“On the previous model we had examples of customers using iMC to replace standard excavators,” says Rob Macintyre, product manager at Komatsu Europe. “They immediately benefitted from using their machine for grading as well as for truck loading, allowing them to redeploy other equipment and to really optimise their fleet on the jobsite. We believe that the new iMC 2.0 versions will give them even more opportunities to do this.” 

Operating weights of the PC360LCi/NLCi-11 range from 35,770kg to 36,850kg, with a maximum recommended bucket capacity of 2.66m3 whilst the fuel efficient, EU Stage V Komatsu engine has a power output of 202kW at 1,950rpm. For fleet management and support, protecting the machine against misuse and to provide maximised efficiency and uptime, the excavators come with the latest ‘Komtrax’ telematics and the Komatsu ‘Care’ maintenance programme.

Komatsu ‘intelligent Machine Control 2.0’ (iMC)

Launched in 2013, Komatsu’s fully factory integrated intelligent Machine Control system today counts over 1.5M customer operation hours on excavators in Europe alone. Fully supported by a network of highly experienced Komatsu distributor technology solutions experts, it has provided Komatsu customers with field proven, automated digging control and what are said to be market leading levels of quality, reliability, accuracy and performance. The European market introduction of the PC360LCi-11 and PC360NLCi-11 brings along several new intelligent features that further boost machine and jobsite productivity and efficiency.

The new ‘Auto Tilt Control’ for tilting buckets makes operations on slope and ditch work   easier, automatically limits under digging and increases bucket fill. The bucket automatically tilts  to the design surface with no need for the operator to manually intervene. With the new ‘Bucket Angle Hold’, the operator no longer needs to use the lever to maintain the bucket    angle through the grading pass. Once the desired angle is selected, this feature automatically maintains it as the arm moves in.

A new iMC 2.0 monitor provides high levels of ergonomics and intuitive smartphone like screen navigation features. Slimmer, lighter and more compact, it has increased memory capacity and fast processing speed. iMC 2.0 also provides customers with new levels of flexibility and value thanks to the introduction of a new ‘IMU’ sensor for tilt buckets. Easily mounted and calibrated, it increases attachment and machine utilisation, allowing different tilting buckets to be fully integrated to the excavator’s control system. Additionally, connection can be made remotely with the transfer of project design files accomplished through a ‘Smart Construction Remote subscription’. The new PC360LCi-11 and PC360NLCi-11 come complete with the original Komatsu iMC features including, ‘Auto Stop Control’, ‘Auto Grade Assist’ and ‘Minimum Distance Control’.