Komatsu Enters Utility Crawler Market

Sept. 28, 2010

Komatsu's CK30-1 utility crawler, a tracked version of its SK1020-5, is the first of four introductions in this category over the next several months.

Komatsu America unveiled its first utility crawler at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition in September, announcing the company's entrance into this increasingly competitive market. Model CK30-1 will be available in February 2006, and three more models will be introduced within the first half of the year: CK20-1, CK25-1 and CK35-1, which is a parallel-lift version of the CK30-1.

The utility crawlers match up to the company's SK815-5, SK820-5 and SK1020-5 skid-steer loaders. Undercarriage is supplied by Berco; the tracks by Bridgestone. The front idler and No. 1 roller are mounted on the sub-frame inside the track frame. A triple idler on the front allows the load to be carried on the rubber portion of the track surfaces, "producing more stability and eliminating loaded idler wear on the pins," says product manager Robert Beesley. "The upper track carrier reduces track deflection and helps retain the track tension."

The initial machine, CK30-1, has an operating load of 3,400 pounds at 50-percent tipping load; weighs 9,590 pounds; and is powered by a Komatsu 4-cylinder, Tier II, turbo engine delivering 84 net hp at 2,500 rpm. It rests in about the middle of the range of utility crawlers in this class. The machine has a bucket breakout force of 4,978 pounds and standard two-speed transmission.

Komatsu's patented Automatic Power Control allows the operator to work at peak performance and power without worrying about engine stall out, according to the company. "Hydraulic flow is reduced in accordance with available engine torque, allowing the engine to produce its maximum power at any throttle setting," Beesley says. "Our system works at all engine speeds and can't be overcome under any condition."

The hydraulic system has, as standard equipment, an auxiliary hydraulic circuit with a flow of 21 gpm at a maximum pressure of 3,046 psi.

Komatsu's Closed Load Sensing System (CLSS) also comes as a standard option. It ensures maximum bucket control during both single and simultaneous bucket movements, critical in grading, loading and digging applications where precise maneuvering is required.


Komatsu's CK30-1 utility crawler, a tracked version of its SK1020-5, is the first of four introductions in this category over the next several months.
Tables:
Specifications Comparison
Manufacturer/Model Operating load, 50% of Tipping Load (lb.) Operating Weight (lb.) Height To Bucket Pin (in.) Horse-power Standard Pump Flow (gpm)
ASV Posi-Track RC-85 3,400 9,710 125 86 gross 38
Bobcat T250 3,572 9,121 122.4 81 net 21.2
Case 445CT 3,500 9,815 120.6 74 net 21
Caterpillar 287B 3,600 10,275 128 78 net 22
Gehl CTL80 3,528 10,692 126.1 97 gross 23.4
JCB Tracked Robot 1110 3,220 10,198 123.2 82 net 20
John Deere CT322 3,200 8,305 115.2 62 net 19
Komatsu CK-30 3,400 9,590 121.25 84 net 21
Mustang MTL25 3,528 10,692 126.1 97 gross 23.4
New Holland LT185.B 3,429 8,920 124.7 72 net 19.3
Takeuchi TL150 3,528 10,692 126.1 97 gross 23.4
Thomas T320 3,230 10,000 123.8 83 net 21