| Excavator access including ‘smart’ steps and handrails |
Following consultation with both operational and maintenance staff, several enhancements have been made to the access of a Komatsu PC 600 excavator.
These include:
- Installation of automatic ‘smart’ steps - the steps are retractable so remain in the “up position” while the machine is operating, but once the machine is stopped and out of gear, the steps are deployed automatically.
- Lighting for the stairway system
- External ground-operated light switch fitted, which can be switched on before accessing the machine
Extension of walkway length around front of cab and, but reduction in width. An operator noticed that the width of the walkway had been dictated by the need to fully open the cab door. He felt that this made the walkway too wide, causing potential structural failure or impact risk. He requested a reduced width walkway but with an extension in length beyond the cab to allow easier access to the cab without any need to fully open the door
- Installation of plastic-coated wire handrails on walkway and engine area as the tubular steel handrails had been replaced several times owing to vibration of the rigid structure. The new handrails provide protection from falling, but are flexible during motion of the machine.
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