Komatsu Europe has unveiled the all-new PC220LC-12 and PC220LCi-12 excavators. With these premium machines, Komatsu says it has successfully unified “striking aesthetics, intuitive ergonomics, extreme fuel efficiency, ultra-low emissions, effortless performance, revolutionary levels of digitalisation, and comprehensive safety measures into a single, truly exceptional operator-centric package”.
These state-of-the-art machines are the result of Komatsu’s long-standing commitment to innovation and excellence. They are engineered to set a new benchmark for performance, efficiency, operator comfort, and digitalisation across the construction industry, with the goal of delivering extraordinary customer value.
“Our approach to the next generation PC220LC and PC220LCi excavators was completely in line with our philosophy of creating value together – we visited numerous customers’ jobsites, listened to their needs, and brought those requirements back to our innovation & technical centres. Concepts were born, checked with customers, refined, checked again, and by continually listening and innovating, we now come to market with a product bursting with customer value,” said Paul Dickinson, Product Manager at Komatsu Europe.
The PC220LC/LCi-12 is built on an all-new, powerful 129 kw high-torque Komatsu next-generation engine paired with the new high-efficiency electronically controlled hydraulic system. This translates to an 18% reduction in average fuel consumption, saving customers approximately 2.1 litres per hour compared to the previous model. This means lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint with minimal CO2 emissions per tonne of material moved.
The new hydraulic system, combined with large-class hydraulic cylinders and high-capacity hydraulic pumps, delivers a 7% increase in arm and bucket forces. This allows for easier digging and material movement, ultimately reducing your cost per tonne.
The advanced hydraulic system translates to razor-sharp reflexes and zero-lag response to the operators’ input, creating an intuitive connection where the machine and driver become one.
Furthermore, the all-new P+ mode brings an 18% increase in productivity and a 20% gain in fuel efficiency, offering substantial cost savings and improved output, ensuring an uncompromised return on investment.
Beyond intuitive ease of operation, the all-new cabin design takes operator comfort to an unprecedented level.
A significantly larger cab with 30% more legroom and an all-new premium seat option ensures operators can comfortably work. 50% increase in lower right-hand side visibility, overhead cooling vents, joystick steering as standard, and numerous storage spaces further contribute to an environment that is a pleasure to work in.
Advanced operator assist technology complements these physical improvements. A high-definition 8-inch touch-panel monitor provides intuitive control and easy information access. Moreover, the machine features ultra-versatile, programmable, super-ergonomic electronic control levers and fully customisable hydraulic settings that allow operators to tailor the machine to their specific needs.
Thanks to the operator ID system, which stores up to 50 profiles, operators are recognised via electronic key or typed ID, and their personalised settings are automatically loaded.
In addition, advanced technologies, including an integrated payload metre, integrated 2D machine control designed for simple depth and slope grading, and a 2D virtual safety wall, are provided as standard on PC220LC-12.
Built on Komatsu’s more than 10 years of experience in factory-integrated intelligent Machine Control (iMC), the PC220LCi-12 offers unique iMC 3.0 features.
Compatible with tiltrotator, iMC 3.0 offers advanced features such as 3D boundary control and automated steer-to-line. Advancing towards autonomous operation, iMC 3.0 introduces auto swing, enabling semiautomatic truck loading. Features such as swing-to-line and travel-along-line functionalities further simplifies trenching operations for operators of any skill level.
The new 10-inch iMC 3.0 monitor, with intuitive 3D graphics, is the ultimate driver assist system.
With Smart Construction Remote as standard, customers can seamlessly transfer design files remotely and troubleshoot by taking over the screen, eliminating unnecessary site visits.
The PC220LCi-12 features an advanced payload meter, optimising loads and preventing overloading. Connect with the optional Smart Construction Fleet to automatically transmit truck information to the excavator, so that no manual input is necessary.
For PC220LC-12 owners, these features are accessible via a factory-made upgrade. This comprehensive kit provides a straightforward pathway to integrate the full suite of iMC 3.0 features so that your investment remains future-proof.
Rob Macintyre, Product Manager at Komatsu Europe, added: “We pioneered fully factory-integrated machine control on excavators back in 2014. Those more than 10 years of constant development, deep experience of learning from customers, and fully supporting them on the jobsite to get the best out of this type of technology, has led to these truly unique assist features we see on imc 3.0.”
The PC220LC/LCi-12 has many advanced safety features, including a 360° KomVision system, an optional human detection system and rollover avoidance indicator for absolute situational awareness and accident prevention.
Komatsu excavators have long been synonymous with exceptional durability, and with the Dash 12 generation, we are presenting an even more robust machine that offers unparalleled durability and resilience, no matter the application. This is made possible through the implementation of heavy-duty strengthened work equipment, including a new reinforced heavy-duty boom, arm, and upper structure, as well as a new track frame design.
The PC220LC/LCi-12 also features a low-cost maintenance with extended service intervals. Engine oil changes are required every 1,000 hours, doubled from the previous 500 hours.
The hydraulic oil filter replacement interval has tripled, now at 3,000 hours, and DPF cleaning is scheduled for every 8,000 hours.
Building on Komatsu’s commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term performance, the PC220LC/LCi-12 is supported by the Komatsu Care programme, so that every customer can enjoy absolute peace of mind throughout the lifecycle of their machines.
The PC220LC/LCi-12 made its highly anticipated international debut at bauma 2025 Munich (7-13 April). Visitors witnessed the machine’s capabilities firsthand through dynamic, live outdoor demonstrations, and, on top of that, a static indoor exhibit allowed visitors to jump in the operator cab and check out the machine’s most innovative features.
The presentation at bauma 2025 was the first opportunity for a global audience to experience the PC220LC/LCi-12 outside of Japan.
*All calculations in this press release are based on the previous Dash 11 model.
