Used Komatsu 65EXBulldozer

Reading: 38

📌 Overview

The Komatsu D65EX-18 is a mid-to-large size hydraulic crawler dozer (bulldozer) manufactured by Komatsu Ltd., one of the world's leading construction equipment makers. It belongs to Komatsu's "EX" (Electro-hydraulic control) series, which represents the company's advanced generation of dozers featuring electronic control systems, improved fuel efficiency, and operator comfort.

Parameter	Specification
Model	D65EX-18
Manufacturer	Komatsu Ltd. (Japan)
Type	Hydraulic Crawler Dozer (Bulldozer)
Operating Weight	~65,000 kg (143,300 lbs)
Series	EX-18 (18th generation EX series)
Emission Standard	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V
Primary Application	Mining, quarrying, large-scale earthmoving, land clearing, waste management

🔧 1. Engine & Powertrain

Specification	Detail
Engine Model	Komatsu SAA6D125E-5
Type	6-cylinder, turbocharged, aftercooled diesel
Displacement	12.5 liters
Rated Power	373 hp (278 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Max Torque	~1,716 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	~650 liters (172 US gal)
Emission System	DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) + SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) — No DEF required (Komatsu's proprietary system)

The SAA6D125E-5 is known for its reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency. It meets the strictest emission standards without requiring Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF/AdBlue) in many configurations, reducing operating costs.

⚙️ 2. Transmission & Drive System

Feature	Detail
Transmission Type	Full Powershift (electronically controlled)
Gears	3 Forward / 3 Reverse
Steering	Wet disc brakes (sealed & oil-cooled)
Final Drives	Planetary gear final drives with sealed bearings
Travel Speed (Fwd)	0 – 11.5 km/h (7.1 mph)
Travel Speed (Rev)	0 – 13.8 km/h (8.6 mph)

The electronically controlled powershift transmission provides smooth, seamless gear changes, reducing shock loads on the drivetrain and improving productivity.

🚜 3. Undercarriage & Track System

Specification	Detail
Track Type	Wide-pitch, sealed & lubricated track shoes
Track Shoe Width	600 mm (23.6 in) / 700 mm (27.6 in) — optional
Ground Pressure	~80–85 kPa (11.6–12.3 psi) — Very low!
Number of Rollers (per side)	7 (top) + 7 (bottom) = 14 rollers
Number of Carrier Rollers	2 per side
Sprocket	Rear-mounted, segmented sprocket

The low ground pressure (~80 kPa) makes the D65EX-18 excellent for soft ground, marshy terrain, and mining applications where ground disturbance must be minimized.

🪓 4. Blade & Ripper

🔪 Dozer Blade

Blade Type	Capacity	Application
S-Blade (Universal)	~8.2 m³ (10.7 cu yd)	General earthmoving, pushing
Straight Blade (S-U Blade)	~7.5 m³ (9.8 cu yd)	Fine grading, finish work
Semi-U Blade	~7.8 m³ (10.2 cu yd)	Versatile all-around use
PAT (Power Angle Tilt) Blade	~8.2 m³	Auto-leveling, improved grading accuracy

| Blade Specification | Detail ||---|| Blade Width | 4,230 mm (13.9 ft) || Blade Height | 1,500 mm (4.9 ft) || Cutting Edge | Replaceable, heat-treated || Tilt Cylinder | Dual cylinder for angle & height control |

🪝 Ripper (Optional)

Specification	Detail
Type	Single-shank (standard) / 2-shank (optional)
Ripper Shank	4 teeth (standard)
Ripper Pull Force	~146 kN (32,800 lbf)
Ripper Depth	Up to ~600 mm (24 in) in hard material
Ripper Spacing	Center-mounted behind the blade

The single-shank ripper is standard; a 2-shank ripper is available for tougher rock and hardpan conditions.

🖥️ 5. Operator Cab & Comfort

The D65EX-18 features Komatsu's advanced cab design focused on operator comfort and productivity:

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified (Rollover & Falling Object Protective Structure)
Air Conditioning	Full climate control with auto mode
Seat	Air-suspended, heated, fully adjustable (Grammer brand)
Display	Large 7-inch color LCD monitor with multi-function display
Controls	Joystick-type levers (electro-hydraulic) — reduces operator fatigue
Noise Level	~70 dB(A) inside cab (very quiet for its class)
Visibility	Excellent all-around visibility with large glass areas
Camera System	Rear-view and side-view cameras available
USB/Bluetooth	Available for connectivity

