Komatsu’s new yard loader designed to fill trucks in three passes

The curved side edges of the Komatsu-designed, 7.2-cubic-yard bucket are built to minimize spillage

Komatsu’s new WA480-8 yard loader is designed to be a three-pass match for loading aggregate and other processed material onto highway trucks.

Intended to move materials as efficiently as possible for increased productivity and less wear and tear on the machine, the 299-hp loader can be adapted for use in infrastructure, forestry and non-residential construction applications. 

The curved side edges of the Komatsu-designed, 7.2-cubic-yard bucket are built to minimize spillage, and the internal space and shape provides smooth material flow. The long bucket jaw and decreased strike plane angle help deliver easy fill and low resistance during pile penetration. The integrated load meter system in the cab lets operators see how much material is in the bucket.

According to Komatsu, additional productivity features on the WA480-8 yard loader include excellent visibility to the pile and surroundings, an easy-to-operate Advanced Joystick Steering System (AJSS) and a comfortable air-suspension seat.

For increased bucket capacity and stability, the yard loader arrangement has more than 1,400 lbs of added counterweight (compared to the standard WA480-8). Further stability is provided by low-profile tires with increased ground contact that are mounted to new heavy-duty front and rear axles.

To promote maximized brake life in extended load-and-carry or high-speed applications, the WA480-8 yard loader has a new, highly efficient air-cooled braking system. The dedicated system enhances higher cooling efficiency even in tough environments.

Stable cooling performance under high-duty cycle operation helps reduce the risk of oil overheating and in severe test conditions, this cooling system demonstrated a 56- to 58-degree better cooling effect. A sensor on the electric drive pump measures the axle temperature and activates only when needed.

For a look at what’s new in wheel loaders this year, click here.