers, Island

INDONESIA
WA600-3 wheel loaders and GD825A-2 motor Jakarta
Makasar
graders. These Komatsu units are becoming
hugely popular and going head to head with
competitor machines.
The power, handling system and cabin
comfort are an example of superiority that can The pit loca-
only be experienced with Komatsu PC800SE-7s tions are around
I N

versus other brands, said the operators when Matana Lake, which
they started operating Komatsu machines. is surrounded by
Following official approval by the beautiful nature and
C U S T O M E R S

Indonesian government, PT Inco was founded resources. All these

and began operations in 1968 under a 30-year
contract with the potential for further extensions.
The material deposits are in the surrounding areas
of South Sulawesi and South East Sulawesi
provinces. Recently, more than 5.1 million tons
(5.6 million U.S. tons) of deposits with 1.71%
nickel grade and about 40 million tons (44 million
U.S. tons) with 1.76% nickel grade (probable)
were discovered.
The D375A-5 scoops up ore at Sumasang Pit.
elements add to the
impression that
Soroako is not a
mining area, but
Komatsu machines demonstrate their full
rather a tourist spot. potential during hard and dusty operation
Soroako is on a slag heap.
located in central
southeast Sulawesi Island and situated roughly
700 km (435 mi) from Makasar, the main city in
South Sulawesi Province. Planners built such a
desirable social environment near the mining area
to enable the miners and supporting workers to
live comfortably.
The ore deposits are not centralized within
one large continuous area, but rather are like
pockets within the stone-laden mountain. Current
mining areas comprise the Soroako East Block
and Soroako West Block. With regard to the East
Block deposit, the stone is not so hard and of a
high-grade nickel percentage. In the West Block,
where Komatsu machines mostly operate, the
stone is not only hard but also difficult to mine,
and the grade is lower.
Total matte production of nickel in Soroako
in 2004 is estimated at 72,500 tons (80,000
U.S. tons). Pit A, a new mine pit, has just been

4
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 A PC800SE-7 loads overburden at the
Solia Pit during night operations.

A symbolic key is handed over from UT to PT Inco at the handover A bulldozer is carefully tended to in the workshop at
ceremony of the first Komatsu machines. PT Incos site.

found and mining operations will start up in telecommunications, skilled mechanics,

