The Skid-Steer Loader; Tough, Quick and Nimble

Komatsu holds the Guinness World Record for manufacturing the world’s largest earthmover, a gigantic wheel loader known as LeTourneau P&H L-2350. With a 2300 Horsepower engine and a standard bucket capacity of 40,52 m³, it’s no surprise that it can carry an operating payload of 80 tons, the equivalent of 13 adult elephants.

Komatsu not only holds World Records, but it is also one of the game-changers in the construction industry.

The Japanese multinational corporation, which manufactures construction and mining equipment, was founded by Meitaro Takeuchi in 1921 in the city of Komatsu, after which it was named. The company is the second-largest manufacturer of construction equipment, with almost 60,000 employees and a revenue of over AUD 31 billion.

“Komatsu’s operate very well in our Australian environment”, said Mal McDonald, KEE Group’s business manager. “They produce robust machines with good hydraulic systems and well- configured track gear. It is also noted that our operators are consistently impressed with the air-con systems, which in this climate is an absolute necessity.”

While we may not have LeTourneau P&H L-2350 in our fleet, wheel-loaders are an incredibly important component to have on your site. Construction managers use these front-end loaders to move heavy materials from one location to another and are predominantly used in the preparation stages of a project. They are versatile and highly reliable machines, offering the most efficient method of transferring even the heaviest of boulders from one site to another.

The benefits are aplenty, but you wish to hire a Komatsu front-end loader, a little knowledge goes a long way. Here is a quick guide for you—we take a look at the reasons to choose a Komatsu wheel loader, as well as the models you can select from:

Why should I choose a Komatsu Wheel Loader?

1 – Boost your power and productivity

Komatsu wheel loaders are incredibly popular on WA construction sites. Some sites can also be rather confined, with obstructions on every corner, so it is best to invest in equipment that can carry heavy loads whilst navigating through tight spaces.

These front-end loaders are powerful and fast, helping you save on time and ultimately costs. With speed and a versatile form, Komatsu wheel loaders will be able to go through cycle time without any problems, almost doubling your productivity.

2 – Enjoy additional safety features and ease of use

Komatsu wheel loaders come with intelligent safety features. Your construction loaders will come with backup alarms and rearview cameras and have been designed to give optimal visibility from the cab for your operator.

Depending on the type you choose, it may also come with machine lighting, which is perfect for operators working during the night. Moreover, Komatsu wheel loaders also set new standards in the industry. With ultralow fuel consumption and innovative Powershift feature, you are ensured safe and exceptional machines.

Which type of wheel loader truck should I choose?

Hailed as an industry leader, Komatsu has developed various models of wheel loaders.
KEE Hire has a wide range of Komatsu wheel-loaders for hire; here is a list of the most popular models:

WA380-8 Wheel Loaders:

WA380-8 has a new technology Komatsu engine and a bucket capacity of 2.7-3.6 cubic metres. They are an ideal choice for general loading and handling operations. They are great for loading rocks and gravel, log handling, civil construction, and waste management purposes. They are also equipped with the advanced KOMTRAX remote monitoring and location system, letting you monitor the essential information about your Komatsu equipment through your computer.

• 143 kW / 191 HP
  ENGINE POWER
• 18,670 kg
  OPERATING WEIGHT
• 3.6 m³
  BUCKET CAPACITY

WA500-7 Wheel Loaders:

The WA500-7 loader has a 4.5-7 cubic metre bucket capacity and boasts impressive power and performance. This large loader is built for loading operations in aggregates and quarry sectors, and they also have Komatsu components that you can monitor with KOMTRAX.

• 263 kW / 353 HP
  ENGINE POWER
• 37,415 kg
  OPERATING WEIGHT
• 6.4 m³
  BUCKET CAPACITY

WA150-5 Wheel Loaders:

The WA150-5 is capable of loading and handling various types of material, making it perfect for a wide range of construction projects. This loader also comes with a remote monitoring and location system, with a bucket capacity of 1.3-1.7 cubic metres.

• 71 kW / 96 HP
  ENGINE POWER
• 7,495 kg
  OPERATING WEIGHT
• 1.7 m³
  BUCKET CAPACITY

WA250PZ-6 Wheel Loaders:

The WA250PZ-6 comes with a 2-2.3 cubic metre bucket capacity, topped up with a hydrostatic drive and a PZ parallel-lift arm system. This allows operators to use various attachments and buckets, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency across the site.

