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Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control - user reviews

JG1982

New Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2015
Messages
2
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
I am going to be demoing the komatsu d51 px and d61 px later this week, and would like to know if there is anybody here that has used either of these dozers with the intelligent machine control system? I run the GPS system for our paving/grading company and have experience with the komatsu D39, and John Deere 650K dozers, and have had a relatively good experience with both. My biggest concern with the D51 and D61 right off the bat is the hydraulic sensors. I want to know how durable they are, how much maintenance they require, how to fix them when they inevitably start going wrong, and if they are as good or better than the traditional 3DMC sensors?

I also want to know about the mounting locations for the onboard computer systems. The John Deere 650K had the computer mounted beneath the right control lever, which has to be removed in order to reset the control box...

Thanks!
 

Beachbum0286

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
48
Location
Pa
I have had experience with both the 51exi and 61pxi. IMO both great machines. The biggest issue I have had with the 51 at one point the controller or computer as you put it went bad at around 700hrs. I was told this is a very expensive part but it was replaced under warranty. The controller is mounted behind the operator on the left with a very durable metal cover. You do need to remove 4 bolts I believe to get to the controller to reset it, however aside from the controller going bad I have never had to reset it. I am quite curious as well as to how these machines will hold up, in talking with the dealer it seems they are banking on customers buying these and keeping them for the 5yr 5000hr warranty and then getting rid of them. In addition to the complexities of the GPS sensors you also have the emissions system to deal with after the warranty is long gone, I think for most contractors it would be wise to send them down the road but also a tough pill to swallow.
On another note, I have always been cat thru and thru after trying these tractors my grading machines will be all komatsu until cat comes up with a competitive product.
 

Chad@SitechTR

Active Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Messages
39
Location
Memphis, Tn
Try out the Cat D6T with integrated system if that's what you are looking for. It has 2 GPS antennas on the roof compared to the 1 on the Komatsu machines. This is to help maintain accuracy on slopes and in turning situations. Or an add on GPS system, like Trimble GCS900/Accugrade. Then you can move it from one machine to another if there is ever an issue with the machine or you just want to move it to another ARO/Trimble ready machine. I feel that is where the benefit of not having a factory outfitted system is. If a Komatsu i machine goes down, your GPS goes down with it. If you have an "aftermarket" system like a Trimble system, if the machine goes down, bring out another ARO/Trimble ready machine and literally in a couple hours you can be back working while the other machine is getting repaired/serviced.
 

Beachbum0286

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
48
Location
Pa
Try out the Cat D6T with integrated system if that's what you are looking for. It has 2 GPS antennas on the roof compared to the 1 on the Komatsu machines. This is to help maintain accuracy on slopes and in turning situations. Or an add on GPS system, like Trimble GCS900/Accugrade. Then you can move it from one machine to another if there is ever an issue with the machine or you just want to move it to another ARO/Trimble ready machine. I feel that is where the benefit of not having a factory outfitted system is. If a Komatsu i machine goes down, your GPS goes down with it. If you have an "aftermarket" system like a Trimble system, if the machine goes down, bring out another ARO/Trimble ready machine and literally in a couple hours you can be back working while the other machine is getting repaired/serviced.

What is the status of cats integrated system? I have not seen any around is it widely available? Are they just doing the 6T for now?
 

JDOFMEMI

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2007
Messages
3,074
Location
SoCal
I ran a D-61i for a short time on a demo and had mixed feelings about it.

Being new, it was nice, and it was a well balanced machine. We had site trouble with the gps, so I did not get to run it on grade control, and it was not the machines fault.

While I liked the comfort, and the visibility was second to none, it did not feel like it had much pushing power. I have a D-5M, and it felt about as strong as that, maybe even a little less. It is no way in competition with a D-6 for ability.
 

Chad@SitechTR

Active Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Messages
39
Location
Memphis, Tn
The Cat D6T with the integrated system on it should be available now through the dealer. It will be labeled as a "Grade Control" machine. Im sure the GPS system is an add on. From what I have heard, the D6N will be out next spring sometime. Haven't heard anything on the smaller machines yet ( D3-D6K ). The D3-D6K2 Grade Control machines are out now. The have a sensor on the blade that will allow you to maintain a set mainfall and cross slope.
 

Shimmy1

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2014
Messages
4,257
Location
North Dakota
I ran a D-61i for a short time on a demo and had mixed feelings about it.

Being new, it was nice, and it was a well balanced machine. We had site trouble with the gps, so I did not get to run it on grade control, and it was not the machines fault.

While I liked the comfort, and the visibility was second to none, it did not feel like it had much pushing power. I have a D-5M, and it felt about as strong as that, maybe even a little less. It is no way in competition with a D-6 for ability.
Jerry, are you comparing it to a 6T, or a 6N? My feeling is a 61 is in between a 6N and a 6T. I thought it would out-grade a 6T and out push a 6N, but I've never ran a 6N. I have ran a 6T XW, thought it to be a pretty nice machine.
 

wsnewellgps

New Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2017
Messages
2
Location
Montgomery
I am going to be demoing the komatsu d51 px and d61 px later this week, and would like to know if there is anybody here that has used either of these dozers with the intelligent machine control system? I run the GPS system for our paving/grading company and have experience with the komatsu D39, and John Deere 650K dozers, and have had a relatively good experience with both. My biggest concern with the D51 and D61 right off the bat is the hydraulic sensors. I want to know how durable they are, how much maintenance they require, how to fix them when they inevitably start going wrong, and if they are as good or better than the traditional 3DMC sensors?

I also want to know about the mounting locations for the onboard computer systems. The John Deere 650K had the computer mounted beneath the right control lever, which has to be removed in order to reset the control box...

Thanks!
I would also like to know if anyone has any knowledge or has had any past experiences with the integrated machine control, primarily information on the durability of these "stroke sensing hydraulic cylinders". I know this technology is fairly new to the market compared to the aftermarket mast mounted antenna systems, but does anyone know anything about the accuracy of these sensors say 5-10 years down the road after using them every day? Are these hydraulic cylinders something that will need to be replaced and recalibrated regularly? Seems to me they would lose accuracy after a while and have to be replaced or repositioned. Thanks!
 
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