2005. In this regard, Komatsu quickly swung into a sufficient stock of quality parts and adequate
action and has become the main fleet supplier for vehicles to provide support as needed. A new
this new project. workshop near the pit will be also set up when
Due to the very abrasive and specific type the infrastructure is in place.
of mining of ore deposits located among pockets Depending on the success of Komatsus
of hard stone, the PC800SE-7 teeth bucket has proven performance and reliability on this
become a dominant component in the main project, PT Inco plans to replace more of the
machines used to mine nickel. Dynamite cannot existing machines at this mining site. This means
be used unless it is a blended ore and not homo- that Komatsu will have the opportunity to further
geneous; otherwise, production costs would demonstrate the performance and capabilities of
become very high. its machines to PT Inco, together with the superb
The WA470-3 is used exclusively in support of UT as the distributor.
the production process to load materials into
hoppers and other production machines. As the
surrounding temperature is high and conditions
are very dusty, these machines are equipped
with pre-cleaner, and the air cleaner must be
cleaned quickly.
According to Mr. Hary Asmar, mining
manager of PT Inco, Komatsu machines have been
tried out in this tough mining area under extreme
conditions. Having operated a PC800SE-7 him-
self, Mr. Hary Asmar has expressed his confidence
in Komatsu machines, which have exhibited better
performance compared with other brands.
PT United Tractors Tbk (UT), Komatsus
exclusive distributor in Indonesia, is one of the
keys for succeeding on this project. Besides
providing the Full Maintenance Contract for the
Komatsu fleet, they are also ready with satellite
PT Inco and UT crew gather in front of the UT office at PT Incos site.
5
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 Treescape Depends on Close Relationship
with Komatsu
Reported by Terry Borrie, Komatsu Australia Pty. Ltd.
F O C U S
I N
C U S T O M E R S
Treescapes PC228USLC-3 tight-tail-swing hydraulic excavators have transformed its operations with their
stability, power and ability to work tight benches.
T reescape Ltd, New Zealands largest arboricul-
ture company active on both the North and
South Islands, has established a strong relationship
with Komatsu Australia Pty. Ltd. (KAL) since buy-
ing its first Komatsu hydraulic excavator in 1994.
Based in Hamilton on the North Island, the
company has been in operation for more than 23
years and carries out all types of tree work,
including land clearing, large-tree transplanting,
landscaping, grounds maintenance, utility line
clearing and bulk production of landscape mulch.
Customers include government agencies, local
authorities, civil engineering contractors, develop-
ers, utility companies and private individuals. The
200-plus employees include arborists, horticultur-
alists and machine operators, who are nationally
and internationally trained to the highest standards
using the latest techniques and equipment available.
Treescape specializes in undertaking
difficult projects, such as removing dangerous
trees from confined spaces and awkward locations
using specialized roping techniques, cranes and
heavy lift helicopters. Another service involves
large-tree landscape-planting schemes; projects
6 have included planting trees from 4 kg to 150 tons
VIEWS 2004 No.4
Auckland
Hamilton
North
NEW ZEALAND Island
Wellington
Christchurch
South
Island
(8.8 lb to 165 U.S. tons) in weight and from one
tree within a backyard to thousands along the side
of a motorway or several large mature trees within
a subdivision.
Another of Treescapes specialist services
involves land clearing, using such equipment as
bulldozers, log skidders, hydraulic excavators,
logging trucks, hydraulic excavator-mounted stump
grinders, groomers, mulching heads and high-
capacity 358-kW (480-HP) whole tree chippers.
Treescape currently operates a fleet of 16
Komatsu hydraulic excavators, ranging from a
1.5-ton (1.6-U.S.-ton) PC15MR-2 up to a 30-ton
(33-U.S.-ton) PC300-7. All of these hydraulic
excavators have forestry cabs that meet the require-
ments for New Zealand Cabin Operator Protective
