The Komatsu 931.1 provides the perfect combination of strength and flexibility. One important explanation is the new engine, which delivers more efficient combustion, lower emissions, and improved fuel economy, as well as the same good response and performance as previous engines. Fuel savings have been measured at 16 percent, compared to today's engines, although naturally the actual saving depends on a number of factors. The Komatsu 931.1 has a new engine that meets the new strict environmental requirements for diesel engines over 130 kW introduced at the start of the year in Europe and North America.
In order to fulfill environmental requirements, a new engine concept was developed, known as E3-Power, with the three Es standing for Environmental, Economical, and Efficient. Three prerequisites for achieving the final goal, an engine that is good for the environment and its owner.
The new engine in the Komatsu 931.1 features an emission control system known as SCR, or Selective Catalytic Reduction, a technique that will be used in other markets as environmental requirements are tightened. SCR technology is well proven in the truck industry, with most major manufacturers already employing the technique. Essentially, the SCR technique achieves a reduction in nitrogen emissions by installing a catalytic converter after the engine in the exhaust system and adding a special liquid to the exhaust system.
The new engines are optimized based on maximum fuel combustion for the best possible efficiency, which reduces the number of particulates to a very low level. As such, no expensive particle filter is needed. However, one effect of the more efficient combustion process is an increase in the nitric oxide content of the exhaust fumes. The new environmental requirements permit only extremely low levels of nitric oxide. Consequently, a liquid, DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), a urea-based and completely non-toxic substance, is automatically added to the exhaust gases before they reach the catalytic converter.
With the new engine and emission control system, the machine's total environmental impact is substantially reduced while also providing considerably lower fuel consumption and lower total running costs thanks to cleaner oil and no need for increased cooling or expensive service measures, which result if the other technology, EGR, is used.
The Komatsu 931.1 has a sturdy rear axle with integrated hose routing, which ensures great reliability, as does the use of soft-sealing ORFS seals throughout the machine to minimize oil leaks. The soft-sealed couplings are based on two flat surfaces, one of which is fitted with an o-ring that creates a seal against the flat surface of the opposing coupling section.
The Komatsu 931.1 offers an extremely high-performance work environment. The spacious, full-circle slewing, and leveling cab is the quietest on the market with its direct drive slew transmission. With the new engine, the machine is also even quieter as the catalytic converter helps reduce noise. In order to further enhance machine performance and functionality, the Komatsu 931.1 is supplied with new MaxiXplorer 2.1.