• 103 kW / 138 HP
  ENGINE POWER
• 11,950 kg
  OPERATING WEIGHT
• 2.3 m³
  BUCKET CAPACITY

As mentioned in our previous blogs, KEE Hire caters to each of our client’s specific needs. If you are looking for a different spec, KEE Hire is pleased to offer a variety of different front-end loaders for hire. Some of our most popular models are:

• Case 621FXT Wheel Loader
• Case 1021F Wheel Loader with Loadmaster
• Case 721 IT Wheel Loader
• Case 821F Wheel Loader with Loadmaster
• Case 921F Wheel Loader
• Caterpillar 962M Wheel Loader
• Caterpillar 966M Wheel Loader
• Caterpillar 980M Wheel Loader
• JCB 411HT Wheel Loader
• Liebherr 556 IT Wheel Loader
• Liebherr L566 Wheel Loader
• Volvo L260H Wheel Loader with Loadmaster

The Power of Wheel Loaders

“When it comes to hiring a wheel-loader, the Komatsu is probably the most powerful on the market,” said Mal, “but this, in turn, will mean the machine will possibly consume more fuel than say a Case”.

The Komatsu Wheel Loader is the perfect choice for construction projects, especially in areas that require maximum productivity and efficiency. Due to its unique safety features, versatility, and overall excellent performance, choosing Komatsu wheel loaders make your investments truly worth it.

If you are looking for the best equipment for hire in Perth and surrounding areas, KEE Group has you covered. We are the country’s most effective and unique civil and mining support service, dedicated to excellence and quality. Allow our professional team to help you achieve your project goals—reach out to us today.

Credit: worldsbiggest.com

Dynapac is one of KEE Hire’s preferred suppliers of compaction rollers.

The Swedish company supplies the largest amount of compaction equipment worldwide. Their rollers are designed using superior technology with operator comfort at the top of their agenda. They also have Australian-wide service and support, which is critical for any hire company.

KEE Hire also love their HAMM rollers. HAMM, the oldest manufacturer of road-building machines in the world, started production in 1878. They were the pioneers of the industry.

“The quality of a German machine cannot be beaten”, said our director, Clayton Spiers. “They are known for their incredible ergonomic design, fuel efficiency, and they have the best oscillation technology in the world”.

Clayton was fortunate enough to be invited to the HAMM factory in Tirschenreuth, Germany. “It was inspiring”, he said, “they have the most technologically advanced machine assembly line in the world, it was meticulously clean, highly organised and the energy was dynamic. The workshop was state-of-the-art, almost futuristic.”

How to Pick the Right Roller for Your Project

What sets a genuinely superior roller apart from the rest, is advanced technology. The machines should be ergonomically designed, provide superb fuel efficiency, and quite simply, be of world-class quality. This is why KEE Hire uses Dynapac and HAMM.

To select the appropriate roller, consider the following factors:

Efficient compacting requires a machine that can complete the job in just a few passes and minimal overlap. A small double-drum pedestrian roller with rammers and vibrating plates are ideal for compacting narrow spaces.

Selecting a road roller also means taking a closer look at the duration of the project and how often you’ll need it. Compaction rollers make for a trustworthy addition to your fleet of road-repair equipment.

Oscillation rollers are the number one choice for metro or residential sites. The technology employed in an oscillator means there will be zero vibration, so the foundations of buildings and underground service areas such as water mains and electrical cables, will not be affected.

To select a roller that best suits your construction needs, it is a good idea to know about each type and its benefits.

Dynapac Products

1. Single-Drum Vibratory Rollers
   Dynapac’s range of vibratory rollers is most suitable for road, airfields, harbours, and dam construction projects, able to compact all types of soil except rockfill. For cohesive soils, a vibratory roller with a padfoot drum will typically do the trick.
2. Double-Drum Vibratory Rollers
   Dynapac offers a full range of double-drum asphalt rollers, that can be used in both compact spaces and larger sites. Its high-performing maneuverability, operator ergonomics, and safety are thanks to its vibration-dampened platforms, swivel seats, and logically sorted controls.
3. Combi Rollers
   Dynapac’s combi rollers minimise the risk of damaging newly laid asphalt compound. As they are equipped with four rubber tyres at the rear, the rubber ensures a denser and smoother surface.
4. Steel Drum Rollers
   The Dynapac CS1400 is the ideal modern steel drum roller, covering the asphalt mat with its full width. It’s suitable for medium and large-size projects in areas close to old buildings and on bridges, where the ground mustn’t vibrate.
5. Pneumatic Rollers
   Dynapac has no shortage of pneumatic tyred rollers. They are high-performing, simple, and versatile in their ability to compact asphalt for sealing purposes. The CP1200, in particular, boasts a modular ballast system that allows operators exact visual control over wheel loads.
6. Tamping Compactor
   The Dynapac CT3000 tamping compactor, with an operating weight of 22 tons, can efficiently achieve specified densities on both cohesive and semi-cohesive soils. It has an average production capacity of 900 cubic metres an hour and can supplement highway, dam, and airport runway projects.

