WA120-3

WHEEL LOADER BUCKET CAPACITIES

1.7 – 2.25 yd3
1.3 – 1.7 m3

WHEEL LOADER
WA120-3

WA120-3
 WA120-3 Wheel Loader

Designed for better value through

improved reliability and enhanced versatility. New cab for increased operator productivity. New operator’s cab

That’s why the WA120-3 means VALUE, provides better visibility, increased comfort, see-at-a-glance console,
two-door walk-through and finger-touch shifting. See page 4. New special rubber-mounted cab for productivity. Special rubber-
and anything less is just another mounted cab reduces vibration and noise that can fatigue the operator
and reduce his efficiency. See page 4.
Wheel Loader.
Komatsu diesel power for productivity and reliability. See page 6.

Komatsu-integrated design for the best value, reliability, and versatility. Engine, power train, frame,
WHEEL

New easier access to engine for servicing. Pneumatic cylinders

LOADER

and all other major components are engineered by Komatsu. You get a machine whose components are
assure the gull-wing side covers and rear grill open with an easy touch.
designed to work together for higher production, greater reliability, and more versatility.
See page 8.

Optional coupler system. The versatile coupler system provides fast, efficient tool changes Ground level greasing reduces maintenance time.
without leaving the cab. This new design also allows superior visibility of the work equipment. See page 8.
An optional third spool valve is available for additional hydraulic functions.
WA120-3

Komatsu torque proportioning differentials

are standard. See page 7.
ECSS value-option for better productivity. Electrically Controlled Suspension
System (ECSS) absorbs pitching and bouncing. See page 5.

Sight gauges for hydraulic tank and

transmission case.
New sealed, wet disc parking brake for
better reliability and less maintenance
cost. See page 7.
Ground level fueling.

Quick kick-down transmission switch Check battery and clean radiator

is another standard feature. See page 7. easily. The rear grill also uses pneumatic
cylinders for easy access to the radiator
and battery.

It all adds up to more value and better

New Komatsu four-speed transmission
better matches all applications for reliability, return for your investment. It’s what you expect
productivity, and versatility. See page 7.
FLYWHEEL HORSEPOWER OPERATING WEIGHT BUCKET CAPACITY when you select Komatsu.
WHEEL WA120-3 100 hp 67 kW 18,110 lb 8213 kg 1.7–2.25 yd3 1.3–1.7 m3
2 LOADER 3
 Ask the man who The cab improvements on the Wheel Loaders go beyond providing a large cab

runs one—he will tell with a comfortable seat. Improvements include these production-enhancing
standard and optional features:
you the operator’s
cab sets the Komatsu ● Large curved glass front ● Kick-down switch is conveniently
Wheel Loader apart window provides the operator an located on the boom control lever.
from the others. That’s unobstructed view of the working A simple motion of the thumb actu-
a productivity feature area and attachment. ates this valuable productivity feature,

you can’t ignore. No ● Two-door walk-through cab. Good which enables the operator to
for ventilation as well as easy entry downshift easily.
matter how a machine
and exit from either side of the cab. ● Easy shifting and directional
specs out, or how much
WHEEL

● Rubber mounts dampen noise and changes with Komatsu two-lever

LOADER

is promised for produc-

vibration, reduces fatigue caused by electronic shifting. Change direction
tivity, unless the oper- or shift gears with a touch of the
noise. Helps keep the operator
ator can work a full productive, longer. fingers without removing the shifting
shift without becoming hand from the steering wheel. Solid
● Low-effort brake pedals actuate
fatigued, you will never fully hydraulic brakes. Parking brake
state electronics and conveniently
get the full measure of located direction and gear shift
provides effective braking with light
WA120-3

controls make this possible.

promised productivity. foot pressure.
● At-a-glance instrument monitor.
● Steer with ease. Komatsu’s fully
Monitor is mounted in front of the
hydraulic steering provides fast
operator and is tilted for easy view,
response with low effort, at low
allowing the operator to easily check
engine rpm.
gauges and warning lights.
● See the monitor through the Value options for productivity and those little added touches that make work
steering wheel, not around it. Value Options a little easier.
A specially designed two-spoke
● Keep cool, keep productive with a ● Optional Electrically Controlled
steering wheel allows the operator
five-mode air conditioner. Thirteen Suspension System (ECSS). Takes
to easily see the instrument panel.
strategically-located vents direct the bounce out of the ride on rough
cool air to the operator, keeping ground surfaces. Provides greater
him productive on the hottest days. comfort and confidence for the
● There’s nothing more refreshing operator as well as increased travel
than a cold drink on a hot day. The speed and steering stability, while
cool box located behind the seat will improving the material retention in
help keep your lunch and beverage the bucket. A switch in the operator’s
cool. That’s something to look compartment initiates the electrical
forward to at lunch or break-time. circuit that actuates solenoid selec-
tor valves for the boom cylinders
● Make the time go faster with an
as well as pressure switches for
auto-tuning AM/FM cassette radio.
the accumulators. This allows the
Includes a digital clock and access
accumulators to absorb the
to a weather station. Removable
shocks during roading.
control head minimizes vandalism.