🤖 6. Intelligent Machine Control & Technology

This is where the "EX" series truly shines — it's a "Smart Dozer":

Technology	Description
📡 Komtrax	Remote telematics system — tracks location, fuel usage, hours, maintenance alerts in real-time
🌿 ECO Mode	Automatically adjusts engine RPM & hydraulic flow to match load demand — saves up to 15% fuel
🔄 Auto-Idle	Engine automatically reduces RPM when idle — saves fuel & reduces emissions
📊 Electronic Monitoring	Real-time data on engine, hydraulic, and undercarriage health
🛠️ Komatsu Care	Predictive maintenance alerts via Komtrax
🎮 Auto-Control (Optional)	GPS-guided blade control for automatic grading (requires GPS system)
📐 2D/3D Machine Control Ready	Compatible with Topcon, Trimble, Leica guidance systems for precision grading

📐 7. Key Dimensions

Dimension	Value
Length (with blade)	~7,520 mm (24.7 ft)
Width (over tracks)	~3,480 mm (11.4 ft)
Height (to top of ROPS)	~3,440 mm (11.3 ft)
Blade Ground Clearance	~470 mm (18.5 in)
Ripper Ground Clearance	~590 mm (23.2 in)
Turning Radius (outside)	~3,900 mm (12.8 ft)

📊 8. Performance Summary

Performance Metric	Value
Max Push Force (at ground)	~190 kN (42,700 lbf)
Max Drawbar Pull	~180 kN (40,500 lbf)
Gradeability	30° (58%)
Side Slope Ability	20° (36%)
Fuel Consumption	~35–45 L/hr (depending on application)
Hydraulic Flow (total)	~480 L/min
Hydraulic Pressure	34.3 MPa (5,000 psi)

🆚 9. Position in Komatsu Lineup

Model	Weight Class	Power	Position
D51EX-22	~51 tons	~310 hp	Smaller dozer
⭐ D65EX-18	~65 tons	~373 hp	Mid-large dozer (VERSATILE WORKHORSE)
D85EX-18	~85 tons	~460 hp	Larger dozer
D155AX-8	~155 tons	~730 hp	Super-large mining dozer

The D65EX-18 is the "sweet spot" — powerful enough for heavy mining and quarrying work, yet compact enough for general construction, land clearing, and road building.

✅ 10. Key Advantages

Advantage	Explanation
✅ Fuel Efficient	ECO mode + auto-idle save up to 15% fuel vs. older models
✅ Low Ground Pressure	~80 kPa — works on soft/wet ground without sinking
✅ High Productivity	Large blade + powerful engine = fast cycle times
✅ Operator Comfort	Best-in-class cab with air-suspended seat
✅ Low Maintenance	Long service intervals, easy access to components
✅ Smart Technology	Komtrax, ECO mode, machine control ready
✅ Emission Compliant	Tier 4 Final / Stage V without DEF (in most configs)
✅ Durable & Reliable	Komatsu's legendary build quality — high resale value

🏗️ 11. Typical Applications

Application	Details
🏔️ Mining	Overburden removal, push loading
🪨 Quarrying	Rock pushing, stockpiling
🛤️ Road Construction	Grading, embankment building
🌳 Land Clearing	Tree/stump removal, site prep
🗑️ Waste Management	Landfill compaction & covering
🏗️ Large Earthmoving	Dam construction, canal digging
❄️ Snow Removal	(with snow blade attachment)

💰 12. Approximate Pricing (2024)

Configuration	Estimated Price (USD)
New D65EX-18 (Blade only)	$550,000 – $650,000
With Ripper	$600,000 – $700,000
With PAT Blade + Ripper + GPS	$700,000 – $800,000+
Used (2015–2020, ~5,000–8,000 hrs)	$250,000 – $400,000

Prices vary by region, dealer, and configuration.

🔑 13. Summary

Category	Rating
Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (373 hp — excellent for 65-ton class)
Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ECO mode, low fuel consumption)
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best-in-class cab)
Technology	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Komtrax, smart features)
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Komatsu reliability)
Versatility	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Mining, construction, quarrying)

🎯 Bottom Line

The Komatsu D65EX-18 is one of the most advanced, efficient, and versatile mid-size dozers in the world. It combines raw power (373 hp) with intelligent technology (ECO mode, Komtrax) and exceptional operator comfort, making it a top choice for mining, quarrying, and heavy construction. If you need a reliable, fuel-efficient, high-productivity 65-ton dozer, the D65EX-18 is an outstanding investment. 🚜💪

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — such as comparison with CAT D6, maintenance schedule, or attachments?