Following a stringent tender and selection process, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has taken delivery of their first Komatsu machine, a PC130 hydraulic excavator, for use at the centre’s Halley Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica.

The hydraulic excavator began its journey to Antarctica at the beginning of December 2008, sailing from Grimsby via Capetown and arriving at the site at the end of that month. The PC130, which has been put through the Komatsu Dealer Qualified program and provided by U.K. distributor Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd, will be used for snow management and general snow operations around the site during the construction of a new research station.

The new complex, the sixth to be constructed since 1956, replaces the current Halley V Research Station. Located 16,093 km (10,000 mi) from the U.K. on the Brunt Ice Shelf, the new station will allow longrunning research on global climate change to continue at the site where the Antarctic ozone hole was discovered.

PC130 hydraulic excavator being loaded on board for its journey to Antarctica

Komatsu PC130 Modified to Meet Extreme Weather Conditions
To ensure the machine is reliable in a climate where typical Antarctic summer temperatures are around -20°C (-4°F), a number of modifications have been made to the hydraulic excavator by BAS. Special fuel that can be used in temperatures as low as -47°C (-53°F) will be utilized in the machine since normal fuel would simply freeze up.

The PC130 is used mainly for snow management and general snow operations

Dealer Qualified Scheme Ensures Reliability Backed by Support
The Marubeni-Komatsu Dealer Qualified Scheme is designed to provide peace of mind for anyone purchasing previously owned Komatsu equipment.

Machines are put through a rigorous assessment and inspection process, whereby any parts that need to be replaced are naturally genuine Komatsu parts. All Dealer Qualified machines come with a 3-month/500-hour power line warranty.

Cambridge-based BAS is a world leader in research into global environmental issues. With an annual budget of around 45 million pounds, five Antarctic Research Stations, two Royal Research Ships and five aircraft, BAS undertakes an interdisciplinary research program and plays an active and influential role in Antarctic affairs. BAS has joint research projects with over 40 U.K. universities and has more than 120 national and international collaborations. The centre is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council.

Mr. Martin Bell, plant manager at BAS, comments on the purchase: “After a tender process of four weeks, the Komatsu unit was chosen from a number of invited distributors based on meeting all of our requirements. The Komatsu PC130 is a great machine and is very useful around our vast site. It’s smooth and has a good capacity for its size. I’ve been very impressed with the help and support we’ve received from Marubeni-Komatsu.”

Note: For safety reasons, please make sure the cabin door is closed during operation

Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd