In the construction and mining equipment business, Komatsu is not only engaged in the manufacture and sale of new equipment around the world, but also promoting various types of business that contribute to productivity enhancements and problem solutions on the part of its customers.

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology

KOMTRAX (Komatsu Machine Tracking System) for construction equipment

KOMTRAX is a machine tracking system whose terminals are installed on construction equipment to transmit information concerning the location, cumulative hours of operation and operating condition of vehicles.
By proactively using information gained from KOMTRAX-equipped machines, Komatsu is making a contribution in respect to after-sale support activities for our customers' machines throughout their lifetime, resulting in enhanced availability and lowered maintenance cost.

■ How KOMTRAX works

KOMTRAX Plus machine management system for mines

KOMTRAX Plus is a fleet management system for large equipment for use in mining, which enables to obtain detailed information concerning the conditions of machines via satellite communications. Komatsu and distributors can analyze “vehicle health” and other operating conditions and provide the information to jobsite using the Internet from a remote location on a near-real time basis. As a result, customers can receive vehicle maintenance on an appropriate timing to avoid major technical trouble, and thus reduce their maintenance expenses and downtime costs.

■ Komatsu machine management system : KOMTRAX Plus & WebCARE

Autonomous Haulage System (AHS)

AHS is a high-speed fleet management system based on 930E super-large dump trucks. AHS makes contributions to mining operation by improving its safety and productivity, while enhancing the operating rate and reliability of dump trucks. As a result, it is able to reduce owning and operating costs in total. Dump trucks, equipped with a high-precision GPS, an obstacle detection sensor and a wireless network system made by Modular Mining Systems, Inc., are controlled from the fleet control operations center for unmanned hauling.
Information on target course and speed is sent from the fleet management system to dump trucks via the wireless network system, and dump trucks run on the target course at the target speed by assessing their position via GPS.
Loading machines, such as hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders, are also equipped with GPS for the fleet management system to determine the position of their buckets, and the system automatically guides the dump trucks to the designated loading position. The system also sends information concerning a route to the unloading site to ensure safe and precise unloading.
The fleet management system also prevents collisions between dump trucks and manned machines, such as service vehicles, bulldozers and motor graders, working inside the mine. If another vehicle or person should come close to the AHScontrolled area, the obstacle detection sensor of dump trucks detects it and the concerned dump truck will make an emergency stop to ensure safety.

■ How Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System Works

Blade Control System Based on 3D Position Information

Komatsu’s blade control system measures the position of blades of bulldozers and motor graders as 3D information to the millimeter level by using Global Navigation Satellite Systems and TS (Total Station) type. This system compares the position information of blades and 3D construction design data, and automatically controls the blades precisely according to the design, thereby eliminating the need for setting up construction guide poles, surveying and subsequent modification work. Because this system improves the operating rate of construction equipment, it shortens the construction period substantially, thus reducing CO2 emissions as well. Jobsite safety is also enhanced with no need for surveying and resetting up guide poles while machines are working.

Support Programs

JoiFUL Program:Working Together for Success

For large-scale mining operations, Komatsu offers the JoiFUL (Joint Follow-Up Log) program, in which Komatsu Group companies, distributors and customers regularly meet to discuss ways of improving operating efficiency and reducing operating costs of deployed machines. In the meetings, all parties identify problems, define solutions, set the deadlines for follow-up work, and confirm the results mutually for successful mining operations.

Comprehensive Compensation Plan “Komatsu All Support”*

Komatsu provides the comprehensive compensation plan “Komatsu All Support” to customers. This packaged plan not only sets a fixed monthly fee for maintenance expenses through the repair and maintenance contract but also supports customers against such risks as theft and accidents, thus enabling them to reduce their machine management costs.

Note: * “Komatsu All Support” is provided only in Japan.

CSS Portal

The CSS Portal supports the performance of parts and service people by connecting parts books, service manuals, the health monitoring systems (KOMTRAX/KOMTRAX Plus) and quality information organically as a strong tool of after market area.

Holding Auctions for Used Equipment

Komatsu, through Komatsu Used Equipment Corp. (KUEC), is aggressively engaging in the used equipment business as part of the life cycle business of construction equipment. Komatsu Used Equipment holds auctions at KUEC yards which represent Japan’s largest scale. The company also holds Internet auctions on its URECA membership website, providing convenience for many customers.