1980
More and more innovative technologies were applied to products with a heavy focus on hydraulic shovels. Using mechatronics for engine control was one of the examples of Japan's advanced electronics technology that surpassed the world standards.
As the range of usage for graders became wider and the age of operators was getting older, the articulated steering and hydro shift transmission became more common. Following GD605A, this model was also equipped with the hydro shift.
Other Equipment
There were other construction machines built by Komatsu over the years. We can see how the various designs mirrored different eras if we look at them set against the flow of history.