Structure (COPS). This fleet of excavators is
further supported with two WA200-5 wheel
loaders with hydraulic quick couplers for various
buckets and attachments, one WA70-3 wheel
loader and one D53A-17 bulldozer. The entire fleet
is set up to take a wide range of attachments,
including stump grinders, hydraulic mulching
heads, log grapples, vertical tree grabs, shears,
various rakes and tree spades.
 Mr. Brandon Whiddett, Treescape co-
founder and operations director, said that he made a
decision to completely convert to Komatsu
hydraulic excavators after buying the first one.
Once we bought our first Komatsu excavator,
weve never looked at another brand. Once wed
made that decision, we knew wed never want to
change, and we are committed to the concept of
having a single supplier for our excavator and heavy
machinery fleet. That makes life much easier in
terms of spares, service and support, he said.
Mr. Whiddett also stressed the importance of
forming a strong relationship with a single supplier,
adding, I was very keen to form a close relation-
ship with our equipment supplier; I believe thats
what business is all about. Without that, there is no
enjoyment, no value in business. And with that
relationship, its very easy moving forward. We
Treescapes use of specialist attachments on its Komatsu exca-
vators, such as the PC128US-2 and PC300-7, have helped
make it New Zealands largest arboriculture company.
now have a very good, honest and open relationship
with Komatsu Australia. We are now at the point
that when we need new equipment, well order it up
to a year in advance; that means that we can plan
work ahead for the new machinery as it comes on
line in a relaxed manner.
He said that since KAL has taken over the
New Zealand operations, the relationship has
strengthened even further. This has been the first
year weve finalized the supply of excavators a
year in advance; this development has allowed us
to improve our long-term planning and capability
modeling strategies. We have a policy of replacing
our machines at preset intervals: 36 months or
6,000 hours for our smaller machines; 48 months
or 8,000 hours for our PC120s to PC200s; and 60
months or 10,000 hours for our PC300s. Because
we plan our replacements on that basis, we know
a fair way in advance what our needs will be. It
also means that we are able to purchase the best-
suited new Komatsu models as they come out.
Mr. Whiddett added, It also means that our
operators are continually promoted into larger or
better machines. They get to move up in equipment
size or specification, which fits in with our policy
of providing our operators with the best available
equipment for the tasks at hand.
An example of one of
the new Komatsu hydraulic
excavators that Treescape
has just recently received
delivery for is the new tight-
tail-swing PC228USLC-3, of
which it has two, with a third
on order. This is just an
awesome machine; its revo-
lutionized what we can do.
Weve installed cleats on the
tracks, which enables the
machine to cling onto very
In addition to a large fleet of Komatsu
steep terrain. And because of excavators, Treescape also runs other
the tight-tail swing, we are types of Komatsu equipment, such as
this D53A-17 bulldozer.
able to work on very tight
benches. Its also a very, very
stable machine, so its much safer, he said.
Overall, its increased our work envelope dramat-
ically in terms of where we can go and the kind of
work we can perform.
Another important reason why Treescape
places priority on well-supported, up-to-date
equipment is because its hydraulic excavators
form part of a team on most projects. Take the
example of when were removing a tree. Well also
have on-site a heavy lift crane, a chipper and other
support equipment, along with four or five
arborists and operators. If one machine fails, that
can jeopardize the whole operationwhich is why
we bank on having new, modern, well-maintained
equipment at all times, said Mr. Whiddett. Our
relationship with Komatsu is a very important part
of that equation.
Tree-spades fitted to Treescapes Komatsu hydraulic excavators
allow large trees to be moved with minimal root damage.
7
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 Reducing Machine Downtime and
Saving Repair Costs
Reported by Toshio Abe, Komatsu Ltd.

