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54,000 lb. All loader models come in a standard lift and a high lift arrangement. In addition to these arrangements, the L2350 also has the super high lift option. The most popular model from that line, according to Fleet, is the L1850, many thanks in part to their ideal size and abil- ity to run at operations aiming for the a b s o l u t e l o w e s t o p e r a t i o n s c o s t s a n d high production mines. "Overall, it's the best mix of their needs," he said. One great example is the ability of the large loader to blend into the overall opera- tion. For instance, in the Powder River Basin (PRB), "all of those are big mining operations….big equipment, big every- thing, and it's a natural fit to match those trucks, loading in four to six passes effi- ciently." There are no other large wheel loaders in the same class as the L1850 and L2350 to offer the same loading efficiency. This, too, is where mobility comes in, and in a big way. "In some areas, we compete against hydraulic excavators," Fleet said, pointing out that mines that blend their material in the pit can do so much more efficiently with a large loader. Hydraulic excavators travel at 1 to 2 mph at best so relocating them from bench to bench or pit to pit is a time consuming and costly event. A large Joy loader can quickly relocate and be pro- ductive in a substantially shorter time frame. "Capital assets have become more criti- cal, and as these [loaders] have become more robust, they have become a mine loading tool," Fleet said. It is a trend that is picking up speed: "In the past, it was treat- ed as support equipment. We have clients where it is a production machine and a major part of the fleet." Customers, the company said, have justi- fied the purchase of a Joy loader simply for its time savings in relocation. A case in point is the production loss prior to and just after a blast. While the lumbering, cum- bersome excavator would need to be moved well in advance with each blast, then walked back into place afterward, the loader could simply be removed from the area and returned as needed with a much better turnaround time. "It can stay engaged in digging phase much longer pre-and post-blast," Fleet said. "Some customers have justified pur- chases just based on that." f r o n t - e n d l o a d e r s c o n t i n u e d 34 www.coalage.com February 2016 Komatsu America recently released the new WA600-8 wheel loader, featuring greater fuel efficiency as well as a bigger, improved bucket and smoother, quieter ride. The company said the new machine, at the heart of which is a Tier-4 Final- certified engine, can consume up to 13% l e s s f u e l t h a n i t s T i e r 3 p r e d e c e s s o r . Additionally, its standard bucket capaci- ty has increased to 9.2 cubic yards; the adjustment now allows the bucket to fill easier and retain material better, as well as provide better operator visibility. On the performance side, Komatsu's newest addition combines an enhanced lockup torque converter function and SmartLoader logic to achieve low fuel consumption and high travel speeds. A l s o , i t s K o m a t s u D i e s e l P a r t i c u l a t e Filter (KDPF) and other after treatment components are designed in conjunc- tion with the engine for efficiency and long life, and more than 98% of KDPF r e g e n e r a t i o n i s p e r f o r m e d p a s s i v e l y , w i t h n o o p e r a t o r a c t i o n r e q u i r e d o r operational interference. Inside the cab, the WA600-8 includes the KOMTRAX Plus telematics system and monitor to provide crucial machine information to the operator, including KDPF status and DEF-level data along w i t h f u e l c o n s u m p t i o n ; t h i s d a t a c a n e v e n b e s o r t e d b y o p e r a t o r I D . A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e K o m a t s u A u t o I d l e Shutdown reduces idle time and also helps to save fuel. Operator comfort also considered, the u n i t h a s a n e w a i r - s u s p e n s i o n , h i g h - b a c k , h e a t e d s e a t t h a t s o f t e n s t h e machine's vibrations. Once its operator is ready to go, he or she can reach for the ergonomic seat-mounted electronic p i l o t c o n t r o l l e v e r s w i t h a n F - N - R switch and examine the surroundings with a 7-in. full color, high-resolution monitor and separate full-color rear- view monitor. Other features of the WA600-8: a vari- able traction control system and modu- l a t e d c l u t c h s y s t e m ; f u l l r e a r f e n d e r s with stairs and handrails standard on both sides; a swing-out cooling fan with w i d e r f i n s p a c i n g a n d r e v e r s i n g f a n ; m o r e h i n g e d p a n e l s o n e a c h s i d e f o r greater access to regeneration compo- n e n t s ; a n e w a n d e n h a n c e d a u t o - d i g f u n c t i o n a n d o n - b o a r d a n d r e m o t e monitoring of Komatsu integrated load meter data. Whether purchased, leased or rented, the WA600-8 is covered by the Komatsu CARE program for the first three years or 2,000 hours. Komatsu unveils WA600-8