Komatsu sells first D61PXi-23 automated bulldozer
Dozer allows rough and fine grading to be automated
The machine was developed with joint technology from Komatsu and Topcon
Komatsu has announced the sale of its first D61PXi-23 bulldozer, a machine with a fully automated blade control first launched at Bauma 2013.
The buyer was Verhelst Group, which specializes in activities such as road building, demolition and recycling, and is located in Oostende, Belgium.
The machine was developed with joint technology from Komatsu and Topcon, and features full auto-blade control and blade load control, utilising in-built GNSS antenna, and load and position sensing.
The intelligent machine control components are built into the machine at the factory, allowing a high degree of integration, as well as a more robust position than for aftermarket installed kits, says Komatsu.
With its fully automatic blade control, the D61PXi-23 dozer can perform not only finish grading in automatic mode, which is possible with existing machine control technologies, but also rough dozing.
When rough dozing, the automatic blade control monitors blade load and adjusts blade elevation, to prevent track slip, which damages the grading surface. As work progresses closer to the target finish grade, the automatic blade control adjusts accordingly to provide a high-level precision finish grade performance.
The PX is the low ground-pressure variant, with the standard PX model also available. Operating weights range from 17,740kg to 18,660kg.
“Our mission in the construction industry is to be pioneers and a sustainable company” says
Verhelst already has 10 Komatsu bulldozers in its fleet. Johan Verhelst, the head of the group, has a keen interest in new and reliable technologies, and in 2012 a group company acquired the HB215LC-1, Komatsu’s Hybrid excavator.
“Our mission in the construction industry is to be pioneers and a sustainable company” said Verhest.
