Photo courtesy of Komatsu

With product lines for hydraulic excavators well developed in medium-size classes, more buyers and manufacturers are exploring machines in the light and heavy ends of the spectrum. Komatsu America Corp. is no exception, replacing its 110-ton P1100 series with a new 125-ton PC1250 series of crawler excavators.

Komatsu, Vernon Hills, Ill., considers the PC1250LC-7 its "flagship" construction excavator. Standard tracked, the manufacturer mounts the machine on a long-track carriage for increased floatation. The softer the ground conditions, the more need for high floatation, says Lee Haak, Komatsu product manager for large hydraulic excavators. The machines are designed for heavy construction, demolition and quarry applications, according to Haak.

The size of the machines makes site-to-site movement a challenge. Haak says set-up is accomplished with the help of six transports and two 50-ton cranes.

"This is our largest contractor-type machine you'll find on a jobsite," says Haak. He adds that new proportional hydraulic-over-hydraulic controls, cab visibility, climate control and a silicone-filled, isolation-mounted cab contribute to more comfortable operation than previous Komatsu models in the same class. The excavator is now being sold throughout North America.