Construction Equipment Outlook: Comparing the Komatsu PC45MR & PC50MR

The Komatsu corporation is one of the most respected construction equipment companies in operation today. Founded in 1921, they have grown to offer a variety of construction solutions, and their excavators have remained popular due to their low engine emissions and ease of transport.

Excavators are among the most versatile pieces of construction equipment in the industry today. They come in three sizes: compact (often called a “mini-excavator”), mid-size (“midi-excavator”), and large.

Mini-excavators can be used for tasks as small as landscaping, while large excavators can be found at larger job sites such as mining sites, where mining excavators are used for their high capacity, size, and reliable performance.

Construction equipment is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and it's expected to continue growing. If you're in the industry, it's important to be familiar with some of the leading tools. Let's take a look at two Komatsu mini excavators: the PC45MR and the PC50MR. Both the PC45MR and the PC50MR are crawler excavators, which makes them a bit more versatile than wheel loaders. But the two products offer slightly different performance and features.

Komatsu PC45MR

The Komatsu PC45MR's Performance

This tight-tail-swing compact excavator is great for general contractors performing contraction-related tasks. It fits on an 80-inch deck trailer, which means it's more convenient than a larger excavator or even a backhoe for transport, and it delivers powerful performance. Equipped with a clean engine, this excavator can actually provide environmental benefits, as it complies with the EPA's Tier 4 Final Emissions Regulations. Its engine utilizes eco-friendly technologies, including an electronically-controlled cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, optimum fuel injection system using a common rail, and an exhaust gas after treatment system. By utilizing these innovative technologies, the PC45MR can not only perform powerful excavating tasks, but can reduce up to 5% of your fuel consumption, as well.

The Komatsu PC45MR's Specifications and Features

Here are some of the features and specs you'll get with the PC45MR:

• Engine Type: Water-cooled, 4-cycle, direct injection, cooled EGR
• Aspiration Type: Naturally aspirated
• Stroke: 90 millimeter 3.54"
• Piston Displacement: 2.19 L
• Rated RPM: 2400
• Governor: All-speed control, electronic
• Steering Control: Two levers with pedals (hydrostatic drive method)
• Travel Speed: 1.6 – 2.9 MPH
• Operating Weight: 10,737 – 11,001 lbs
• Horsepower: 38 @ 2800 RPM
• Bucket Capacity: 0.07 – 0.21 cubic yards
• Digging Depth: 12.5 ft (4 m)
• Track Type: Rubber tracks
• Track Width: 400 mm
• Tail Swing Radius: 3.4 ft (1.04 mm)

Operators also have the option of adding a quick coupler to this excavator, which can improve versatility on the job site.

The Komatsu PC50MR

The Komatsu PC50MR's Performance

The Komatsu PC50MR is another great machine, but it comes with some key differences.

For individual construction workers and smaller organizations that need to dig holes for various reasons, the PC50MR is ideal. This excavator is small enough that it can be hauled behind a mid-size pickup truck and taken to a job site with minimal hassle where it can perform all sorts of construction and landscaping tasks.

It also offers a great deal of engine power for its size, making it an improvement over models such as the Komatsu PC18MR-3 or the PC35MR-5. This excavator is also known for its versatility, as well as its comfort and ease of use.

The Komatsu PC50 MR's Features and Specifications

Here are some of the features you can expect from the PC50MR:

• Engine Type: Water-cooled, 4-cycle, direct injection, cooled EGR
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Stroke: 90 millimeter 3.54"
• Piston Displacement: 2.19 L
• Rated RPM: 2,350
• Governor: All-speed control, electronic
• Steering Control: Two levers with pedals (hydrostatic drive method)
• Travel Speed: 1.7 – 2.9 MPH
• Operating Weight: 10,485 – 11,585 lbs
• Horsepower: 40.6 HP @ 2,350 rpm
• Bucket Capacity: 0.09 – 0.23 cubic yards
• Transport Length: 5.6 m (18.4 ft)
• Digging depth: 15 ft
• Track Type: Rubber tracks
• Track Width: 400 mm
• Tail Swing Radius: 3.3 ft (1m)

Operators will enjoy the surprisingly spacious cab, and a radio or air conditioning can be installed as optional features. The closed load-sensing system (CLSS) also offers exceptional power and control over the machine, making the hydraulic excavator controls some of the most reliable in the construction equipment industry.

Contact Mini Final Drives

It's important to note, that hydraulic travel motors are extremely important for excavators. If you want to find a quality final drive motor for Komatsu excavators, including used Komatsu parts, or if you'd like to learn more about how to check for final drive leaks, bearing oil levels, and drain filter performance, there is only one place to go for the best Quality, Value, and Service: Mini Final Drives.

At Mini Final Drives, we're proud to carry products from Komatsu, alongside other quality products from Bobcat and John Deere. Our family at Mini Final Drives has been providing excellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your final drive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fast and Free delivery to your door.