Used Komatsu 78Excavator

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The Komatsu PC78 is a 7–8 ton class compact (mini) excavator and one of the most popular models in Komatsu's mini excavator lineup. It is designed for urban construction, utility work, landscaping, pipeline laying, and small-scale earthmoving where a full-size excavator would be impractical.

📋 Basic Specifications (PC78USLC-6 / PC78US-6)

Parameter	PC78US-6 (Short Tail)	PC78USLC-6 (Long Counterweight / ZTS)
Operating Weight	~7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)	~8,070 kg (17,790 lbs)
Engine	Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5	Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5
Engine Type	4-cylinder, Turbocharged, Intercooled Diesel	4-cylinder, Turbocharged, Intercooled Diesel
Power Output	40.4 kW (54.2 hp) @ 2,000 rpm	40.4 kW (54.2 hp) @ 2,000 rpm
Emission Standard	Tier 4 Final / Stage V	Tier 4 Final / Stage V
Fuel Tank Capacity	130 L (34.3 gal)	130 L (34.3 gal)
Hydraulic Pump	Variable Displacement Piston Pump (2 pumps)	Variable Displacement Piston Pump (2 pumps)
Hydraulic Flow	2 × 54 L/min (14.3 gpm)	2 × 54 L/min (14.3 gpm)
System Pressure	34.3 MPa (4,975 psi)	34.3 MPa (4,975 psi)

📐 Dimensions

Dimension	PC78US-6	PC78USLC-6
Transport Length	6,190 mm (20.3 ft)	7,370 mm (24.2 ft)
Transport Width	2,190 mm (7.2 ft)	2,190 mm (7.2 ft)
Transport Height	2,570 mm (8.4 ft)	2,570 mm (8.4 ft)
Track Width	Adjustable: 1,000–1,400 mm	Adjustable: 1,000–1,400 mm
Ground Clearance	370 mm (14.6 in)	370 mm (14.6 in)

🏗️ Working Range & Performance

Performance	Value
Max Digging Depth	~4,340 mm (14.2 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	~5,800 mm (19.0 ft)
Max Dumping Height	~4,100 mm (13.5 ft)
Max Digging Radius	~5,700 mm (18.7 ft)
Max Pull Force	~44 kN (9,900 lbf)
Bucket Capacity	0.15–0.30 m³ (0.2–0.4 yd³)
Dozer Blade Capacity	2.1 m³ (2.7 yd³)

Note: ZTS (Zero Tail Swing) version has slightly reduced rear reach compared to the standard model.

🔧 Key Features & Highlights

✅ 1. Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) — USLC Model

The PC78USLC-6 features Zero Tail Swing, meaning the upper structure does not swing beyond the track width during operation.
This makes it ideal for tight urban environments, working near buildings, fences, and utilities.

✅ 2. Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5 Engine

Clean, fuel-efficient Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliant engine.
Uses DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) + DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid / AdBlue) — no DPF regeneration required in normal operation.
Low noise and vibration levels.

✅ 3. KOMTRAX 📡

Built-in telematics system for remote machine monitoring:
- Fuel consumption
- Operating hours
- Location tracking (GPS)
- Fault diagnostics
- Maintenance alerts

✅ 4. Comfortable & Safe Cab (ROPS/FOPS)

Fully enclosed cab with:
- 🌬️ Air conditioning & heating
- 💺 Suspension seat
- 🖥️ LCD monitor with rearview camera
- 🔊 Low noise level (~68 dB)
- 🛡️ ROPS/FOPS certified (Roll-Over & Falling Object Protection)

✅ 5. Hydraulic Quick Coupler Ready

The boom, arm, and bucket come with hydraulic quick coupler as standard or optional.
Allows fast attachment changes (breakers, grapples, augers, etc.) without leaving the cab.

✅ 6. Blade & Track Options

Option	Description
🔪 Dozer Blade	For grading, leveling, and backfilling
🛤️ Rubber Tracks	For paved/asphalt surfaces (reduces damage)
🪣 Various Buckets	GP bucket, ditch bucket, grading bucket, thumb bucket
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker	For demolition & concrete breaking
🌀 Auger	For post-hole drilling
🪝 Grapple	For material handling & demolition

🆚 PC78US-6 vs PC78USLC-6 — Which One?

Feature	PC78US-6 (Short Tail)	PC78USLC-6 (Long Counterweight / ZTS)
Tail Swing	Conventional (swings beyond tracks)	Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) ✅
Rear Reach	⭐ Better	Slightly reduced
Stability	Good	⭐ Excellent (longer counterweight)
Urban Use	Good	⭐ Best for tight spaces
Transport Length	⭐ Shorter (easier to trailer)	Longer
Best For	General work, open sites	Urban, utility, confined spaces

🌍 Applications

Application	Details
🏙️ Urban Construction	Tight spaces, near buildings & utilities
🔧 Utility Work	Pipeline trenching, cable laying
🌳 Landscaping	Tree planting, grading, small excavation
🏚️ Demolition	With hydraulic breaker attachment
🏠 Residential Work	Driveways, foundations, septic systems
🛤️ Road Work	Small road repairs, curb work
🌾 Agriculture	Drainage, pond digging, fence line work

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Compact size — fits through narrow gates	Not suitable for heavy-duty large-scale work
ZTS option — best-in-class for urban use	Limited reach compared to larger excavators
Low fuel consumption (~8–12 L/hr)	Higher cost per hour vs some competitors
Excellent resale value (Komatsu brand)	Rubber tracks add extra cost
KOMTRAX telematics included	Cab can feel small for tall operators
Reliable Komatsu build quality	Limited bucket size (max ~0.3 m³)

💰 Approximate Pricing (2024 Estimate)

Model	New Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)
PC78US-6	$65,000 – $85,000	$35,000 – $55,000
PC78USLC-6 (ZTS)	$75,000 – $95,000	$45,000 – $65,000

Prices vary by region, dealer, attachments, hours, and condition.

🔄 Previous Generations (For Reference)

Model	Era	Notes
PC78UU-3	2000s	Older 3-series, simpler
PC78US-2	2000s–2010s	Popular mid-gen model
PC78US-5	~2013–2018	Pre-Stage V engine
PC78US-6 / PC78USLC-6	2018–Present	Current generation, Stage V ✅

🏁 Summary


Class	7–8 Ton Mini Excavator
Best For	Urban construction, utilities, landscaping
Standout Feature	ZTS (Zero Tail Swing) option
Engine	Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5 — 54 hp, Stage V
Top Competitor	CAT 308, Kubota KX080, John Deere 75G

🏆 The Komatsu PC78USLC-6 is widely regarded as one of the best 8-ton mini excavators on the market, especially for contractors working in tight urban environments where every inch of space counts.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — such as maintenance schedule, fuel consumption, attachment compatibility, or comparison with competitors? 🚜