January 23, 2020
Komatsu’s Australian engineers have devised a way to maintain radiator efficiency in conditions which would otherwise cause machines to shut down for lengthy time-consuming cleaning. The ingenious system of modifications has brought relief to operators as well as engine and transmission components, contributing to reduction in fatigue on long shifts at the controls. Local Komatsu engineers have spent several years examining and changing airflow patterns over the radiators of their machines, particularly in applications where high-fibre debris has the potential to clog radiators. New wider-core radiator vanes allow debris to find its way past and through the radiator without the same propensity to clog. The system, the result of substantial trials, has given Komatsu a decided edge in the burgeoning feedlot industry, which this year is expected to exceed $4.6bn in contribution to the economy, and to service more than 1.5m head of cattle. More than 60% of Australia’s 400 accredited feedlots are located in the comparatively high temperature regions of Queensland. “Our brief from customers was to be able…