Komatsu PC700 Excavator takes on the Gravel Extraction Challenge
In the constantly evolving world of construction, innovation and adaptability are key to staying ahead of the game. This rings especially true for Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke, a family-owned German company known for its concrete products.
Faced with a significant challenge in their gravel extraction process, Kann turned to Komatsu for a cutting-edge solution—a decision that has reshaped their operations. Let’s dive into the details of how Komatsu’s PC700LC-11E0 hydraulic excavator brought both technology and reliability to the table, redefining gravel extraction efficiency at Kann’s Mülheim-Kärlich site.
The Gravel Extraction Challenge
Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke has been in business since 1927, growing into an operation with 18 locations throughout Germany. The company’s core business revolves around the production of concrete products, and that requires a steady, reliable supply of raw materials—including gravel. On-site extraction supplies half of Kann’s raw materials, while the other half is sold externally, totalling about 500,000 tonnes annually.
The gravel extraction site at Mülheim-Kärlich presented a unique challenge. With gravel deposits extending up to 12 metres below the water’s surface, the company needed to replace its old scraper bucket, which had been in use for over 40 years. Extracting materials from such depths called for a customised approach that would not only increase productivity but also improve safety.
This is where Komatsu’s expertise came into play. Enter the PC700LC-11E0 hydraulic excavator—a machine perfectly tailored to Kann’s demanding requirements.
The Komatsu PC700LC-11E0
To tackle the underwater extraction challenge, Komatsu, alongside their sales partner BRR Baumaschinen Rhein-Ruhr, presented a fully customised solution. The base machine, Komatsu’s PC700LC-11E0, is well-known for its stability and power. However, to meet the unique needs of Kann’s operation, several modifications were made.
The machine’s boom and arm—crucial for reaching the deep gravel deposits—underwent extensive steel construction customisation by a third-party supplier. This allowed the excavator to achieve the necessary reach while maintaining Komatsu’s renowned stability. Equipped with a hydraulic ditching bucket, GPS, and Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance, the excavator was ready for the job.
Special consideration was given to the sensors and connections, given the challenges of underwater operations. To address this, BRR’s subsidiary, AP Deutschland, installed protective solutions that ensured the excavator could operate reliably in the harsh underwater environment.
Productivity Meets Mobility
The Komatsu PC700LC-11E0 has been a game-changer for Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke. The company aimed to extract 1,000 tonnes of gravel per shift, and the excavator has already surpassed these expectations.
Technical Manager Frank Hergenroether noted, “The bucket’s movement options save us a lot of time, as we don’t have to constantly move the excavator. It can work from the same spot, which is currently necessary only about once per shift.” This increase in efficiency has not only improved productivity but also allowed for more streamlined operations, despite the challenging nature of extracting gravel from beneath the water.
The machine’s mobility is another crucial aspect that impressed Hergenroether. Even with its size, the PC700 remains highly manoeuvrable—an important feature as extraction areas become smaller and more urbanised. As cities expand and construction sites face increasing constraints, the ability to adapt becomes even more valuable.
Operator Comfort and Training
In addition to its performance capabilities, the PC700LC-11E0 has proven to be a hit with the operators. Machine operator René Münch commented on the comfort provided by the excavator: “The lifting power speaks for itself. In addition, the comfort during operation is impressive thanks to the superior cab suspension and low noise level.”
Training also played a significant role in the successful implementation of the new machine. Komatsu and BRR delivered thorough on-site instruction and training sessions, ensuring that all operators were comfortable with the controls and safety protocols. Plant manager Andreas Müller added, “The increasing performance curve of the employees with the new PC700LC-11E0 is clearly visible.” Within a short period, operators were not only comfortable but also efficient, pushing the machine beyond its initial targets.
Future-Focused Solutions
As urbanisation becomes more prevalent, construction companies face new challenges. Kann’s experience with Komatsu’s PC700LC-11E0 hydraulic excavator demonstrates how the right machinery and technology can address these issues head-on, enabling companies to work efficiently even in increasingly urbanised environments.
The excavator’s ability to reach significant depths without resting its boom on the chassis or disturbing the ground itself has been a crucial factor in its success. As Hergenroether explained, “The decisive factor in our decision to purchase the Komatsu hydraulic excavator was that, despite its length, the boom does not rest on the chassis to achieve the required depth, does not dig up the ground itself, and can also maintain a safe distance from the bank.” This adaptability ensures that the machine can be used not just in its current setting but also in other extraction areas as conditions evolve.
3D Machine Guidance and GPS Integration
One of the standout features of the Komatsu PC700LC-11E0 is its Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance system, which integrates GPS technology to help operators achieve precise excavation with minimal guesswork. This cutting-edge system significantly improves operational accuracy, optimising the entire gravel extraction process.
Machine operator René Münch praised the intuitive nature of the machine, noting, “Overall, the machine is very clear, tidy, and intuitive to operate. Within a very short time, all machine operators were trained to work safely on the excavator and were ready for action.” By embracing these technologies, Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke has demonstrated a commitment to not only boosting efficiency but also enhancing workplace safety.
Komatsu, BRR, and Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke
The successful implementation of the PC700LC-11E0 at the Kann site would not have been possible without the collaboration between Komatsu, BRR Baumaschinen Rhein-Ruhr, and Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke. Each partner brought unique expertise to the table—Komatsu with the machine’s engineering excellence, BRR with the customisation and after-sales support, and Kann with its clear understanding of operational needs.
Plant manager Andreas Müller emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “This is also thanks to the detailed on-site instruction and training provided by BRR and Komatsu on delivery.” The results speak for themselves—a tailor-made machine that not only meets but exceeds the requirements for gravel extraction in a challenging environment.
A Century of Innovation
Komatsu, a global leader in equipment and technology for construction, mining, industrial, and forestry markets, has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. The company’s focus on developing modern infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to enhancing productivity and safety, makes Komatsu a preferred partner for companies like Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke.
With a global service and distributor network, Komatsu supports customer operations with solutions that are not only powerful but also technologically advanced. From utilising data analytics to integrating smart construction features, Komatsu continues to shape the future of construction and extraction industries.
Sustainable and Efficient Extraction
The story of Komatsu’s PC700LC-11E0 at Kann GmbH Baustoffwerke is one of adaptability, partnership, and forward-thinking. As the construction industry continues to navigate the challenges of urbanisation and environmental considerations, the ability to implement tailored solutions becomes more critical than ever.
The PC700LC-11E0 has not only increased productivity at Kann’s gravel extraction site but has also improved safety, proving that innovation and customisation can lead to significant operational benefits. This partnership between Kann, Komatsu, and BRR has set a benchmark for how technology, engineering, and teamwork can come together to solve industry challenges effectively.
The future of construction and raw material extraction is undoubtedly being shaped by such projects, where every stakeholder contributes their expertise to create a solution that is more than just a machine—it’s a leap forward in how industries approach their biggest challenges.
