Used Komatsu 220-8N1Excavator

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🏢 Overview

The Komatsu PC220-8N1 (also known as PC220LC-8N1) is a 22-ton class hydraulic crawler excavator manufactured by Komatsu Ltd., one of the world's largest construction equipment makers. The "N1" suffix indicates this is a North American market variant compliant with Tier 4 Final / EPA Tier 4 emission standards.

It belongs to Komatsu's renowned -8 generation (Gen 8) series, known for improved fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and advanced electronics compared to earlier models (PC220-7, PC220-6, etc.).

📐 Key Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Model	PC220LC-8N1
Series	Komatsu -8 (Gen 8)
Operating Weight	~22,000 – 23,200 kg (48,500 – 51,150 lbs)
Engine Model	Komatsu SAA6D107E-5
Engine Type	6-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Engine Power (Net)	117 kW (157 hp) @ 2,000 rpm
Emission Standard	EPA Tier 4 Final / Stage IV (DPF + SCR)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~400 L (105.7 US gal)
Hydraulic Pump Type	Variable displacement axial piston pump (x2)
Max Hydraulic Flow	~2 x 280 L/min (total ~560 L/min)
System Pressure	35 MPa (5,076 psi)

🪣 Work Equipment / Dimensions

Parameter	Specification
Standard Bucket Capacity	0.8 – 1.0 m³ (1.0 – 1.3 yd³)
Max Digging Depth	~7,200 – 7,450 mm (23.6 – 24.4 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	~9,700 – 9,900 mm (31.8 – 32.5 ft)
Max Dumping Height	~7,400 – 7,650 mm (24.3 – 25.1 ft)
Max Digging Radius	~10,100 – 10,300 mm (33.1 – 33.8 ft)
Max Vertical Wall Digging	~6,600 – 6,800 mm (21.7 – 22.3 ft)
Dozer Blade	Standard (with tilt/angle control)
Track Width	600 mm (23.6 in) — triple grouser option available
Track Shoe Length	~3,000 mm (118 in)
Ground Pressure	~45 kPa (6.5 psi)

🔧 Engine & Emissions System (Tier 4 Final)

Feature	Detail
Engine	SAA6D107E-5 — 6.7L displacement
Aftertreatment	DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) + SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid / AdBlue)
DEF Tank	~20–25 L (separate from fuel tank)
Fuel Efficiency	~15–20% better than PC220-7
NOx Reduction	Up to 90% reduction vs. Tier 3

⚡ The N1 variant is specifically tuned for North American regulations — EPA Tier 4 Final / CARB compliance.

🖥️ Technology & Operator Comfort

📟 KOMTRAX ™ Telematics

Real-time machine monitoring (location, fuel, hours, diagnostics)
Remote diagnostics and fleet management

🪑 Operator Station

Feature	Detail
Cab	ROPS/FOPS certified, pressurized & filtered
Seat	Air-suspension, heated, adjustable
Climate Control	Full A/C + heating
Monitor	7-inch full-color LCD multi-display
Controls	Electro-hydraulic joystick with auto-idle
Sound Level	~68 dB(A) — one of the quietest in class
Cameras	Rear-view and side-view cameras (option)

🤖 Intelligent Machine Control (iMC) — Option

2D/3D GPS grade control
Automatic boom/arm/bucket positioning
Increases productivity by up to 40%

🛡️ Safety Features

Feature	Description
✅ ROPS/FOPS	Roll-Over & Falling Object Protection
✅ Auto-idle	Engine reduces RPM when not working → saves fuel
✅ Anti-theft	Komatsu Security System (KSS)
✅ Work Light	LED work lights (front, rear, boom)
✅ Walk-around alarm	Audible warning when engine running

📊 Performance Summary

Metric	Value
Fuel Consumption (avg.)	~15–18 L/hr (4–4.8 gal/hr)
Max Travel Speed	5.5 km/h (3.4 mph)
Swing Speed	~9.5 rpm
Swing Torque	~108 kN·m
Breakout Force (Boom)	~122 kN (27,400 lbf)
Breakout Force (Arm)	~85 kN (19,100 lbf)
Bucket Teeth Force	~133 kN (29,900 lbf)

🏗️ Typical Applications

Application	Description
🏗️ General Excavation	Foundation, trenching, grading
🪨 Rock Excavation	With rock bucket / hammer attachment
🏚️ Demolition	With hydraulic breaker, crusher, shear
🚛 Loading Trucks	Mining, quarrying, aggregate
🌲 Land Clearing	With rake, grapple, mulcher
🏗️ Pipeline Work	With side-boom or tilting cab

🔄 Common Attachments

Attachment	Use
🪣 Standard Bucket (0.8–1.0 m³)	General digging
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker	Rock demolition
🦷 Rock Bucket	Quarrying
✂️ Hydraulic Shear	Demolition / scrap
🫳 Grapple	Material handling
🔧 Thumb	Pipe, log, slab handling
🔩 Quick Coupler	Fast attachment change
🔌 Hydraulic Hammer	Rock breaking

📈 PC220-8N1 vs Predecessor (PC220-8)

Feature	PC220-8	PC220-8N1
Market	Global	North America (EPA Tier 4)
Emission	Stage IIIA / Tier 3	Tier 4 Final (DPF+SCR)
DEF Required	No	Yes
Fuel Efficiency	Good	~10–15% better
Electronics	KOMTRAX	KOMTRAX + Enhanced diagnostics
Operating Weight	~21,700 kg	~22,000–23,200 kg (slightly heavier due to aftertreatment)

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024, USD)

Condition	Price Range
New	$180,000 – $230,000 (depends on config & attachments)
Used (2015–2020, ~5,000–8,000 hrs)	$85,000 – $130,000
Used (2020+, ~2,000–4,000 hrs)	$140,000 – $180,000

Prices vary significantly by region, dealer, and configuration.

✅ Strengths & Weaknesses

✅ Strengths	❌ Weaknesses
Excellent fuel efficiency (Gen 8)	Higher purchase price (Tier 4 systems)
Superior operator comfort & low noise	DEF refilling required (adds cost/hassle)
Reliable Komatsu engine	Slightly heavier than -7 model
Strong breakout forces	DPF regeneration can be annoying in short-cycle work
Great resale value	Parts for Tier 4 aftertreatment can be expensive
KOMTRAX telematics built-in	More complex electronics = higher repair costs

🏁 Summary

Category	Rating (out of 5)
🔧 Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⛽ Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪑 Operator Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💪 Performance/Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐
💰 Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔄 Resale Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📌 The Komatsu PC220-8N1 is one of the best-selling 20-ton class excavators in North America, prized for its balance of power, efficiency, comfort, and reliability. It's a workhorse for contractors, rental companies, and mining operations across the continent.

Would you like me to go deeper into any specific area — such as maintenance schedule, comparison with CAT 320 or John Deere 210G LC, or attachment recommendations? 🚜