Komatsu has delivered the first WA700-8 wheel loader in Oceania to Golden Bay Cement – New Zealand’s longest-standing cement manufacturer.
Based in Portland, near Whangārei, Golden Bay operates the country’s only fully integrated cement manufacturing plant, supplying clinker and cement to infrastructure projects across New Zealand. The new loader joins a fleet of 11 Komatsu machines and aligns with the company’s target to cut carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.
Tony Warren, Golden Bay’s quarry manager for Portland, said the company is focused on finding practical ways to reduce emissions while maintaining efficient production.
“One of the reasons we invested in the WA700-8 loader is its improved fuel efficiency, which directly supports our sustainability goals,” said Warren.
“When we produce the clinker material, we burn limestone in a kiln using a combination of coal, used tyres and wood waste, and the loader is used to load material from various outputs across the quarry to create the right blend for cement production.
“Some parts of the quarry are less usable on their own, but by blending material from different areas, we can reduce waste and make use of the whole product. The loader’s ability to efficiently move across the site has been a real asset in that process.”
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Komatsu’s national business manager for quarries, Nick Vrontas, said the WA700-8 has been purpose-built for heavy-duty operations like Golden Bay’s, with a strong focus on lowering fuel consumption and reducing environmental impact.
“Fuel efficiency has been a major priority in the WA700-8’s design,” said Vrontas. “With up to 8 per cent improved fuel efficiency over the previous model, the loader offers an opportunity to cut operational costs while supporting more sustainable practices.”
Powered by a 578-kilowatt engine, the WA700-8 delivers 15 per cent more torque than its predecessor, along with an increased bucket capacity to improve production rates. A reinforced frame and upgraded loader linkage ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.
Operator comfort and safety were also central to the machine’s design, with a spacious, ergonomically designed cab, joystick steering and intuitive controls aimed at reducing fatigue and boosting productivity.
“Features such as Automatic Dig, Semi-Automatic Approach, and Semi-Auto Dump have been developed to enhance efficiency and reduce operator fatigue,” said Vrontas.
“The WA700-8 represents Komatsu’s dedication to providing innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions for our customers. We’re excited to introduce the first of its kind to the Oceania region and see it supporting Golden Bay Cement’s focus on sustainability and efficiency.”