HAMM Products

1. Compactors
   HAMM’s articulated soil compactors range 5 to 25-t for soil and landfill compaction, with smooth, padfoot, VIO (vibration and oscillation), and VC (vibration crusher) drums.
2. Tandem Rollers
   HAMM’s broad range of machines is appropriate for any application. Its double-vibration rollers (VV), VO rollers, combination rollers (VT, VT-S, OT), vibration rollers with split drums (VV-S), and the like suit all markets.
3. Pneumatic Tyre Rollers
   HAMM’s pneumatic tyre rollers come in operating weights between 8 and 28-t for every type of market. They are easy to incorporate into earthwork and asphalt construction.

Conclusion

High-performing rollers will undoubtedly require less effort to achieve your construction goals. They will also give you peace of mind for the safety of your field service mechanics. The reason why our clients choose our Dynapac and HAMM rollers is that they know that these brands are leading the industry.

At KEE Hire, our trained operators and field support make for your ideal compaction hire. Our fleet of heavy plant machinery is versatile and available to rent; wet hire or dry hire. We pride ourselves on a unique and synergistic structure. We are available 24/7.

From its importance in construction to its applications in the mining industry, a water truck has a crucial part to play in the earthmoving business. If you are running a site in Australia, the chances are that your business will need to invest in one, or hire one from a reputable provider.

A water truck, which is designed with a huge tank on the back to store large volumes of water, can be used for water delivery, water haulage, landscape watering, compaction watering, and dust suppression, among others.

As it is a vehicle designed to carry a moving load (rather than solid), it has a specifically designed tank subframe and chassis. They can be built with front, side, or rear sprays and come with various pump options, hose reels, fill points and outlets.

Water is constantly required in road construction to assist with soil compaction and unsealed roads need regular spraying to prevent dust issues.

In this article, we’ll cover five common fields or areas where a water truck is usually required:

1. Construction and mining

When it comes to construction and mining, a water truck can be extremely useful. This is because it stops the dust from rising and spreading in a large-scale construction or mining operation. Not only is dust disruptive to machinery, but it can also be detrimental to the workers’ health. For this reason, a water truck is used to suppress the dust from being scattered during the construction phase.

2. Farming

A water cart is beneficial in farming where it is specifically used for irrigation. It is all the more needed during a drought when crops are dying. The truck is usually driven around the arid fields to supply the crops with water until the dry spell is over. Many farmers and farming communities have these trucks readily available for use when needed, especially during rain shortages.

3. Fire fighting

Water trucks can be a life-saver when it comes to fighting fires. With an enormous supply of water stored in the tank, the water cart can supply water to fire trucks. and help put out the fire before severe damage is done. Water Trucks are used both proactively and reactively in firefighting. It is all the more needed in rural areas where fire hydrants and water sources are not readily available.

4. Emergency water supply

The truck can also be used during an emergency situation, such as when communities are impacted with no safe water supply during a natural disaster such as a flood, storm, or earthquake. Frontline workers typically use this truck to provide water for the public to rehabilitate the community.

5. Residential usage

In some cases, bulk water delivery companies make use of this truck to carry large volumes of water to deliver to homeowners. For instance, you may contact such a company if you need to fill your swimming pool with water or if you have a large property, you may use a water truck to spray your land. This vehicle can also be used for residential areas under drought control or those domestic properties with untreated well water.

Conclusion

Whether for farming, construction, mining, firefighting, emergency water supply, or residential use, hiring a water truck could very well be crucial for your site.

Be sure to invest in a robust vehicle from a trusted and highly reliable supplier. Also, remember to set safety measures in place for running and operating the truck.

If you are looking for reliable water trucks for hire in Perth, KEE Hire is a great place to start. We’re Australia’s leading civil and mining support and equipment service provider that focuses on hiring, transport, surfacing, and fuel services. KEE Hire purchased two robust Isuzu water carts in August 2020. You’ll benefit from the powerful performance and sturdy design of Isuzu; the comfortable cab and ergonomic layout will boost productivity for your site. If you’re specifically looking for a versatile water truck for your job, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!