Komatsu Launches New PC365LC-11 Excavator to North America Market

Komatsu introduces the new PC365LC-11multifunction plus excavator to the North American market. It features a refreshed exterior design, an enhanced operator cab, and new standard and optional features.

Komatsu has equipped its PC365LC-11 excavator with an electric swing system that includes a “boom-up” power assist function. This configuration uses a dedicated electric motor to manage the swing mechanism, aiming to improve efficiency during simultaneous operations.

The system is supported by an ultracapacitor that stores up to 70 horsepower in electric energy, which can be deployed even when the engine is idling at ultra-low speed. The manufacturer reports that this setup can help reduce cycle times and improve productivity by as much as 15%, particularly in tasks requiring coordinated movements.

On the PC365LC-11, Komatsu shifts swing operations to an electric system, allowing hydraulic power to be redirected entirely to the boom, arm, and bucket. This change is intended to improve responsiveness during simultaneous functions and reduce delays in digging cycles.

The electric swing is powered by energy recovered during standard machine operation and stored in an ultracapacitor. This eliminates the need for external charging and supports short bursts of additional power when needed. In ultra-low idle mode, Komatsu estimates fuel consumption can be cut by up to 20%. The machine also runs more quietly under typical working conditions.

Other characteristics include:

• Updated operator seat with heating, air suspension, and a high leather back. Revised cushioning and adjustability to improve comfort over long shifts.
• New proportional joysticks provide smoother control with reduced wrist strain, aiming to minimise operator fatigue during extended use.
• KomVision: a standard camera system that offers a bird’s-eye view of the machine and its surroundings in real time.
• For more advanced applications, Komatsu offers an optional factory-installed Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit. It connects operators and site managers to shared design and topographic data, enabling more precise work, better material control, and streamlined project management.

Machines equipped with an additional hydraulic line come standard with a tool control system that lets operators set and store flow rates and pressure targets for different attachments. These settings are accessible through the in-cab monitor, allowing for quicker, more precise changes between tools without manual recalibration. For added flexibility, factory-installed piping for hydraulic quick couplers is available. This supports faster tool changes and is compatible with systems like the Lehnhoff quick coupler.

Komatsu Launches New PC365LC-11 Excavator to North America Market published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.