Ergonomics From a Technical Perspective

An overview of the Komatsu forest machines' technical landmarks

At Komatsu Forest, we have had the ergonomics as an important parameter since the very beginning in the 1960's. The result is that Komatsu forest machines are in the front line when it comes to delivering a high-performance and ergonomic work environment.

Harvesters

Air conditioning

Air-ventilation fan that cools the operator position to a comfortable temperature and extracts moisture. Seat heater that warms a cold seat to a pleasant temperature and dries moisture. Well-dimensioned air conditioning unit with large air channels and exhaust for a high rate of cab air replacement. ACC that automatically regulates temperature and flow of intake air to the desired cab temperature. Air filter that filters very small particles and provides very clean intake air. Correctly oriented exhaust that reduces the risk for draughts. Prefilter for the air intake on the cab for good cab environment.

Work posture

Seat
Seat with sturdy side support for the thighs and back, with extended backrest and comfortable neck support, with electrical controls and many adjustment options for optimally adapted seat adjustment. Ample space lengthwise that enables the seat to be adjusted forward and backward.Shaped armrests with multiple joints with adjustments that reduce arm strain.

Cab
Spacious cab that eliminates the cramped feeling experienced in smaller cabs. Full standing height for a person of normal height in front of the seat, which provides opportunities for micro-breaks inside the cab. Ample legroom for varied sitting postures forward-backward during full-circle rotation.Sturdy handles for bracing yourself when operating over uneven terrain.

Hand controller
Shaped hand support for reduced strain on hands and wrists, as well as relaxed crane manoeuvring. With shaped hand support for reduced strain on hands and wrists, as well as relaxed crane manoeuvring. Solidly constructed so that you can brace yourself when operating over minor unevenness in the terrain. Shaped buttons, guide strips and backlighting for easier access to the right button. Buttons that can be moved in the control system to improve ergonomics for the most common buttons. Most of the buttons are accessible on the hand controller.

Other
Autolev function on both cab and crane that creates a unique horizontal work environment. Wireless keypad/mouse function with ergonomic design that can be used with a comfortable work posture. Vertical floor pedal with restful support for the foot.

Work posture, service

Convenient filter access under the engine bonnet for good work posture when performing service. Engine bonnet and cab tilting that are electrically controlled. Requires little or no effort to open and close. Integrated suction pumps and connections for diesel fuel and hydraulic oil that can be reached from the ground. Removable cleaning bars in front of radiator that can be easily cleaned. Built-in service lamp under the hydraulics and engine bonnet.

Aids

Electrical cab tilt with two-hand grip for convenient and safe tilting of the cab. Sequence control for relaxed operation of the head functions. Low-set lubrication points and centralised lubrication for the crane's bearing seatings mean that the operator does not need to climb up on the machine.

Noise

Large air exhaust that reduces noise level. SCR post-treatment equipment that dampens engine noise. Larger cooling fan and improved fan hood reduce noise level. Variable fan control for optimal speed with minimised noise level.

Line of sight and lighting

LED lighting, with high-power lamps that improve work lighting. Sun blinds in all windows that close very tightly. Extra raster blind forward for off-road transport back to the landing point.

Forwarders

Air conditioning

Air-ventilation fan that cools the operator position to a comfortable temperature and extracts moisture. Seat heater that warms a cold seat to a pleasant temperature and dries moisture. Well-dimensioned air conditioning unit with large air channels and exhaust for a high rate of cab air replacement. ACC that automatically regulates temperature and flow of intake air to the desired cab temperature. Air filter that filters very small particles and provides very clean intake air. Correctly oriented exhaust that reduces the risk for draughts. Prefilter for the air intake on the cab for good cab environment.

Work posture

Seat
Seat with sturdy side support for the thighs and back, electrical controls and many adjustment options for optimally adapted seat adjustment. Seat with extended backrest and comfortable neck support. Shaped arm rests with multiple joints with adjustments that reduce arm strain. Stepless and lockable seat rotation up to 220 degrees means that you can work with the seat turned towards the work area. This provides a more relaxed work posture.

Cab
Ample legroom for varied sitting postures forward-backward during full-circle rotation. Full standing height for a person of normal height in front of the seat, which provides opportunities for micro-breaks inside the cab.Spacious cab that eliminates the cramped feeling experienced in smaller cabs. Large cab width, space to stretch the arms. Ample space lengthwise that enables the seat to be adjusted forward and backward. Sturdy handles for bracing yourself when operating over uneven terrain.

Hand controllers
Shaped hand support for reduced strain on hands and wrists, as well as relaxed crane manoeuvring. Shaped buttons, guide strips and backlighting for easier access to the right button. Hand controller with buttons that can be moved in the control system to improve ergonomics for the most common buttons. Most of the buttons are accessible on the hand controller.

Other
Wireless keypad/mouse function with ergonomic design that can be used with a comfortable work posture. Vertical floor pedal with restful support for the foot.

Work posture, service

Convenient filter access under the engine bonnet for good work posture when performing service. Integrated suction pumps and connections for diesel fuel and hydraulic oil that can be reached from the ground. Removable cleaning bars in front of radiator that can be easily cleaned. Engine bonnet that is spring loaded/electrically controlled. Requires little or no effort to open and close. External control cylinders that provide easier access for service. Built-in service lamp under the hydraulics and engine bonnet.

Aids

Low-set lubrication points and centralised lubrication for the crane's bearing seatings mean that the operator does not need to climb up on the machine. Electrical cab tilt with two-hand grip for convenient and safe tilting of the cab. Extra PC screen to avoid having to turn the head.

Air exhaust detail in forestry machine cab

Noise

Extra noise-insulating space between engine and cab. Thick metal plate in cab floor. Sealed lead-throughs in the cab structure. Noise-absorbing material in the interior. Large air exhaust that reduces noise level. SCR post-treatment equipment that dampens engine noise. Larger cooling fan and improved fan hood reduce noise level. Variable fan control for optimal speed and minimised noise level.

Line of sight and lighting

Good views of the work area with relaxed seat positions, large windows, high window edges along the top, narrow cab columns, B-posts moved as far forward as possible for optimal side views and low window edges along the bottom. Good view into the loading area with Flexgate. LED lighting, with high-power lamps that improve work lighting. Full array of working lights: Up to 14 lights on cab, 2 articulation lights, crane lighting and lighting in the chassis front and back provide plenty of light for a relaxed work environment even during hours of darkness. Full array of interior cab lighting: 1 light, 4 high-power spotlights, floor lighting and a map-reading light cover lighting needs when it is dark out. Sun blinds in all windows that close very tightly. Extra raster blind forward for off-road transport back to the landing point.

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