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.
Outside the partnership with International Harvester, Komatsu already had two rigid skid steer loaders SK04 and SK07 in the market of mini loaders in 1978, however, in order to meet diversifying needs, they started developing a mini Wheel loader with articulated steering around this time. This model was the flagship of the WA series and took off in full scale in 1984.
Bucket capacity: 0.34m3
Wheel loader
It was 1949 when the first wheel loader was manufactured in Japan, however, it was not until mid 1960's when Komatsu entered the wheel loader market aligning with International Harvester. From JH series in the beginning, to the 500 series, to Komatsu's original WA series, our wheel loaders have met the needs of construction sites by scaling up, coping with the environment and adopting advanced technology such as mechatronics and IT.