The first Komatsu PC9000 hydraulic excavator is set to begin work in Suncor’s Fort Hill mine in Canada.
The PC9000 is Komatsu’s largest hydraulic shovel and is designed to work with its 980E haul truck. Its reach is designed to accommodate Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) while double-side loading 980E haul trucks, according to the company, “significantly improving cycle times and lowering the overall cost per tonne of material moved.”
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“The PC9000 is set to transform the future of mining,” said Ansgar Thole, president and managing director, Komatsu Germany GmbH, in a statement. “This new class of hydraulic mining excavator raises the bar for productivity, efficiency and performance, while enhancing operator comfort and safety.”
Komatsu Germany Mining Division worked with SMS Equipment and Suncor to deliver the excavator. SMS collaborated with Suncor in refining the design of the machine.
“In addition to the engineering excellence behind this machine, the PC9000 is a shining example of what true collaboration can achieve,” said Thole. “It stands as the embodiment of an extraordinary partnership between KGM, SMS Equipment and Suncor—three forces united by trust, expertise, and a shared vision for operational excellence.”
Komatsu sought feedback from its customer base on what they wanted to see in the next iteration of machine in the category. A larger bucket, higher digging forces and longer reach were among the top requests, along with increased compatibility with ultra-class haul trucks. Based on the input, Komatsu engineers saw an opportunity to reimagine the capabilities of such a machine and create something net-new. Soon, the PC9000 was born.
As the PC9000 was being developed, KGM shared the designs with Canadian distributor SMS Equipment. The two companies have a long history of collaboration and proven success in bringing new Komatsu models to market.
“SMS Equipment is one of the top sellers of Komatsu hydraulic shovels in the world,” said Dennis Chmielewski, EVP mining at SMS Equipment, in a statement. “We have expertise in the equipment as well as with customers in Canada’s oil sands region, a geography well-suited for this type of machine.”
The company’s suggestions throughout the PC9000’s development were invaluable to its design and, once a protype was ready, SMS Equipment identified a partner to purchase the inaugural machine: Suncor.
“We knew immediately they were the right buyer for the first PC9000,” said Chmielewski. “This new class of hydraulic excavator would complement their autonomous haulage fleet, enhancing efficiency, productivity and safety.”
About the Author
Rod Sutton
Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001.
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