Industry event
Specialty equipment showcased
Komatsu’s waste package machines draw attention during annual WasteExpo in Las Vegas
More than 13,500 participants flocked to the Las Vegas Convention Center for WasteExpo 2024. Attendees could view equipment and technology from more than 500 exhibitors at North America’s largest solid waste, recycling, organics and sustainability trade show.
Komatsu displayed its D65PX-18 WH, PC360LC-11 WH and WA475-10 WH waste package machines, which are specially designed to protect vital machine parts, improve protection from airborne debris and reduce wear on components.
“Komatsu has come a long way in improving our products in waste, and we’re still constantly developing packages to get ultimate performance and production from our machines for heavy-duty waste applications,” said Mario Muxo, Komatsu National Accounts Manager. “WasteExpo gives us the opportunity to show that and talk with customers about how we can help them be more productive.”
For instance, the D65PX-18 WH dozer is a game-changer in landfill operations, particularly in trash management and cover. It features a comprehensive guarding system, including final drive seals, tanks and engine, to help protect the equipment from debris damage and contamination.
Other key features of the D65PX-18 WH include:
- A trash rack blade that provides operators with a wide range of vision and increased blade capacity for enhanced efficiency in moving piles
- An A/C condenser mounted to the roof that helps shield the dozer from debris
- Front and rear striker bars that are designed to prevent debris from riding up on the tracks and damaging the chassis, improving reliability and efficiency in waste management use
Often used for sorting materials, the PC360LC-11 WH excavator has operator cab guarding, severe duty revolving frame under covers and a chassis seal package. The PC360LC-11 WH also has a wide core cooling package with 4-millimeter fin spacing, compared to a standard excavator with 1.75-millimeter fin spacing, and a corrugated and perforated screen package.
The WA475-10 WH wheel loader comes standard with guarding on the:
- Front window and light
- Bucket cylinder
- Front and rear frame
- Axle seals
- Fuel tank
- Articulation point
- Boom cylinder hose
Additionally, the WA475-10 WH wheel loader has cooling screens that increase the effective open area for airflow while reducing debris reaching the coolers.
Attendees enjoy meetings, equipment and technology
American Recycling Management LLC General Manager Robert Buffolino and Chief Financial Officer Dominic Susino stopped by the Komatsu booth to see the machinery. The New York-area company recycles cardboard, metals and organics, relying on several pieces of Komatsu equipment and Komatsu Care Plus from its local Komatsu distributor for service.
“We get value from attending WasteExpo and seeing all the machines,” commented Buffolino. “Getting to meet people and create new friends and business associates is great. We have purchased quite a few Komatsu machines in the last three years, and it’s helped our business tremendously with recycling. Komatsu makes great products.”
According to Susino, American Recycling Management LLC has reduced its overall maintenance and operation costs with Komatsu Care Plus because its staff doesn’t have to focus as much on maintaining equipment. Komatsu tracks the machines and takes care of regularly scheduled maintenance on time.
“It frees our people up to do other things,” Susino noted. “As we roll out old equipment and replace it with new, we probably wouldn’t buy anything that didn’t have the Care Plus package.”
Kamil Bak, Vice President of Accounting for Sims Municipal Recycling DBA Balcones Recycling, which operates material recovery facilities in New York City and other areas, attended WasteExpo to see new technology, such as software. He also came to talk about financing with lenders and manufacturers. The company runs several Komatsu loaders.
“This is my first time at WasteExpo, and it’s definitely as big as advertised,” said Bak. “It’s exciting to see what everybody has to offer and meet and greet people. We have a preference for Komatsu because they’re easier to maintain and troubleshoot in our opinion. We also believe that Komatsu’s technology is better.”
Environmentally Conscious Recycling of Portland, Ore., also runs several pieces of Komatsu equipment, including loaders and excavators. Frank Gilbert, who manages operations and logistics for the company, attended WasteExpo for the second time.
“This year has been a little better, in my opinion, because I have a better understanding of the business, and I have learned a lot,” stated Gilbert. “There is new technology that’s brought progress and growth to the industry. We believe Komatsu is a leader. The equipment is dependable, and that’s a huge thing for us.”
Returning in May 2025
Overall, Muxo said WasteExpo was a success: “It’s been awesome; I believe there is probably double the foot traffic compared to the past couple of years. That means we get to introduce more attendees to our products and services and show them what we can do for them now and in the future with innovative solutions such as hybrid and electric machines that reduce the carbon footprint and increase sustainability.”
WasteExpo is scheduled to return to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 5-8, 2025.
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.
To learn more about WasteExpo visit https://www.wasteexpo.com/en/home.html.
