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 Japanese yen was getting stronger, the price competition with imported vehicles from North America in Japan as well as competition with local products overseas was heating up. Given this circumstance, Komatsu was pushed to install their own engines instead of using those of other manufacturers. They changed the engine of HD205-3, HD325-5, and HD785-3 to Komatsu's own all at the same time.
Load capacity: 46,000kg
Dump truck
The history of the dump truck as a transporting vehicle is also the history of increasing the amount of loading to improve productivity at construction sites. At mines especially, new technology is being introduced consistently even today. Enlarging the size by mechanical and electrical formulas, and adding the GPS control system are some of the examples.
