Mine Machinery: Komatsu PC4000 

Our Mine Machinery series of stories takes a closer look at pieces of equipment that keep the buckets full, trucks loaded and power stations firing out of our Callide Mine. We recently looked at our biggest digger, the mighty Komatsu PC7000, but what about its smaller stablemate, the PC4000. 

The PC4000 is a 400t excavator that we customised for our operation with an oversized 23 cubic metre bucket, which can shift a serious amount of dirt or coal up to 5.0 million bcms per year to be precise! 

This particular machine was delivered and constructed at Boundary Hill East construction area, before it undertook its maiden tram (walk) to the Boundary Hill South pit where it will spend the majority of its working life. 

Batchfire’s Komatsu PC4000 is powered by two Tier 2-rated Komatsu 16-cylinder diesel engines producing a combined 1,875 hp, but it’s also an efficient machine using around 15 per cent less diesel than the similar older model it replaced. 

Breakout force is rated at a massive 1,239 kN, and new variable torque swing motors ensure maximum hydraulic power is utilised for attachment functions. 

This PC4000 is equipped with the latest Mineware Argus 3.0 smart payload monitoring system, Komvision camera and lidar safety system, Komtrax Plus remote monitoring data system, and other advanced telemetry technology. 

Alongside the array of OEM-supplied technology, this machine has been fitted with additional sensors to allow us to utilise the latest MaxMine smart monitoring solutions in use across the entire fleet of trucks and machinery at the Callide Mine. 

The safety benefits for operators are significant too, with features like a 45-degree stairway design, three on-board cameras offering 360-degree birds-eye view, penetration-proof safety glass, powerful LED working and service lights and remote monitoring. 

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