Tradition does not have to be outdated, as proven by the Becker Umweltdienste GmbH company from Freiberg. As an experienced contractor with over 50 branches in Germany and almost 125 years of experience in the fields of demolition, dismantling, deconstruction, and recycling, the company is setting new standards in demolition work with the modern PC490HRD-11 and innovative K100 boom change system.
The company previously used a PC340HRD for demolition, but now they’re working with PC490HRD. "The most significant difference is the improved reach in height," says Falk Wiards, construction manager in the demolition department, who has been with Becker Umweltdienste for 9 years. "Our old PC340HRD has a height of only 21 meters. The PC490HRD has 32 meters. In addition, there are the improved details of the machine."
PC490HRD-11 with K100 boom change system on demolition site in Chemnitz.
"One of the outstanding advantages, besides the height, is the stability," Wiards adds. "In the demanding demolition application, the PC490HRD, with its focus on safety for users and the environment, as usual from Komatsu, contributes to the minimization of risks and a safe working atmosphere."
"Very practical is the operation via the further developed joysticks, which cover almost all functions including the adjustment of the cab tilt," Wiards continues. In general, the ergonomics is very well thought-out, "The driver is really the focus here," says Wiards.
The PC490HRD-11 is equipped with the K100 boom change system developed by Komatsu. "The boom change system is useful because it requires significantly less work than when working with a conventional demolition boom," Falk Wiards explained "We can use the machine for extensive demolitions as well as small, residential buildings. I can imagine that even companies with a smaller fleet than we have can benefit from the versatility of this machine."
The Komatsu hydraulic excavator PC490HRD-11, with an operating weight of 55.2-73.4 t, is designed for versatility with its K100 boom change system and can be easily reconfigured to meet changing requirements. The excavation boom can be used both straight for demolition work or bent for construction and loading activities. With the 4-meter extension on the excavation boom or the HRD boom, six different working heights are available for each demolition project. The boom change is carried out from the cab, without the need for outside assistance. All hydraulic and electrical connections are combined in the K100 valve assembly and allow the boom and machine to be connected in 100 seconds. This means that the complete change of equipment on the construction site is possible in a few minutes. The operator is guided through the changeover process by the human-machine interface via touchscreen in the cab. All operations are confirmed and secured using sensors. The operator is also supported by the system in maintaining the maximum permissible working ranges, taking into account different attachments. The K100 boom change system thus meets the increasing requirements for safety, versatility of use, and project efficiency.
The PC490HRD-11 with the usual Komatsu quality has seamlessly integrated into the construction process of Becker Umweltdienste. "Of course, there was initially a lot to discover in terms of the improved, modern technology," Wiards adds.
"In summary, we would recommend the machine because of the fundamentally simple, practical operation or the simple handling for the operator. The machine meets our requirements on the construction site and makes work safer," concludes Wiards's verdict.
In addition to the PC340HRD, the Becker Umweltdienste company has various PC290 series, a PC360, and PC138 in their machine fleet.
For individual advice on your optimal machine fleet for demolition, as well as for any other questions and if you are interested in Komatsu machines and solutions, please contact your Komatsu distributor.
