New Komatsu forwarder with 25 tonne load capacity released in Australia

With the Komatsu 898, Komatsu Forest is now taking the next step in the development of large forwarders adapted for plantation forestry in, among other places, South America as well as final felling in Australia, North America, and Europe. A new powerful engine, robust transmission, and a large load space with a wide range of customisation options for different needs are just a few of the advantages that make the Komatsu 898 meet the market’s demands in the largest segment.

Komatsu 898 is a further development of the popular final felling forwarder Komatsu 895, adapted to handle even larger loads. The model is available in a standard version with 8 wheels, but for forwarding in plantations on flat terrain, the 6-wheel version can be a cost-effective alternative.

A very generous load space

The 898 has a robust load space with many possibilities for adjustments. The gate can be telescopically adjusted, and the foldable widening wings can be locked in the retracted or extended position. There is also an option to make the gate slide along the direction of the rear frame.

The bunks have telescopic widening and can be equipped with hydraulically height-adjustable stakes. This increases productivity during loading and unloading by reducing the height that the timber must be lifted over the supports – something that also contributes to reduced fuel consumption.

New powerful engine

The Komatsu 898 has a new generation diesel engine. It is a powerful 7.5-litre AGCO engine with high performance and good fuel economy, with the new CORE platform. Maximum power is 250 kW and maximum torque is 1450 Nm.

The engine has a large radiator and hydraulically driven cooling fan, which allows the speed to be adjusted dynamically depending on the cooling needs. As an option, the cooling fan can be made reversible, making it easy to reverse the airflow and blow away debris.

The AdBlue system has a robust design, and a new feature is that the AdBlue filter is now located outside the tank, making it easy to access when the filter needs to be changed.

Powerful crane option

The 898 has two strong crane configurations, 165F (standard) and 205F (optional). The Komatsu 205F crane has a lifting torque of 205 kNm and a swing torque of 51.9 kNm. It’s developed with an emphasis on increased productivity in final felling and plantation forestry.

The crane has a robust, welded pillar that, together with the main boom and outer boom, provides both good lifting height and lifting geometry. It can be selected with a reach of 7.5/8.5 m with single telescope or 10 m with double telescope. For the 205F, the largest grapple model, G88H, is available as an option, with a tip-to-tip area of 0.55 m2, and a powerful rotator.

A strong transmission for excellent terrain capacities

Komatsu 898 has a strong powertrain with a large bogie axle and the wheels are well dimensioned for the task – the rear wheels measuring 30.5” and the front wheels 28.5”. Together with the 345 kN max tractive effort (8WD), this enables the machine to move effortlessly in the terrain, even with heavy loads.

The 898 8WD is equipped with a new generation hydrostatic transmission with a large hydrostatic pump and dual hydraulic motors. This provides similar characteristics to the 895 with XT transmission, but with even higher traction force. The new hydrostatic motors are designed to handle higher pressure and higher speeds, which allows more power to be delivered to the wheels. This, combined with the powerful diesel engine, makes the machine even more powerful. The dual hydraulic motors provide high speed in the first gear, which also contributes to high productivity.

User-friendliness

Komatsu 898 has several well-thought-out design solutions that make the operator’s workday easier. To begin with, the machine has a completely redesigned entry point with a new design for the ladder and a larger platform with a sturdy handrail placed on the engine hood. This makes it even easier and safer for the operator to climb in and out of the cab.

The new design of the entry point has enabled the relocation of the toolbox to the left front frame box by the ladder, making it easy to access without opening the engine hood. Next to the toolbox is a large AdBlue tank, also adapted for the optional 500 litre diesel tank, allowing long shifts without refuelling. There is also a handy storage space for the filling funnel so that it is always close at hand.

In addition, there is also an optional service platform on the crane’s slewing motor. The ladder on the left side by the tank has generous steps and can be removed and moved to attachment points at the base of the gate and on the right front frame box to simplify access during service and maintenance in these areas. The machine can also be equipped with an extra ladder on the right side of the tank.

Larger diesel tank available as an option for all markets

The design with a larger AdBlue tank now makes it possible for all markets to order the optional larger diesel tank. Previously, this option was only available in markets where there were no AdBlue requirements.

With a capacity of 500 litres, the tank holds more than twice as much as the standard tank. This means longer work shifts without interruptions for refueling, which increases both efficiency and uptime. Perfect for long days in the forest where fuel availability can be limited.