Komatsu WA700-8 Wheel Loader Redefines Sustainability Quarry and Mining Operations
Komatsu Europe has officially unveiled the WA700-8 wheel loader, a powerhouse machine engineered to elevate safety, efficiency, and sustainability in quarry and mining operations. Built on over a century of industry expertise, this latest innovation is designed to meet the evolving needs of heavy-duty material handling while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Before launching the WA700-8, Komatsu engineers gathered extensive customer feedback to identify key industry concerns. The result? A next-generation wheel loader tailored to maximise uptime, cut emissions, enhance safety, and improve operator comfort—all without compromising on raw power and performance.
“I’m very excited to introduce our WA700-8 in Europe, which offers a perfect match with our 60-tonne rigid dump truck. Without any doubt, it will excite any operator with its performance, large cabin, and wealth of safety features,” says Jo Monsieur, Deputy General Manager of Product Marketing at Komatsu Europe. “After more than a decade of development, this reinvented giant is now fully ready to claim its place in quarries across Europe and beyond.”
Unrivalled Power for Heavy-Duty Applications
At the heart of the WA700-8 is a formidable 578 kW Komatsu engine, delivering the muscle needed for extreme quarrying and mining conditions. This beast of a machine has been designed with higher torque output, a more efficient cooling system, and reduced hydraulic losses—ensuring faster cycle times and significantly improved fuel economy.
For enhanced productivity in V-shape loading, the WA700-8 features a throttle lock and RPM set function, allowing operators to maintain consistent power without overloading the system. The result? Faster load cycles, improved efficiency, and lower fuel consumption per tonne moved.
Lower Emissions, Greater Impact
Komatsu’s dedication to sustainability shines through in the WA700-8. Fully compliant with stringent EU Stage V emissions regulations, this machine is primed for environmentally conscious operations.
More impressively, it supports alternative fuels—capable of running on B20 biodiesel and fully compatible with paraffinic fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). By reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels, the WA700-8 helps operators significantly lower their carbon footprint while maintaining peak performance.
Engineered for the Modern Operator
Safety isn’t just an add-on in the WA700-8—it’s at the core of its design.
This machine boasts a comprehensive safety package as standard, including:
- Emergency push buttons for instant shutdown in critical situations
- Certified anchorage and tie-down points for secure transport
- Battery, starter, and hydraulic lockouts to prevent accidental engagement
- Full LED lighting system for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions
Inside the cabin, Komatsu has prioritised operator well-being with an ergonomic layout designed for all-day comfort.
Features include:
- Spacious, air-conditioned cabin to reduce fatigue during long shifts
- Advanced joystick steering system for precision control
- Electronic pilot control levers for effortless operation
- Trainer seat for on-the-job coaching
Entertainment and convenience haven’t been overlooked either. A Bluetooth radio allows operators to stream music or take hands-free calls, while a roller sunshade helps block out glare and excessive heat.
Smarter Loading, Less Fatigue
Repetitive loading tasks can lead to operator fatigue and inconsistencies in performance. That’s why Komatsu has integrated intelligent automation features into the WA700-8, including:
- Automatic digging system for precise bucket control
- Semi-automatic approach and dump functions to streamline loading cycles
- Real-time machine feedback on in-cab screens to enhance performance tracking
These systems not only improve efficiency but also help less experienced operators perform at optimal levels, narrowing the skills gap and boosting overall productivity.
Easy Maintenance and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Optimisation
Maintenance downtime can cripple productivity, but Komatsu has tackled this head-on with a design focused on serviceability. The WA700-8 features:
- Maintenance-free batteries to reduce upkeep requirements
- Centralised service centre with quick-fill ports for fluid management
- Pre-start inspection feature for early detection of potential issues
To further support operational efficiency, the machine is fully integrated with Komtrax Step 5 and Komtrax Plus, offering site managers access to real-time data insights on usage, movement, and productivity. The integration with Smart Quarry Site provides an overview of machine operations, ensuring optimised fleet efficiency and seamless quarry management.
Additionally, Komatsu backs the WA700-8 with its Komatsu Care program and an Extended Full Warranty, giving customers peace of mind with comprehensive after-sales support.
Experience the WA700-8 Firsthand at Bauma 2025
The WA700-8 isn’t just a paper champion—it’s built to perform in real-world quarry and mining environments. For those eager to witness its capabilities firsthand, Komatsu will be showcasing this machine in a live demo at Bauma 2025 outside Hall C6. Industry experts will be available to answer questions and demonstrate its cutting-edge features in action.
With its unmatched blend of power, efficiency, and safety, the WA700-8 is poised to redefine heavy-duty material handling, making quarry and mining operations more productive, sustainable, and cost-effective than ever before.
