The new Komatsu motor grader features several ergonomic upgrades

Komatsu America Corp is introducinga new motor grader equipped with new low-effort control levers, steering wheeland steering lever.

The GD655-7 motor grader is also equipped with a Tier 4 Final certified emissionsregulations-compliant engine. The latest addition to the motor grader lineup willbe sold concurrently with the current GD655-6 model to offer customersadditional choices to meet their needs.

"The GD655-7 provides operators with an all new, ergonomic working environment and the new spacious cab allows more room for operators working long days" said Bruce Boebel, senior product manager for Komatsu America Corp. "Operators will appreciate the new low-effort equipment and steering levers, new transmission controls and articulation stop-at-centre feature. Collectively, they significantly reduce operator fatigue."

The machine's new cab features a slightly smaller, but "right sized," steering wheel designed to provide more visibility and room for the operator.

As well, the newsteering lever allows the operator to keep hands on the low-effort, workequipment levers and make small steering adjustments while operating, withoutneeding to turn the steering wheel. Furthermore, a new multi-position adjustablearm rests and LH/RH consoles have power raise/lower and mechanical fore/aftadjustments to precisely adjust to operator preferences.

The GD655-7 motorgrader is also outfitted with anew high-capacity, air-suspension seat that softens in-cab machine vibrations;a new stop-at-centre articulation feature designed to simplify operation;and a new operator presencemonitoring system that alerts the operator if they leave the seat and controlsare not properly locked.

The GD655-7 motor grader is powered by a 218 hp Tier 4 Final certified, SAA6D107E-3 engine. IT is also equipped with 2-mode, 3-stage Variable HorsepowerControl (VHPC) that allows the selection of the economy or power mode to matchoperating parameters to the application requirements for optimal fuel savings.

The Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF), and other after treatment components, are designed in conjunction with the engine for efficiency and long life. More than 98 per cent of KDPF regeneration is performed passively, with no action required from the operator and no interference with machine operation.

A closed-centre load sensinghydraulic system, with variable displacement pump, supplies flow and pressureonly when required, resulting in less heat and lower fuel consumption is standardon the grader.

For protecting the moldboard, Komatsu includedblade lift accumulators that absorb shocks when the moldboard hits immovableobjects and a circle slip clutchfor accidental contact with hidden objects with the moldboard.

Other standard features include two, five-section hydraulic controlvalves; greaseless circle wear plates for long life; an independent blade liftfloat; a 15 cm, full colour, highresolution monitor with Ecology Guidance and a separate, full colour, rearviewmonitoring system; and the Komtrax telematics system and monitor that providesvarious machine metrics, including KDPF status and DEF-level data and fuelconsumption.

To simplify maintenance on the motor grader, Komatsudesigned the machine with a reversible,variable speed hydraulic fan to blow out dust accumulation in the cooler aswell as ground level access to fuel and DEF fill and accessible oil and coolantdrains.

The grader also includescompletely sealed and adjustment-free hydraulically actuated, wet, disc brakes.