Used Komatsu 120-8Excavator

Reading: 23

📌 1. OVERVIEW

Item	Detail
Model	PC120-8
Manufacturer	Komatsu Ltd. (Japan)
Series	-8 Generation (Successor to PC120-7)
Class	Midi / Compact Excavator (12-ton class)
Production Period	~2015 – Present
Primary Market	Construction, Utility, Landscaping, Infrastructure

The PC120-8 is Komatsu's zero tail swing (ZTS) midi excavator, designed for ** versatility, fuel efficiency, and operation in confined spaces**. It replaced the popular PC120-7 with significant upgrades in engine, hydraulics, comfort, and emissions compliance.

📌 2. ENGINE & EMISSIONS

Specification	Detail
Engine Model	Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5 / SAA4D95LE-6
Type	4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled diesel
Displacement	3.76 L (3,760 cc)
Rated Power	~86 hp (64 kW) @ 2,000 rpm
Max Torque	~320 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Emissions Standard	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V (DPF + SCR system)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~250 L (66 US gal)
Fuel Consumption	~10–14 L/hr (varies by application)

✅ The -8 engine features improved fuel efficiency (~10-15% better than -7) thanks to an advanced common rail injection system and optimized combustion.

📌 3. DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Specification	Metric	Imperial
Operating Weight	~11,900 – 12,200 kg	~26,235 – 26,900 lbs
Transport Length	6,970 mm	22 ft 10 in
Transport Width	2,490 mm (standard track)	8 ft 2 in
Transport Height	2,940 mm	9 ft 8 in
Ground Clearance	420 mm	16.5 in
Track Width	1,800 – 2,490 mm (adjustable)	5 ft 11 in – 8 ft 2 in
Track Length (ground contact)	2,650 mm	8 ft 8 in
Tail Swing Radius	~0 mm (Zero Tail Swing)	—
Dozer Blade	Available (2,490 mm wide)	—

✅ The adjustable track width (1.8m – 2.49m) allows transport on public roads (narrowed) and stability during work (widened).

📌 4. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Specification	Detail
Pump Type	Variable displacement axial piston pump (2 pumps)
System Pressure	34.3 MPa (4,975 psi)
Total Flow	~2 × 128 L/min = 256 L/min
Hydraulic Circuit	Open center
Auxiliary Flow	~42 L/min (for attachments)
Quick Coupler	Available (mechanical / hydraulic)

✅ The dual-pump system provides independent flow to boom/arm and swing/travel for smooth, simultaneous operations.

📌 5. DIGGING PERFORMANCE 🔧

Parameter	Value
Max Digging Depth	5,630 mm (18 ft 6 in)
Max Digging Reach	7,420 mm (24 ft 4 in)
Max Dumping Height	5,340 mm (17 ft 6 in)
Max Digging Radius (ground level)	7,320 mm (24 ft)
Max Vertical Wall Digging	4,220 mm (13 ft 10 in)
Bucket Capacity (Standard)	0.3 – 0.5 m³ (0.4 m³ typical)
Bucket Breakout Force	~52 kN (11,690 lbf)
Arm Breakout Force	~35 kN (7,870 lbf)

Attachment	Capacity
General Purpose Bucket	0.40 m³ (0.52 cu yd)
Heavy Duty Bucket	0.35 m³ (0.46 cu yd)
Narrow Bucket (600mm)	0.20 m³ (0.26 cu yd)
Grading Bucket	0.45 m³ (0.59 cu yd)
Hydraulic Thumb	Available (grapple function)
Hydraulic Breaker	Up to ~155 mm chisel

📌 6. CAB & OPERATOR COMFORT 💺

Feature	Detail
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified, spacious
Air Conditioning	✅ Standard
Heater	✅ Standard
Seat	Air-suspension seat with armrests
Display	7-inch color LCD monitor
Controls	Pilot-operated joysticks + foot pedal
Noise Level	~70 dB(A) (cab interior)
KOMTRAX	✅ Telematics system (remote monitoring)
USB Port / Radio	✅ Available
Rear View Camera	✅ Optional

✅ The -8 cab was significantly upgraded from the -7 with better insulation, ergonomics, and visibility.

📌 7. UNDERCARRIAGE & MOBILITY

Feature	Detail
Track Type	Steel, 450mm wide triple-grouser shoes
Travel Speed	4.9 km/h (High) / 3.0 km/h (Low)
Gradeability	70% (35°)
Dozer Blade	Optional (W2,490mm × H585mm)
Ripper	Optional (single shank)
Swing Speed	10.5 rpm

📌 8. KEY FEATURES & ADVANTAGES ✅

Advantage	Explanation
🔹 Zero Tail Swing	Works in tight spaces (urban, pipelines, near buildings)
🔹 Adjustable Track Width	Narrow for transport (road legal), wide for stability
🔹 Fuel Efficient	~10-15% better than PC120-7
🔹 Low Emissions	Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliant (no DPF regen issues in most conditions)
🔹 Easy Maintenance	Ground-level service points, side-opening panels
🔹 KOMTRAX Ready	Fleet management, fuel tracking, diagnostics
🔹 Versatile	Digging, grading, demolition, pipe laying, landscaping
🔹 Attachment Ready	Quick coupler, hammer, thumb, auger, etc.

📌 9. COMPARISON: PC120-8 vs PC120-7

Feature	PC120-7	PC120-8	Improvement
Engine Power	84 hp	86 hp	+2 hp
Emissions	Tier 3 / Stage IIIA	Tier 4 Final / Stage V	✅ Major
Fuel Efficiency	Baseline	~15% better	✅
Cab Comfort	Good	Excellent	✅
Weight	11,950 kg	12,000 kg	Similar
Display	Monochrome	7" Color LCD	✅
Hydraulics	Standard	Improved flow	✅

📌 10. COMMON APPLICATIONS 🏗️

Application	Details
🏢 Urban Construction	Tight site work, basement excavation
🚰 Utility Work	Pipe laying, trenching, cable installation
🌳 Landscaping	Grading, tree planting, drainage
🏚️ Demolition	Small building teardown (with hammer)
🛤️ Road Work	Ditching, shoulder work
& Mining	Small-scale quarrying
🏡 Residential	Foundation, septic, driveway work

📌 11. PRICE RANGE (Approximate, 2024)

Condition	Price (USD)
New	$110,000 – $140,000
Used (2015-2018, 3,000-5,000 hrs)	$65,000 – $90,000
Used (2019-2022, 2,000-4,000 hrs)	$85,000 – $110,000

(Prices vary by region, configuration, and dealer)

📌 12. SUMMARY

Category	Rating
⭐ Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (86 hp — strong for 12T class)
⭐ Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent fuel economy)
⭐ Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best-in-class cab)
⭐ Versatility	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Zero swing + attachments)
⭐ Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Komatsu build quality)
⭐ Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Higher upfront, lower operating cost)

🏆 Bottom Line:
The Komatsu PC120-8 is one of the best midi excavators in the 12-ton class — combining compact size, zero tail swing versatility, excellent fuel efficiency, modern emissions compliance, and operator comfort. It's the go-to machine for urban construction, utilities, and rental fleets worldwide.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect — such as maintenance schedule, attachment options, or comparison with competitors (CAT 312, JCB JS130, Doosan DX140)? 🚜