New Design Concept for Komatsu D455A Bulldozer and the Actual Results

This paper covers new design concepts and major steps required in the design and development process of a giant bulldozer. These major steps include the motivation for development produced by demands for increased productivity, methods used to overcome technical difficulties, and quality control techniques.

The basis of the rationale for making the development decision involved analysis of cost magnification in relation to increased machine productivity. To improve reliability, a combination of bench and field testing was utilized. This was followed by two machines operating in a U.S. coal mine over a two-year period for final testing.