extend machine life, thus providing customers with

Komatsu Reman numerous advantages while saving limited resources.

Reducing O&O Costs

What are Remanufactured Components?
Komatsu has been actively engaged in the Reman
business, which restores the used components of
construction and mining equipment to near-new
S U P P O R T
In order to keep production costs down, mining
customers strive to enhance productivity while
reducing maintenance costs. Komatsu helps decrease
Owning and Operating (O&O) costs by providing

u n
quality and then supplies them back to the market. Reman components together with Repair &
Reman is short for remanufacturing, and entails Maintenance (R&M) Contracts.

s a
the following process: disassembly of used compo-

t
nents, inspection of each and every part against
rigorous usage standards, repair and reuse of only ISO9001 and ISO14001 Certifications

a m
those parts that pass inspection, reassembly into
components with the specifications and durability Komatsu is actively pursuing the acquisition of

e
equivalent to new ones, and supply of Reman ISO9001 certification for quality management sys-

m
components to customers complete with a warranty. tems and ISO14001 certification for environmental

R
management systems at all seven Reman Centers.

o
C U S T O M E R

Reman components offer the following advantages: More than half of these centers have already obtained
certification as of the publication of this issue, with

K
Quality Guarantee the remainder aiming to receive certification by 2005.
Komatsus Reman components possess the performance
and quality equivalent to new parts, with the same
period and terms of warranty as new components to
ensure safe use. Outline of
Remanufacturing System
Lower Operating Costs
By repairing and reusing used parts, Komatsus
Reman components offer significant cost savings
compared with new components, thereby contributing
to the reduction of machine repair costs for customers.
Unit exchange
The performance of a transmission
Sustained Productivity through Shortened for the D85EX-15 bulldozer is
Machine Downtime being tested.
Machine downtime can be minimized and productivity
sustained by replacing malfunctioning or worn compo-
nents with Reman components taken from properly
controlled stock. Used core Reman component

