Komatsu wheel loader grapples timber
26/07/2006

Komatsu wheel loaders are generally recognised for the purpose of, earthmoving, snow clearing, lorry loading, waste handling and material moving.   Perhaps a slightly less common application is wood handling, but this was the chief reason why one customer purchased the Komatsu WA200-5 wheel loader, with a power output of 92kW/123 HP.

R.F. Giddings & Co. Ltd in Bartley, Southampton is one of the largest softwood saw milling companies in the UK, providing quality timber for fencing, agricultural and environmental sectors.  With the expansion of their business and the opening of a new sawmill, R. F. Giddings required a dependable machine that could grapple the logs accurately and efficiently.  The company they relied on previously failed to deliver on customer service and it was during this time that Manager Charlie Shands spotted a Komatsu machine on the motorway.  This led him to approach Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd (MKL), the UK’s sole distributor of Komatsu machines, to find a wheel loader that could meet company’s needs.

MKL recommended the WA200-5 wheel loader.  Its integrated quick-coupler allows a range of attachments to be fitted, which in this case enabled easy fitting of log grappling arms.  The arms, coupled with the wheel loader’s parallel lifting frame, ensures stable handling and moving of logs.  Variable shift speed controls enable smooth, yet quick movements in tight work spaces, appropriate for wood handling in residential areas.

An innovative feature of the WA200-5 is the hydrostatic transmission (HST), offering good traction control, particularly suitable for stock piling and ramp loading.  When decelerating, the dynamic braking system keeps the load in position on most slopes.  Another added benefit of the HST is its capacity to generate a high level of power, providing the superior performance of the Komatsu wheel loader, while consuming a low level of fuel.  The WA200-5 is highly efficient; power is distributed by variable-displacement pumps to minimise power loss.

Marubeni-Komatsu is committed to providing a good customer service to customers old and new – offering a full range of options to suit any customer’s specific needs.  In addition, Marubeni-Komatsu offers flexible finance packages that are specially tailored by finance managers operating within the construction industry.  Charlie Shands of R.F. Giddings has taken out a finance package and is delighted with the customer service received.

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