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 road repair projects moved on, from the main roads to farm and city roads, the construction started encountering narrower and curvier roads. A smaller model like this one was put in place, providing higher efficiency in smaller spaces. With the upgraded engine and the new transmission, it offered low fuel consumption, ease of maintenance, and lower noise output.
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.