The Powerhouse of Bulldozers: The Komatsu D475A

All - 33 Min read

March 30, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of heavy machinery, the Komatsu D475A bulldozer stands as a true titan of the field. Designed and manufactured by the renowned Komatsu Corporation, this machine is no ordinary dozer. It's a versatile dozer that has earned its stripes in demanding industries worldwide.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the impressive uses, technical specifications, and pros and cons of the Komatsu D475A.

The Komatsu D475A: A Brief Introduction

The Komatsu 475 Dozer

The Komatsu D475A, often simply called the Komatsu 475, is a colossal dozer designed to excel in several heavy-duty applications. Its robust construction and powerful engine make it a solid choice for tasks ranging from earthmoving to mining, and it's known for its ability to handle even the most challenging terrains.

This mining dozer is a hallmark of Komatsu's commitment to engineering excellence, and that's easy to see when you look at this machine's specifications. It has an exceptional blade capacity, operating rate, net horsepower, and number of track rollers, allowing it to truly be a high-production machine.

Key Specifications

The Komatsu D475A has several features that set it apart from its competitors. These features include its net horsepower, torque converter, and the number of track rollers it features.

1. Komatsu D475A Engine

At the heart of the Komatsu D475A lies a formidable engine. This dozer has a Komatsu SAA12V140E-3 engine, delivering a staggering 890 horsepower (hp).

This potent power plant ensures that the dozer can effortlessly tackle a wide range of tasks, from moving vast quantities of earth to ripping solid rock. This high net horsepower capacity is what also allows it to have such a high travel speed forward and dig depth.

2. Automatic Lockup Torque Converter

The Komatsu D475A features a converter that optimizes power transmission, enhancing its efficiency during operation. This feature ensures that the dozer cab maximizes its capabilities while minimizing fuel consumption.

3. Undercarriage: Track Rollers and Carrier Rollers

The undercarriage of the D475A is engineered for durability, travel speed, and stability. It boasts a robust configuration with 3-5 track rollers on each side and 4-14 carrier rollers.

This design ensures excellent ground contact and traction, which is critical for a size dozer. If a bulldozer does not have enough tracks for its width it will have difficulty keeping its balance and could tilt on uneven terrain.

Versatile Mining Dozer

One of the standout features of the Komatsu D475A is its adaptability. It has earned its reputation as a versatile mining dozer that can perform a wide range of tasks. Whether you need to move massive quantities of material, clear land, or tackle solid rock, the D475A is up to the challenge.

Ripping Solid Rock

When tackling the most demanding environments, the Komatsu D475A excels at ripping solid rock. Its powerful engine and robust construction make it well-suited for breaking through challenging terrain, where lesser dozers might find they falter.

Minimal Fuel Consumption

Despite its prodigious power, the D475A is designed with efficiency in mind. The automatic lockup torque converter and other fuel-saving features ensure that this dozer consumes minimal fuel relative to its capabilities and capacity. This not only saves on operational costs but also reduces the environmental footprint.

Impressive Ground Contact Area

The D475A's undercarriage design and numerous track and carrier rollers result in an impressive ground contact area. This feature enhances stability, traction, and overall dozer performance in various terrains.

Pros of the Komatsu D475A

Exceptional Power

The standout feature of the Komatsu D475A is its extraordinary power. With a massive 890 hp engine, it can effortlessly handle the most challenging mining, construction, and earthmoving tasks.

Versatility

As a versatile mining dozer, the D475A can tackle a wide range of applications. It's equally adept at moving massive quantities of material and ripping through solid rock, making it a valuable asset in diverse industries.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its power, the D475A is designed to minimize fuel consumption. The automatic lockup torque converter optimizes power transmission, ensuring that fuel is used efficiently during operation.

Stability and Traction

The dozer's undercarriage configuration, with numerous track rollers and carrier rollers, provides an exceptional ground contact area. This results in superior stability and traction, allowing the dozer operator to perform effectively in various terrains.

Durability

Komatsu is renowned for its commitment to durability, and the D475A is no exception. This dozer is a long-lasting investment for any operation and is built to withstand heavy-duty work rigors.

Cons of the Komatsu D475A

Size and Weight

The massive size, height, and weight of the D475A can be a limitation in certain environments and when transporting the dozer to different job sites. Specialized transportation and operating conditions may be required.

Cost

The exceptional capabilities and speed of the D475A come at a premium price. The initial investment in this dozer can be substantial, making it more suitable for large-scale operations with the budget to match.

Maintenance

Maintenance for a machine of this size, operating weight, and complexity can be costly and time-consuming. Regular servicing and upkeep are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Conclusion

In the world of heavy machinery, the Komatsu D475A dozer stands tall as a symbol of power, versatility, and engineering excellence. Its exceptional engine, automatic lockup torque converter, and robust undercarriage make it a force to be reckoned with in mining, construction, and earthmoving. With the ability to rip solid rock, minimize fuel consumption, and provide an impressive ground contact area, it's a versatile mining dozer that can handle many tasks.

While the D475A boasts numerous advantages, including exceptional power, versatility, fuel efficiency, stability, and durability, it's essential to consider its size, cost, and maintenance requirements. For large-scale operations with demanding tasks and budgets to match, the Komatsu D475A is a compelling choice that delivers results. As a symbol of engineering prowess, it plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of heavy machinery in industries worldwide.

Here at Boom and Bucket, we offer a wide variety of used bulldozers to meet all your construction needs.

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