Contribution to Preserving the Environment

The reuse and recycling of components and parts
contribute to resource savings and waste reduction.
Komatsu Reman Centers
(remanufacturing) The SA12V140-1 engine was
By offering economical replacements for major remanufactured for the HD785-5
dump truck.
components, Komatsus Reman business helps to
8
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 Komatsu Reman Centers
Komatsu offers Reman
components for engines, torque
converters, transmissions,
axles, hydraulic devices,
electronic devices and other
machine components through
seven Reman Centers
throughout the world (United
States, Europe, Japan,
Indonesia, Australia, South
Africa and Chile).
Rio Tinto Names Komatsu Preferred Equipment Supplier
Reported by Steve Cihock, Komatsu America Corp.
T O P I C S
R io Tinto signed a five-year
contract (with a three-year
review) on September 28, 2004,
naming Komatsu its preferred
supplier of haul trucks for its world-
wide mining operations. Under the
agreement, Komatsu will also be a
significant supplier of hydraulic
excavators, bulldozers and other
equipment. Rio Tinto expects to
C U R R E N T
spend more than US$1 billion on
Mr. Dave Grzelak of Komatsu America (left)
and Mr. Gary Goldberg of Rio Tinto sign a
five-year contract.
Newcastle,
England
Lexington,
U.S.A.
Antofagasta, Johannesburg,
Chile South Africa
heavy equipment manufactured by
Komatsu and other suppliers over the
next five years. Contract terms are
based on lifecycle costs, an ongoing
strategy that promotes a collaborative
approach to optimizing equipment
design and deployment.
We are building on an established
relationship with Komatsu, and have
built in provisions to ensure the best
possible return on investment and the
best possible safety and environ-
mental performance over time, said
Mr. Gary Goldberg, chair of Rio Tintos
Core Technologies Directorate.
This alliance teams two world-
class companies and will redefine the
way mining companies and suppliers
work together to optimize asset
management in a cyclical industry,
said Mr. Dave Grzelak, chairman and
CEO of Komatsu America Corp.
The contract includes provisions
to implement technical and service
Tokyo, Japan
Balikpapan,
Indonesia
Brisbane,
Perth Australia
(West) (East)
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a world leader in
finding, mining and processing the
earths mineral resources. The
Groups worldwide operations
supply essential minerals and
metals that help to meet global
needs and contribute to
improvements in living standards.
improvementscovering design,
productivity, safety and environmental
advanceson a continual basis.
Equipment will be produced at
Komatsu plants in Japan, Germany
and North America.
This contract focuses on compet-
itive lifecycle costs and productivity
for the equipment, in keeping with
both organizations focus on long-
term growth and profitability, said
Mr. Goldberg.
9
VIEWS 2004 No.4
 Komatsu at MINExpo 2004: Optimism and Excitement Surround
Komatsu and Industry
Reported by Steve Cihock, Komatsu America Corp.
T he buzz in Las Vegas, Nevada,
U.S.A. this September wasnt
coming from the citys legendary
strip. Instead, the mining industry
was causing an uproar at the Las
Vegas Convention Center with
MINExpo 2004.
Few companies had more to talk
about than Komatsu: exciting new
equipment, large agreements made
with some of the industrys biggest
names and a consistently high level
T O P I C S
of booth traffic. Not only was booth
traffic up, but there were consistent
reports that buying intentions of
show attendees were stronger than
those at any other recent show.
At a news conference on Tuesday,
September 28, 2004, Komatsu
announced the signing of an
agreement with Rio Tinto. (See
previous page.)
C U R R E N T
The AC drive of the 830E-AC haul truck eliminates
the thermal limitations encountered in the DC drive.
That morning, news broke of
another deal: Yakutugol, a large coal The AJSS eliminates the
mining operation in Russias Sakha
Republic, signed a contract to add six operator legroom and
new 830E haul trucks.
Komatsus display at MINExpo
included four massive pieces of
equipment. The D475A-5 bulldozer
became available to the North
American market on September 1,
2004 and made its official debut at
the show. The other brand-new
10
VIEWS 2004 No.4
equipment was the
250-ton
(275-U.S.-ton)
830E-AC haul truck,
which has a similar
design to the AC
drive in the 930E-3
haul truck. With
mines pushing
deeper and the
evolution of longer,
steeper haul roads,
the AC drive will
eliminate the ther-
mal limitations
encountered in the Displaying exciting new equipment, Komatsu boasted a consistently high
DC drive previously level of booth traffic.
available in the
250-ton (275-U.S.-ton) 830E model. management solutions drawing
Komatsu also showcased its customers looking to fully optimize
powerful PC3000 hydraulic excava- their mine sites.
tor. Overall machine performance is Anyone who visited Komatsu at
enhanced through a new Komatsu MINExpo 2004 learned that
variable displacement hydraulic Komatsu is the only mining equip-
pump system with electronic pump ment supplier in the world who can
management. A new cab has been truly refer to itself as a Total
added that offers increased frontal Solutions Providerfrom equipment
visibility, reduced vibration and to service to futuristic technologies.
noise, and an improved comprehen- And with that distinction, Komatsu
sive climate control system. The mining machines should gain added
WA900-3 wheel loader also drew work across the globe.
crowds with its new, operator-
friendly Advanced Joystick Steering
System (AJSS). AJSS integrates
steering and transmission control
functions into one handy
seat-mounted lever.
steering wheel, increasing
improving efficiency in
V-cycle loading.
Modular Mining
Systems, Inc., a wholly
owned Komatsu sub-
sidiary, also had a strong
presence in the booth
with its unique mine
The D475A-5 bulldozer made its official debut at the show.
 Tier (Stage) III Diesel Regulations to be
Phased in from 2006
B ased on a masterful knowledge of engine con-
struction stretching back to 1935, Komatsu has
always believed that the excellent performance
provided by diesel engines make them a central
component to construction and mining machinery.
And given our wealth of knowledge and proven
reputation as both an engine and equipment manu-
facturer, Komatsu is able to build engines that
D E V E L O P M E N T S
optimally match our equipment. In carrying on this
tradition, Komatsu has maintained its dedication to
R&D toward building engines that improve fuel
efficiency, reduce noise and contribute to lower
environmental impact, all in line with our philoso-
phy of Ecology and Economy. As evidenced by
a 70-year track record, Komatsu has constantly
ensured that its engines are always a step ahead of
ever-demanding emissions controls around the world.
In relation, Tier (Stage) I emissions standards
were initially implemented in the United States,
Europe and Japan from 1996 to reduce nitrogen
oxides and particulate matter emitted from diesel
engines. This was followed with the implementation
of the more stringent Tier (Stage) II regulations in
the United States from 2001, in Europe from 2002
and in Japan from 2003.
In the United States, for example, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently
preparing to implement Tier III regulations that
O N
would be gradually phased in at various stages
from 2006 depending on respective horsepower
categories (refer to the table on page 16 for details).
While Tier III regulations have yet to be enacted
in the United States, Komatsu and other engine
F O C U S
One key challenge in meeting Tier (Stage) III standards
 

