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Komatsu’s PC9000-12: Brought to Life in Canada, Now Available Worldwide

April 2, 2026
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The next generation of ultra-class hydraulic mining excavators reached a major milestone this week as Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) announced the global launch of the PC9000-12. The machine is the largest and most innovative hydraulic shovel for surface mining in Komatsu’s lineup.

With its massive operating capacity and range of technical advancements, the PC9000-12 is poised to set a new benchmark for surface mining operations around the world.

“We’re thrilled to officially now offer this game-changing machine across Canada,” says Dennis Chmielewski, EVP Mining at SMS Equipment. “The PC9000-12 is expected to redefine operational efficiency and push productivity to new heights across the toughest mining sites.”

SMS Equipment was closely involved in the PC9000’s development, as well as transporting, assembling and servicing the first machines in Canada prior to global launch.
“Our team has already gained valuable hands-on experience with the PC9000 and we’re looking forward to helping customers successfully integrate the machine into their operations to get the most out of its capabilities,” Chmielewski adds.

Designed for modern operations

The PC9000-12 combines advanced engineering, large-scale production capability and operator-focused design to help mining operations move more material while lowering overall cost per ton.

As the largest model in Komatsu’s PC series, the PC9000-12 features the largest bucket capacity, longest reach and highest digging power. It is designed as a five-pass match for Komatsu’s 980E ultra-large haul truck and supports double-sided loading in Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) environments. With a payload of more than 80 tons per pass, it can load a Komatsu 980E truck in under 150 seconds which, under optimal conditions, translates into production rates of around 8,000 tons per hour.

In addition to a range of engineering innovations to enhance operational performance, the PC9000-12 prioritizes safety and operator comfort. An ergonomically designed interior and advanced monitoring systems support reduced operator fatigue, improved visibility and enhanced situational awareness.

The PC9000-12 is also designed with flexibility in mind. It is available with a diesel Tier 4 engine, diesel non-certified engine or electric drive and either front shovel or backhoe configurations, allowing customers to align their equipment with site-specific needs.

“Representing the next evolution in our product lineup, the PC9000-12 sets a new benchmark for global surface mining operations,” said Peter Buhles, Vice President Sales & Service, Komatsu Germany Mining Division. 
“With its versatile configurations, we can efficiently serve all major mining operations worldwide. The PC9000-12 delivers the power, performance and reliability our customers expect, while supporting higher productivity, lower emissions per ton and seamless integration with autonomous haulage systems.”
Refined through partnership

Refined through partnership

The new PC9000 model was designed using feedback from Komatsu’s international customer base and refined in partnership with SMS Equipment. KGM developed the machine and introduced its groundbreaking design to the SMS Equipment team. Then, the two teams jointly identified and selected the right customer partner to implement and help refine the machine in real-world operating conditions.

“Through this collaboration, we were able to bring together Komatsu’s engineering expertise with the operational experience of our team and our mining partners,” says Chmielewski. “The result is a machine purpose-built to help customers increase productivity, improve efficiency and get the most value out of their fleets.”

Built for a new era of mining

For Komatsu, the PC9000-12 represents a major step forward in hydraulic mining excavator design.
“The PC9000 is not built to compete with the past,” adds Ansgar Thole, President and Managing Director, Komatsu Germany GmbH. “We built this machine to shape the future of mining.”
With the machine now available worldwide, the PC9000-12 is expected to play a central role in the next generation of surface mining fleets — helping customers move more material, more efficiently, than ever before.


For more information, including product details and a virtual tour of the PC9000-12, visit PC9000.com.