Komatsu expands tiltrotator integration

The new 20-ton-class machine is based on the PC200i-12, Komatsu’s first “software-defined vehicle” (SDV) hydraulic excavator, which was introduced in Japan in December 2024 followed by Europe, North America and Australia.

It has been developed to accommodate tiltrotators from Rototilt, Steelwrist and Engcon in combination with Komatsu’s proprietary 3D machine control (3DMC) functions.

The OEM said the development responds to the growing demand for tiltrotators as contractors seek to address labour shortages and improve productivity and safety.

Komatsu PC200i-12 with Rototilt, Steelwrist and Engcon tiltrotators (Images supplied by Komatsu)

Already widely adopted in Europe, the attachments allow buckets and other tools to tilt and rotate, helping operators work around obstacles with fewer machine movements and less support from other workers.

The jointly developed specifications are designed to simplify the installation of Rototilt, Steelwrist and Engcon tiltrotators on the PC200i-12 compared with previous models, as well as systems that enable integration between each manufacturer’s tiltrotators and 3DMC technology.

Using information obtained from sensors installed on the tiltrotator, the system automatically controls tilt, rotation and bucket movements, assisting operators with tasks that would otherwise require multiple simultaneous operations, said Komatsu.

In addition to conventional 3DMC functions for tiltrotators, the OEM has developed two operator assistance functions: one maintains the attachment’s selected angle and orientation as the excavator moves; the other coordinates tilt and rotation during scooping and dumping, reducing the number of movements the operator must control.

Komatsu said it plans to use software updates to further extend machine control integration with tiltrotators and other attachments, with the aim of simplifying operation and reducing labour requirements.