manufacturers are working steadily to comply with
these more stringent regulations, such as a 40%
reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared
with Tier II engines.
Regarding emissions regulations for on-highway
engines, there was a difference of opinion between
certain engine manufacturers and the EPA. This
resulted in a consent decree between the parties to
accelerate compliance with Tier III regulations for
off-highway engines in the 225 kW to 560 kW
(302 HP to 751 HP) range one year ahead of
schedule. In other words, the aforementioned engine
manufacturers must comply with Tier III regulations
for off-highway engines from 2005, instead of 2006.
Unaffected by the consent decree, Komatsu engines
will meet Tier III regulations on schedule when the
EPA begins enforcement in 2006. Over the course
of the remaining timeframe prior to implementa-
tion, Komatsu continues to work hard to ensure
improved performance and maximum quality
toward the gradual introduction of the most reliable
Tier III-compliant engines as January 2006
approaches. Additionally, since Tier III regulations
will not be mandatory until 2006, Komatsu does not
anticipate any problems in relation to its current
lineup of Tier II-compliant products during 2005.
Komatsu remains fully committed to complying
with emissions control regulations by continuously
advancing our technological standards and capabil-
ities in developing leading-edge, fuel-efficient
diesel engines while also contributing to the
conservation of the earths environment.
  



, !#$" -% ! ./ 0$1#$($!  &#!'!#$ 2$'%
lies in the unique characteristics of diesel engines. )#   !#     & !#
 & $$"
Nitrogen oxides are emitted when diesel fuel is com-


busted at high temperatures, while particulate matter is 

  


& !' ! ( !! 

released when that same fuel is combusted at lower


temperatures. Yet the Tier (Stage) III regulations outline
strict standards on both fronts. To address this issue,   
)#( ++

and to maintain fuel efficiency, Komatsu has developed

such technologies as high-pressure injection systems

   
for lower particulate matter, air-cooled aftercoolers for )#(   )#(  

reducing nitrogen oxide emissions and high-strength

     
ductile cast iron pistons for an optimal fuel-to-air mix.        !" #$%  
The specifics of these technologies will be addressed in   )#(   $* '#$"* !#$
 3 !#$ # *"
greater detail in future issues of VIEWS. 3 %*#' -#$"
11
VIEWS 2004 No.4
Komatsu is Ready for Tier (Stage) III Emissions
Regulations to be Officially Phased in from 2006
With a tradition of engine construction spanning 70 years since 1935, Komatsu engines have earned a
sterling reputation in the market. Komatsu will begin introducing its Tier (Stage) III-compliant engines as
we approach 2006, when the regulations will be gradually phased in. (See table below and article on page
15 for details.)
Emissions Regulations for Construction and Mining Equipment
U.S. EPA
kW (HP) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
37 - 55 (49 - 74)
56 - 74 (75 - 99)
75 - 129 (100 - 173)
130 - 224 (174 - 301)
225 - 449 (302 - 602) CD
450 - 560 (603 - 751) CD
560 < (751 <)
Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV Interim Tier IV Final
EUROPE
kW (HP) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
37 - 55 (49 - 74)
56 - 74 (75 - 99)
75 - 129 (100 - 173)
130 - 560 (174 - 751)
Stage I Stage II Stage IIIA Stage IIIB Stage IV
JAPAN
kW (HP) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
37 - 55 (49 - 74)
56 - 74 (75 - 99)
75 - 129 (100 - 173)
130 - 560 (174 - 751)
Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV Tier IV

* The table above is displayed for reference purposes only and does not depict the various options available to engine and equipment manufacturers.
See the appropriate regulations for specific details and options related to that regions emissions standards and implementation dates.

CD (Consent Decree):
Regarding emissions regulations for on-highway engines, there was a difference of opinion between certain
engine manufacturers and the EPA. This resulted in a consent decree between the parties to accelerate
compliance with Tier III regulations for off-highway engines in the 225 kW to 560 kW (302 HP to
751 HP) range one year ahead of schedule. In other words, the aforementioned engine manufacturers
must comply with Tier III regulations for off-highway engines from 2005, instead of 2006. Unaffected
by the consent decree, Komatsu engines will meet Tier III regulations on schedule when the EPA begins
enforcement in 2006. Over the course of the remaining timeframe prior to implementation, Komatsu
continues to work hard to ensure improved performance and maximum quality toward the gradual
introduction of Tier III-compliant engines as 2006 approaches.

This magazine is printed on recycled paper and is recyclable. Form No. HENW 0091