4 5
 NEW KOMATSU Komatsu designed axles and
Transmission FOUR-SPEED TRANSMISSION
REPLACES THREE-SPEED
final drives for rugged reliability
TRANSMISSION and low maintenance.
Provides maximum forward speed
Komatsu integrated The WA120-3 Wheel Loader is designed to effectively match the engine, Axle shafts are semi-floating, the
in fourth gear of up to 22.1 mph
design means compo- four-speed transmission, torque proportioning differentials, axles, and brakes front axle housing is fixed. The rear
35.6 km/h and 22.4 mph 36.1 km/h
to the most severe applications. axle housing is a center-pin support
nents are matched in reverse. The countershaft trans-
design that provides a total oscillation
to provide most KOMATSU EMISSIONIZED Other engine features include: mission is full power shift and
S4D102E-1 DIESEL ENGINE of up to 24 degrees.
efficient use of power ● Automatic electric cold-weather soft-shift.
Four-cycle, water-cooled, turbo- The differential reduction gear is
whether you’re working starting system. This cold-weather
Other features include:
charged, four-cylinder engine that is a heavy-duty spiral bevel gear for
the face of a material starting system electrically preheats
not only fuel efficient, but meets North ● Solid state electronic shifting control
the intake manifold. Provides for strength and reliable performance.
bank or travelling with American emission requirements. that reduces wear, increases reliability,
quick starts and reduces added
a loaded bucket. and provides easy directional shifts. Rugged, inboard planetary final drives
With a piston displacement of wear of cold weather starts made
● Fingertip-shifting from forward to carry the total gear reduction of the
without this heating system.
WHEEL

239 cubic inches 3.92 liter, the drive train to the wheel which is
LOADER

reverse or from one gear to another.

Komatsu S4D102E-1 has 100 net ● Large capacity, double-wrapped mounted to the axle hub.
flywheel horsepower at 2400 rpm. ● Four forward and four reverse gears
and insulated muffler is mounted
to better match the cycle conditions. Wet disc brakes and fully
under the hood for lower engine
You get higher efficiency and better hydraulic braking system mean
noise and better operator visibility.
fuel economy. lower maintenance costs and higher
● Simple, rugged design for depend-
reliability. Wet disc brakes are fully
ability and low service requirements. Consider this valuable feature
sealed. Contaminants are kept out,
WA120-3

● Gull-wing doors use pneumatic for added productivity. Kick-down

reducing wear and resulting mainte-
cylinders to allow easy access to the switch automatically downshifts with
nance. Brakes require no adjustments
engine and radiator for routine the touch of a finger from second to
for wear, meaning even lower mainte-
maintenance. first when beginning the digging cycle.
nance. The new parking brake is also
Automatically upshifts from first to
● Spin-on filters and easily accessible adjustment-free, wet multi-disc for
B second when direction control lever
lubrication points mean reduced high reliability and long life.
is placed in reverse. The result is
maintenance time and less chance
increased rim pull for better bucket Added reliability is designed into
of missing these important
penetration and reduced cycle times the braking system by the use of
maintenance items.
for higher productivity. two independent hydraulic circuits.
● Sealed wet disc service brakes. Provides hydraulic back-up in case
Resistant to contaminates even when Four-wheel drive with torque
one of the circuits fail.
working in hostile environments. proportioning differ-
entials for reduced Full hydraulic brakes mean no air
● Maintenance-free parking brake is
slippage and longer tire system to bleed, or the condensation
located in the transmission case and
life. This improves the of water in the system that can lead
is a wet multi-disc brake.
ability of the WA120-3 to to contamination and corrosion.
maneuver in unstable conditions
compared to a similar machine
equipped with conventional
C A differentials.

A) planetary reduction
B) wet, enclosed brakes
C) torque proportioning differential

6 7
 WA120-3 Wheel Loader

ENGINE STEERING SYSTEM

Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Komatsu S4D102E-1 Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full-hydraulic power steering

