Komatsu GD655-7 Motor Grader Increases Operator Choices and Comfort

Komatsu America Corp. introduced the newest motor grader to their lineup earlier this month. The GD655-7 offers new, low-effort control levers, a larger, more comfortable cab, and comes equipped with an EPA Tier 4 Final certified emissions regulations-compliant engine. Meant to be sold concurrently with the GD655-6 model, this excavator gives the leading global heavy equipment manufacturer's customers additional choices to meet their needs.

“The GD655-7 provides operators with an all new, ergonomic working environment and the new spacious cab allows more room for operators working long days. Operators will appreciate the new low-effort equipment and steering levers, new transmission controls and articulation stop-at-center feature. Collectively, they significantly reduce operator fatigue."
- Bruce Boebel, senior product manager, Komatsu America

Standard features of the GD655-7 include:

New Cab Enhancements

• Slightly smaller but “right sized” steering wheel provides more visibility and operator room in the cab, convenient for those long, “blade-up and roading” trips
• New steering lever allows the operator to keep hands on the low-effort, work equipment levers and make small steering adjustments, while operating without needing to turn the steering wheel
• New multi-position adjustable arm rests and LH/RH consoles have power raise/lower and mechanical fore/aft adjustments to precisely adjust to operator preferences.
• New, high-capacity, air-suspension seat softens in-cab machine vibrations for operator
• New stop-at-center articulation feature simplifies operation
• New operator presence monitoring system alerts the operator if they leave the seat and controls are not locked out properly

Under the Hood

• A powerful 218 HP (163 kW), EPA Tier 4 Final certified, SAA6D107E-3 engine
• 2-mode, 3-stage Variable Horsepower Control (VHPC) allows the selection of the appropriate mode, economy or power, to match operating parameters to application requirements for optimal fuel savings
• Komatsu Diesel Particulate Filter (KDPF) and other after treatment components are designed in conjunction with the engine for efficiency and long life
• More than 98 percent of KDPF regeneration is performed passively, with no action required of the operator and no interference with machine operation

Power Train Performance

• New transmission shift lever with finger-operated forward-neutral-reverse switch simplifies operation and dramatically reduces required hand movement
• Komatsu power shift transmission designed and built specifically for Komatsu graders provides on-the-go, full power shifting, as well as inching capability and automatic shifting in the higher ranges
• Industry exclusive, dual-mode transmission (8 forward, 4 reverse) allows operators to benefit from the high travel speeds and reduced fuel consumption of a direct drive, as well as the increased tractive effort and control of a torque converter
• An inching pedal gives the operator precise control of machine movement
• Full locking differential provides the traction required in the most severe operating conditions

Other Standard Value Features Included

• Grade control, TOPCON 3DMC plug-and-play ready, with no aftermarket valve required
• Two, five-section hydraulic control valves are standard enabling the addition of attachments and is strategically located to improve forward visibility
• Closed-center Load Sensing (CLSS) hydraulic system, with variable displacement pump, supplies flow and pressure only when required, resulting in less heat and lower fuel consumption
• Blade lift accumulators absorb shocks when the moldboard hits immovable objects
• Circle slip clutch, for accidental contact with hidden objects with the moldboard
• Greaseless circle wear plates for long life
• Independent blade lift float
• AM/FM radio with auxiliary input jack and two 12-volt ports
• Seven-inch, full color, high resolution monitor with Ecology Guidance
• Separate, full color, rearview monitoring system
• Pioneering KOMTRAX telematics system and monitor, providing machine metrics, including KDPF status and DEF-level data, fuel consumption, plus performance information collected and sorted by operator ID
• Komatsu Auto Idle Shutdown to reduce idle time and save fuel

Serviceability / Komatsu CARE

• Reversible, variable speed hydraulic fan to blow out dust accumulation in the cooler
• Completely sealed and adjustment-free hydraulically actuated, wet, disc brakes
• Ground level access to fuel and DEF fill
• Easily accessible engine and hydraulic oil, and coolant drains
• All Komatsu GD655-7 units come with Komatsu CARE. Komatsu CARE provides scheduled factory maintenance for the first 2,000 hours or three years including a 50-point inspection at each service, and two complimentary KDPF exchanges in the first five years.