Imerys S.A.
With €3.8 billion revenue and 16,300 employees in 2020, Imerys delivers high value-added functional solutions to diversified sets of industrial sectors, from processing industries to consumer goods. The Group draws on its knowledge of applications, technological expertise and on its material science know-how to deliver solutions based on beneficiation of its mineral resources, synthetic minerals and formulations. These contribute essential properties to customers’ products and performance, including refractoriness, hardness, conductivity, opacity, durability, purity, lightness, filtration, absorption and repellency. Imerys is determined to develop responsibly, in particular by fostering the emergence of environmentally friendly products and processes.
Over the years, Komatsu has provided Imerys with machines for their many jobsites in France, mainly rigid dumpers, dozers, wheel loaders and excavators. This partnership was further strengthened in 2019 and an agreement protocol was concluded between Komatsu and Imerys in 2020.
“We are in clay quarries, with slippery ground and sometimes steep tracks” says Gérald Bihan, Exploitation Manager at Imerys. “We really needed trucks that have this all-terrain capability, so we went for an articulated HM300, which has all the characteristics required for our extraction, under our conditions.”
Julien Alix, Regional Category Manager at Imerys added: “Today we bought a Komatsu HM300 together with a PC360 excavator in a fleet logic in order to have the best economic performance, but also the best operational performance, the best service, the best reactivity.”
In his speech, Philippe Haguenauer, President of Komatsu France, said: “Komatsu has a leading expertise in the field of rigid dumpers. This has enabled us to adapt certain elements of these trucks, such as the KTCS system, which automatically controls wheel slip in difficult conditions, to our articulated dumpers”. He added: “Today, a growing number of customers also turn to Komatsu articulated trucks for their first-class comfort and their excellent visibility”.
History of the Komatsu articulated dump trucks
In the 100 years of Komatsu history, the articulated dump trucks are quite new in the family. Introduced in 2003, Komatsu articulated dump trucks follow the concept of Komatsu’s rigid trucks to deliver to customers a product with outstanding productivity, operator comfort and reliability. From the first model of the articulated dump trucks have had Komatsu Dantotsu technology such as the hydropneumatic suspension front and rear, maintenance free centre hitch, oil cooled brakes and front side cabin access. The roots of Komatsu rigid dump trucks reach out to the early 1950’s and the Komatsu diesel engines to the 1935. The articulated dump truck models have proven their added value to satisfied customers worldwide, with more than 12.000 units already delivered. These results are thanks to continues innovation and development of the in house manufactured technology.
Komatsu HM300-5
The latest generation of the Komatsu HM300 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D125E-7 engine that is EU Stage V emissions certified and with a 248 kW (332 HP). It is designed for high productivity with 30 tonnes payload.
The Komatsu Traction Control System (K-TCS) ensures automatic and optimum traction in soft ground conditions. As ground conditions worsen and tire slippage is detected by speed sensors located on four wheels, the inter-axle is automatically locked. If tire slippage continues, four independent brakes are applied to regain traction.
The HM300-5 is enhanced with six-speed K-ATOMiCS—Komatsu Advanced fully automatic transmission with optimum modulation control System. It uses an advanced electronic system to eliminate shift shock and torque cut-off to improve operator and engine efficiency. It automatically selects the ideal gear based on vehicle speed, engine rpm and the shift position chosen. This results in powerful acceleration, smooth down-shifting and synchronized engine speed when climbing slopes. Operator fatigue is minimised, and productivity is increased.
The large automatic retarder allows the operator to select the optimum speed on downhill travel and fully loaded hauls, eliminating acceleration generated by the grade of the slope.
An integrated Payload Meter (PLM) is available in option on the HM300-5. It displays the weight of loaded material on a 7” high-resolution LCD monitor for the truck operator and indicates payload information to the loader operator via external display lamps. PLM data is also transferred via KOMTRAX and can be accessed by web.
The high resolution 7” LCD monitor has 27 different languages to choose from and displays all necessary operation information. On it, the operator can easily modify machine settings or check operational records, such as driving history or fuel consumption. The monitor also provides the ECO Guidance function, which gives operational tips on how to reduce fuel consumption. A rear-view monitor system with a separate 7” LCD monitor is mounted on the right-hand side of the console for operator convenience.
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