Used Komatsu 78Excavator

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The Komatsu PC78 is a compact (mini) excavator in the 7–8 tonne class, widely used in urban construction, landscaping, utility work, and tight-space applications. It is part of Komatsu's popular PC78 series, which includes multiple variants.

📋 MODEL VARIANTS

Model	Type	Description
PC78US-6 / PC78US-8	Ultra Short Tail	Standard compact — most popular version
PC78MR-6 / PC78MR-8	Mini Radius	Shorter boom/arm for very tight spaces
PC78UU-6 / PC78UU-8	Ultra Ultra Short	Most compact — ideal for indoor/confined work
PC78USL-6 / PC78USL-8	Ultra Short Long	Extended reach for deeper digging

The "-6" = Stage V / Tier 4 Final emission standard; "-8" = Stage V / Tier 4 Interim

& KEY SPECIFICATIONS (PC78US-6 as Reference)

Parameter	Specification
Operating Weight	~7,800 kg (17,200 lbs)
Engine	Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5
Engine Type	4-cylinder, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel
Rated Power	50.5 hp (37.7 kW) @ 2,100 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	~130 L (34.3 gal)
Hydraulic Pump	Double variable displacement piston pump
Max Digging Depth	4,070 mm (13.35 ft)
Max Reach (Ground Level)	6,200 mm (20.34 ft)
Max Dumping Height	~4,400 mm (14.4 ft)
Bucket Capacity	0.19 – 0.28 m³ (0.25 – 0.37 cu yd)
Boom Length	~2,500 mm (8.2 ft)
Arm Length	~1,400 mm (4.6 ft)
Blade Width	1,800 mm (5.9 ft)
Travel Speed	~4.8 km/h (3.0 mph)
Ground Pressure	~35 kPa (low ground pressure)
Tail Swing Radius	~1,350 mm (ultra-short tail)

🔧 ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

Feature	Detail
Engine Model	SAA4D95LE-5
Displacement	2.86 L
Emission Standard	EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V
Aftertreatment	DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) + DOC + SCR (DEF/AdBlue system on some markets)
Fuel Efficiency	Optimized for low fuel consumption — approx. 6–8 L/hr under normal operation
Hydraulic System	Load-sensing system with auto-idle — reduces fuel use when idle

🛠️ KEY FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY

Feature	Description
✅ Ultra Short Tail Swing	Minimal overhang — works near walls, fences & buildings
✅ KOMTRAX® Ready	GPS telematics for fleet management, machine tracking & diagnostics
✅ Auto Idle & Auto Stop	Engine automatically reduces RPM or shuts off when not working
✅ Dozer Blade	Standard — grading, leveling & backfilling capability
✅ Rubber Tracks Available	Option for paved/indoor work to reduce damage
✅ Hydraulic Quick Coupler	Easy attachment change (bucket, breaker, auger, grapple, etc.)
✅ ROPS/FOPS Cab	Roll-Over & Falling Object Protective Structure for operator safety
✅ Air-Conditioned Cab	Comfortable for long working hours
✅ LED Work Lights	For night operation
✅ Expandable Undercarriage	Some variants offer adjustable track width (1,100–1,300 mm)

🎯 COMMON APPLICATIONS

Application	Why PC78?
🏙️ Urban Construction	Compact size + ultra-short tail = works in tight city lots
🌳 Landscaping & Gardening	Small bucket, precise control, low ground pressure
🔌 Utility Work	Trenching, pipe laying, cable installation
🏠 Residential Excavation	Foundation work, septic systems, driveways
🏚️ Demolition	With hydraulic breaker attachment
🪨 Mining & Quarrying (Small Scale)	Rock breaking, loading small trucks
🏢 Indoor Work	UU variant with rubber tracks

🔄 POPULAR ATTACHMENTS

Attachment	Use
🪣 Standard Bucket (200–300mm)	General digging
🔨 Hydraulic Breaker (Hammer)	Concrete/rock demolition
🔩 Auger / Earth Drill	Post holes, piling
🪓 Grapple / Sorting Grapple	Material handling, debris
🪥 Tilt Rotator	360° rotation for versatility
🔧 Thumb	Pipe/log/material handling
❄️ Hydraulic Hammer	Rock breaking
🧹 Sweeper	Street cleaning

📊 COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS

Machine	Weight	Power	Dig Depth
Komatsu PC78US-6	7,800 kg	50.5 hp	4,070 mm
CAT 308 CR	8,300 kg	55 hp	4,280 mm
John Deere 75G	7,700 kg	51 hp	4,120 mm
Kubota KX080-4	8,100 kg	51 hp	4,050 mm
Hitachi ZX85USB-6	8,300 kg	53 hp	4,340 mm

The PC78 is known for excellent fuel efficiency, reliability, and resale value.

💰 APPROXIMATE PRICING (2024 Estimates)

Condition	Price Range (USD)
New	$85,000 – $115,000 (depending on variant & market)
Used (Good Condition, 2,000–4,000 hrs)	$50,000 – $75,000
Used (High Hours, 5,000+ hrs)	$35,000 – $50,000

✅ ADVANTAGES

✔️ Pros	❌ Cons
Excellent fuel efficiency	Limited bucket size (not for heavy production)
Ultra-short tail — great for tight spaces	Not suitable for large-scale earthmoving
Komatsu reliability & durability	Higher purchase price vs Chinese brands
Strong resale value	Limited cab space (compact design)
Wide range of attachments	DPF/DEF maintenance adds cost
Komatsu global dealer network

🏁 SUMMARY

Category	Rating
Power	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (50.5 hp — adequate for 8T class)
Versatility	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Multiple variants + attachments)
Fuel Efficiency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Class-leading)
Reliability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Komatsu reputation)
Tight Space Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best-in-class)
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔑 Bottom Line: The Komatsu PC78 is one of the best compact excavators in its class — perfect for contractors who need a reliable, fuel-efficient, and maneuverable machine for urban, residential, and utility work. Its ultra-short tail design and multiple variants make it extremely versatile.

Would you like more details on a specific variant (MR, UU, USL), pricing in a specific country, or maintenance schedule? 🚜