Komatsu’s new 121-hp, Tier IV Final PC170LC-11 excavator has two counterweight options to best fit the machine to its application.

Operators looking for a lightweight excavator have found an answer with Komatsu's new PC170LC-11. The 40,000-pound-class hydraulic excavator also gives owners a choice between two counterweights to best fit the machine to its application.

“The PC170LC-11 is well-suited for a wide variety of smaller, general construction jobs like grading, excavating and loading applications,” said Andrew Earing, Komatsu project manager — excavators. “A standard PC170LC-11 is below the 40,000-pound limit, so it can be towed behind a truck with a trailer. The ease of transporting and versatility are very beneficial for customers who need to handle multiple jobs in a day with minimal equipment.”

The machine operates at 38,730 lbs. (17,568 kg) with a standard counterweight configuration and at 41,338 lbs. (18,751 kg) with the heavier counterweight.

“For operators who are running couplers, thumbs and other attachments, the heavier counterweight helps maintain the over-the-side lift capabilities as they would have with the standard counterweight,” said Earing.

Small Frame, Big Power

The new excavator boasts a 121-hp, Tier IV Final engine that, with the Komatsu diesel oxidation catalyst, eliminates the need for active and manual regeneration. In addition, the new machine includes selective catalytic reduction to lower nitrogen oxide emissions, Komatsu auto idle shutdown and wide-access service doors to make it easy to reach components for ground-level maintenance.

Also, an enhanced P mode provides up to 6-percent improvement in productivity when compared to the previous model. Like the rest of Komatsu's Tier IV machines, the PC170LC-11 is covered by Komatsu CARE for the first 2,000 hours or three years of operation.

Comfortable and Efficient

Operator comfort and efficiency were also upgraded in the new PC170LC-11. The integrated ROPS cab features a high-back, heated, air-suspension seat with adjustable arm rests.

The cab also includes a 7-in., high-resolution LCD display monitor that gives operators enhanced hydraulic attachment control, with one-way/two-way flow and programmable work tool names and settings. It features a rearview camera display and the ability to store up to 100 individual ID codes.

(This story was reprinted with permission from Roland Machinery Company's Industry Scoop Magazine, May 2017 issue.)

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