Komatsu’s new second-generation D61i-24 dozers feature factory-integrated GPS grade control that eliminates the need for blade-mounted cables and masts. They achieve up to 8 percent greater efficiency in moving materials, based on start-to-finish-grade testing against typical aftermarket machine-control systems.

See how Komatsu’s new D61i-24 dozers ensure high production from first pass to last

During the past three years, Komatsu has launched several intelligent Machine Control dozers that provide greater productivity and efficiency from first rough cut to finish grade.

Now, Komatsu introduces the second generation of the dozers that started it all, with the new D61EXi-24 and D61PXi-24, which feature more efficient Tier 4 Final engines.

Like their predecessors, the new D61i-24 models include factory-integrated GPS grade control that eliminates the need for blade-mounted cables and masts. Once engaged, the system automatically starts the cut and lowers the blade to grade in a typical dozing pass. If the load increases to maximum capacity, the blade automatically raises to minimize track slip, ensuring productive dozing. This allows the dozers to achieve up to 8 percent greater efficiency in moving materials, based on start-to-finish grade testing against typical aftermarket machine-control systems.

“From first pass to last – rough cut to finish grade – the machine senses blade load, minimizes track slip and ensures that operators get the most from every push,” said Sebastian Witkowski, Komatsu Product Marketing Manager. “Also, eliminating the need to install or remove blade-mounted sensors each day not only reduces wear and tear and potential downtime, but it also saves the operator’s valuable time that can be used to run the machine longer.”

Operators can select from among four distinct machine-control operating modes (cut and carry, cutting, spreading and simple grading) to optimize performance to the application. They can also tailor blade loads to material conditions by choosing from light, normal or heavy-blade load settings.

Lower maintenance, repair costs

The new D61i-24 dozers feature Komatsu’s Parallel Link Undercarriage System (PLUS) that provides up to double the wear life of traditional systems, lowering maintenance and repair costs. A new Triple Labyrinth final drive provides added protection for the final-drive floating seals.

“Standard and intelligent Machine Control D61 dozers remain popular because their size makes them a great fit on a wide variety of jobsites and in a broad range of applications,” said Chuck Murawski, Komatsu Product Marketing Manager. “D61i dozers combine all the benefits of a base machine with the greater efficiency of our integrated machine control. The new D61i-24 is a great choice for high production, low fuel consumption and decreased operating costs.”