960E-1 Provides High Reliability and the Right Match for Mining
Rolling Meadows, IL, May 27, 2008 – Komatsu America Corp. is pleased to announce the introduction of the 960E-1 (960E) AC electric drive haul truck. The largest of Komatsu’s full line of mining trucks, the new model carries a 360 ton (327 tonnes) payload and weighs 1,270,000 lbs when fully loaded. The 960E balances payload, productivity and power, and is designed to be the right match for today’s mining needs. Just over 24’ tall, the 960E uses modern frame design and manufacturing technology to ensure the quality of this new truck. With over 3 years of experience from coal fields to deep-pit copper mining, Komatsu has tested and proven the 960E to be ready for today’s mining needs. 
Komatsu America Corp. is a world leader in electric drive mining trucks and was the first to introduce AC drive systems for ultra-class mining trucks in 1996 with the commercial production of the 930E. Today, the 930E is the best selling ‘ultra-class’ truck with over 650 units operating in the field. The 960E builds on this success and offers customers the right match of production capacity, speed and operating cost for their expansion and fleet replacement needs. From the durable body down to its standard size 56/80R63 tires, the 960E is designed to be the low cost-per-ton leader.
The 960E was created with proven Komatsu heritage in electrical, hydraulic and service systems from the 930E. The 960E is powered by the Komatsu SSDA18V170 which uses a unique dual-stage turbo air handling system to deliver 3,500 horsepower with the lowest brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) at rated horsepower for this truck class. This engine is matched to the power alternator and is also used on the 930E-SE, a high-power version of the 930E operating in North America, Chile and Australia with over 250,000 hours of operation.
As a key part of any complete service and support program for its mining trucks, Komatsu installs the Vehicle Health Monitoring System (VHMS) on every truck as standard equipment to allow easy access to summary performance data. Using a satellite communications system and optional wireless download, the Komatsu VHMS allows technicians to use a simple Internet web interface to easily check the pressures and trends, summarize yesterday’s payload, and be instantly alerted of critical faults.
Today’s operators require a world-class cab and the 960E delivers, with added sound attenuation, dual air-suspension seats, and room for the operator’s coat and lunch. The updated dashboard includes simplified gauges and a unique display that combines payload and speed, conveniently providing the operator the information needed to operate the truck. The ergonomic layout and comfortable controls enable the operator to focus on productivity.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.