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New Komatsu Harvester

July 10, 2017
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Komatsu’s 931XC’s unique double Comfort Bogie system provides maximum maneuverability and productivity on steep, rough or soft terrain. The new eight-wheel-drive system dramatically reduces ground pressure compared to the six-wheel-drive model: 54 percent lower psi with tracks and 23 percent lower psi with tires.

Forestry work often involves navigating challenging terrain. Komatsu’s 931XC (eXtreme Conditions) eight-wheel-drive (8WD) harvester stands up to the task with a unique double Komatsu Comfort Bogie system that provides maximum maneuverability and productivity on steep, rough or soft terrain.

The 931XC builds upon the proven 931 six-wheel-drive (6WD) platform with its innovative hydraulic pump system, best-in-class ergonomic cab, four-way cab/crane leveling and 360-degree cab/crane rotation. What sets it apart from other 8WD harvesters is the unique drive system that starts with Komatsu’s proven articulated frame joint, rear-swing axle with +/- 16-degree left/right oscillation and the high-oscillation Comfort Bogie front axle. The trademark Komatsu Comfort Bogie is added to the rear-swing axle to provide excellent uphill/downhill and left/right oscillation.

“The Comfort Bogie drive system gives the 931XC superior handling characteristics as the harvester follows the terrain more closely than 8WD machines with a fixed rear-axle design,” said Steve Yolitz, Manager, Marketing Forestry, Komatsu America. “This 8WD system dramatically reduces rear ground pressure, resulting in 54 percent lower psi with tracks and 23 percent lower psi with tires compared to the 6WD 931 model.”

Lighter footprint with powerhouse abilities

Yolitz points out that the lighter tire footprint reduces the need for tracks and chains, potentially increasing fuel economy. Additionally, the 931XC has 12 percent more tractive effort, 1.8 inches of additional ground clearance and 14 percent greater crane slewing torque.

“Combine those features with the 8WD double Comfort Bogie drive system, and the 931XC becomes a harvesting powerhouse able to take on nearly any terrain a forestry contractor may face,” said Yolitz. “To further enhance its abilities to work in tough conditions, it features heated batteries, diesel exhaust fluid, engine coolant and hydraulic oil systems, which improve cold weather starting.”