Used Komatsu 500-3Loader

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The Komatsu WA500-3 is a large-class wheel loader manufactured by Komatsu Ltd., one of the world's leading heavy equipment makers. It belongs to the 500-series and was the 3rd generation (hence "-3") of this model line. It was widely used in mining, quarrying, large-scale construction, and aggregate operations.

⚠️ Note: The WA500-3 has been succeeded by the WA500-6 (6th generation) and the newer WA500-8. The "-3" designation refers to the model generation, not a 500-ton machine.

📋 1. GENERAL OVERVIEW

Parameter	Details
Manufacturer	Komatsu Ltd. (Japan)
Model	WA500-3
Type	Large Wheel Loader
Production Era	~1996 – mid 2000s
Successor	WA500-6 / WA500-8
Primary Use	Mining, quarrying, large earthmoving, stockpiling

🔧 2. ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Engine Model	Komatsu SAA6D125E-5 (6-cylinder turbocharged diesel)
Displacement	15.2 liters
Rated Power	~353 – 380 hp (263 – 283 kW) @ 1,800 rpm
Emission Standard	EPA Tier 1 / Tier 2 equivalent (older model)
Fuel Tank Capacity	~600 – 700 liters (~158 – 185 US gal)
Cooling System	Water-cooled with radiator

📐 3. OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Operating Weight	~54,000 – 55,000 kg (~119,000 – 121,000 lbs)
Rated (Nominal) Load	~20,000 kg (44,090 lbs)
Static Tipping Load (50%)	~27,500 kg (60,600 lbs)
Bucket Capacity (Standard)	3.0 – 4.0 m³ (3.9 – 5.2 cu yd)
Bucket Capacity (Heavy Duty)	Up to 5.0 m³ (6.5 cu yd)
Max Dump Height	~3,200 mm (126 in)
Max Dump Reach	~1,500 mm (59 in)
Breakout Force	~185 – 200 kN (41,600 – 45,000 lbf)
Travel Speed (Low)	~11 km/h (7 mph)
Travel Speed (High)	~36 km/h (22 mph)
Gradeability	~30%
Turning Radius	~7,500 mm (outer)

🛞 4. TIRES & UNDERCARRIAGE

Specification	Details
Tire Size	23.5R25 or 26.5R25 (radial)
Number of Tires	4 (standard)
Axle Configuration	Articulated (front & rear)
Ground Pressure	~100 – 115 kPa (14.5 – 16.7 psi)

🏗️ 5. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Specification	Details
System Type	Load-sensing hydraulic system
Pump Flow	~400 – 470 L/min (106 – 124 GPM)
System Pressure	~35 MPa (5,075 psi)
Lift Time (Bucket)	~5.5 – 6.5 seconds
Lift Time (Cylinder)	~4.5 – 5.5 seconds
Dump Time	~1.5 – 2.0 seconds

🪑 6. OPERATOR CAB & COMFORT

Feature	Details
Cab Type	ROPS/FOPS certified enclosed cab
Air Conditioning	✅ Standard
Seat	Air-suspension seat with armrests
Controls	Joystick / lever controls (depends on configuration)
Monitoring	Digital instrument panel with engine diagnostics
Noise Level	~78 – 82 dB(A) (with cab)
Visibility	Excellent all-around visibility with large windows

🆚 7. WA500-3 vs WA500-6 vs WA500-8 (Comparison)

Feature	WA500-3	WA500-6	WA500-8
Engine Power	353–380 hp	398–455 hp	503+ hp
Operating Weight	~54,000 kg	~57,000 kg	~60,000+ kg
Bucket Capacity	3.0–4.0 m³	3.5–5.0 m³	4.0–6.0 m³
Emissions	Tier 1/2	Tier 3/4 Final	Tier 4 Final / Stage V
Technology	Basic electronics	Komtrax, improved hydraulics	Full telematics, auto-grade ready
Production	1996–2005	2005–2015	2015–Present

✅ 8. KEY ADVANTAGES

✅ Advantage	Description
💪 High Productivity	Large bucket + powerful engine = fast cycle times
🔩 Robust & Durable	Built for the harshest mining & quarry conditions
🛢️ Fuel Efficient (for its era)	Load-sensing hydraulics reduce waste
🔧 Easy Maintenance	Ground-level service points, wide-opening hood
🌡️ Comfortable Cab	Low noise, climate-controlled, good visibility
📈 Strong Resale Value	Komatsu brand holds value well in the used market

⚠️ 9. LIMITATIONS (Being an Older Model)

❌ Limitation	Description
🌫️ Emissions	Does NOT meet modern Tier 4 Final / Stage V standards
📡 Limited Telematics	No modern Komtrax / PCM connectivity (or very basic)
🖥️ Older Electronics	Less sophisticated engine management vs. WA500-8
💰 Fuel Consumption	Higher than modern equivalents (~40–50 L/hr under load)
🔧 Parts Availability	Some parts may be harder to source vs. newer models

🌍 10. COMMON APPLICATIONS

Application	Description
& Mining	Loading haul trucks, stockpiling ore
🪨 Quarrying	Loading crushed stone, limestone, granite
🏗️ Large Construction	Highway building, dam construction
🏭 Aggregate Plants	Feeding crushers, stockpile management
🚛 Waste Management	Landfill operations, recycling facilities

💵 11. APPROXIMATE PRICING (Used Market, 2024)

Condition	Price Range (USD)
Good Condition (8,000–12,000 hrs)	$80,000 – $130,000
Fair Condition (12,000–18,000 hrs)	$50,000 – $80,000
High Hours (18,000+ hrs)	$30,000 – $50,000

(Prices vary significantly by region, condition, and configuration)

🏁 SUMMARY


Class	Large Wheel Loader (50-ton class)
Best For	Heavy-duty mining, quarrying, large earthmoving
Power	~353–380 hp
Bucket	3.0–5.0 m³
Status	✅ Legendary machine, now legacy/used market
Replacement	Komatsu WA500-8 (current model)

The Komatsu WA500-3 is considered a workhorse legend in the heavy equipment world. While it's been superseded by newer models, it remains a popular and reliable choice on the used market due to its durability, simplicity, and Komatsu's reputation for quality. 🏗️💪

Would you like more details on any specific aspect (e.g., maintenance, troubleshooting, or comparison with CAT 980G / Volvo L180)?