Komatsu Australia has released the HD785-7, a 100 US ton capacity dump truck, featuring the highest horsepower and brake retardation in its class, a variable horsepower engine system for greater fuel efficiency, and the largest, most comfortable cab on the market.

Powered by a Tier 2-compliant Komatsu SAA12V140E-3 engine rated at 878 kW, the HD785-7 has a payload capacity of 91 tonnes and a heaped capacity of 60 cubic metrs. It is matched to Komatsu's new PC2000-6 200 tonne-class excavator/shovel, or WA900-sized wheel loaders.

Komatsu Australia's national product manager, mining trucks, David Laidlaw says key features include the highest horsepower in its class and variable horsepower control system on the engine to optimize engine performance and minimize fuel consumption, with reductions of up to 14% compared with the previous model.

There is a 'new generation' operator's compartment, matching the design concepts of Komatsu's latest dozers, wheel loaders and excavators, providing increased room and driver comfort, along with lower in-cab noise levels.

Exhaust retardation, which is standard on the Australian specification, provides the highest brake retardation in its class, supplemented by new all wheel wet multiple disk brakes and fully hydraulic braking system, for lower maintenance costs and increased reliability.

An advanced transmission system, including Komatsu's K-ATOMiCS system and Auto Retard Speed Control provides greater safety on downhill runs while automatic spin regulation (ASR) automatically prevents the rear tyres on either side from slipping on soft ground for optimal traction and improved braking.

A tight turning radius of 10.1 metres (outside tyres) is achieved through the HD785-7's MacPherson strut type front suspension. This incorporates a special A-frame between each wheel and the main frame, with the wider space created between the front wheels and the main frame increasing the turning angle of the wheels, resulting in a smaller turning radius.