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Water-cooled, 4-cycle independent of engine rpm.
SERVICING WITH A SMILE Aspiration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turbocharged Steering angle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40° each direction
No. of cylinders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Minimum turning radius at
It would be better if most of us approached routine maintenance and service as Bore x stroke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0" x 4.7" 102 mm x 120 mm the center of outside tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14'8" 4470 mm
something that made us smile. That’s why Komatsu designed the WA120-3 Wheel Piston displacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 in3 3.92 ltr
Governor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mechanical, all-speed control
Loader to make servicing as easy as possible. We know by doing this, routine
Horsepower Rating @ 2400 rpm (SAE J1349) BUCKET CONTROLS
maintenance and servicing are less likely to be skipped, which can mean a reduc- Gross power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 hp 70 kW
Net power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 hp 67 kW Control positions
tion in costly downtime later on. Here are some of the many service features
Meets 1997 EPA emissions regulations Boom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raise, hold, lower, and float
found on the WA120-3.
Fuel system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Direct injection Bucket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rollback, hold, and dump
Lubrication system
● Large gull-wing service doors ● Batteries are located in the Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gear pump, force-lubrication
Komatsu design provide easy access to the engine counterweight for ground- Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full-flow HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
Air cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dry with double elements and
means more compartment. level access.
dust evacuator, plus dust indicator
Capacity (discharge flow) @ engine rated rpm

value ● Ground Level Greasing—all grease ● Sealed Loader Linkage Pins—

WHEEL

Loader Pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.4 gal/min 115 ltr/min

LOADER

Steering Pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.4 gal/min 115 ltr/min

points are easily reached from designed to keep grease contained (Gear Pumps)
TRANSMISSION
ground level and grease banks are longer and prevent the entrance of Relief valve setting
Torque converter . . . . . . . 3-element, single-stage, single-phase
provided in some areas to reduce dust, thereby lengthening greasing Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full power shift, countershaft, Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 psi 210 kg/cm2
maintenance time. intervals. electrically shifted Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,700 psi 190 kg/cm2
Travel
Speed* Forward Reverse Control valve

1st 4.5 mph 7.2 km/h 4.7 mph 7.6 km/h 2-spool open center
WA120-3

2nd 7.5 mph 12.1 km/h 7.8 mph 12.6 km/h Hydraulic Number of
3rd 13.6 mph 21.9 km/h 14.1 mph 22.7 km/h cylinders cylinders Bore Stroke
4th 22.1 mph 35.6 km/h 22.4 mph 36.1 km/h
*Measured with 17.5/25-12PR (L2) tires Boom 2 3.9" 100 mm 23.9" 606 mm
Bucket 1 4.3" 120 mm 16.7" 423 mm
Steering 2 2.4" 60 mm 13.4" 340 mm
AXLES AND FINAL DRIVES Hydraulic cycle time (rated load in bucket) = 8.8 sec
Raise…5.2 sec/Dump…1.1 sec/Lower (empty)…2.5 sec
Drive system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-wheel drive
Front. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fixed, semi-floating
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center-pin support, semi-floating
SERVICE REFILL CAPACITIES
24° total oscillation
Reduction gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiral bevel gear Cooling system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8 gal 18 ltr
Differential gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Torque proportioning Fuel tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.1 gal 133 ltr
Final reduction gear . . . . . . . . . . Planetary gear, single reduction Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.8 gal 10.5 ltr
Hydraulic system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.8 gal 41 ltr
Axle (each front and rear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7 gal 14 ltr
BRAKES Torque converter and transmission . . . . . . . . . . 6.2 gal 23.5 ltr

Service brakes: Hydraulically-actuated, wet disc brakes

actuate on four wheels.
Parking brake: Wet multiple-disc brake on transmission
output shaft.

8 9
 WA120-3 Wheel Loader
DIMENSIONS

Tires 17.5/25
Tread 5'10" 1780 mm BUCKET SELECTION GUIDE STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Width over tires 7'4" 2225 mm WA120-3 ● Alternator, 50A

A Wheelbase 8'6" 2600 mm m3 yd3 ● Back-up alarm
● Back-up lamp
B Hinge pin height, maximum height 11'5" 3475 mm ● Batteries, 2x12V/110 Ah
Dumping Clearance

WA120-3

● Bucket positioner, automatic

B

C Hinge pin height, carry position 1'2" 355 mm 2.25 yd3 1.72 m3

G
F
1.72 2.25 Loose Material ● Counterweight, standard
D Ground clearance 1'5" 425 mm Bucket
● Differentials, torque proportioning
E Hitch height 2'8" 805 mm ● Engine, Komatsu S4D102E-1

90
E
C

10

%
10
●
D

0%
Engine shut-off system, electric

Bu
5%
Bucket Size
F Overall height, top of the stack 9'10" 2995 mm

Bu

ck
Reach A
● Fenders, full front, partial rear

Bu

et
ck
1.53 2.00

F il
ck

et
G Overall height, ROPS cab 10'2" 3100 mm ● Floor mat

l
et

Fil
Fil

l
● Horn, electric

l
1.85 yd3 1.41 m3
GP Bucket
● Lights
Static tipping load and operating weight —Stop and tail
General Purpose with General purpose with 1.34 1.75
shown include 17.5/25-12 ply L2 tires addi- 1.7 yd3 1.3 m3
—Turn signal (2 front, 2 rear)
Bucket Bolt-on Cutting Edge Bolt-on Teeth
tional CWT, lubricant, coolant, fuel tank, GP w/Teeth —Working (2 front, 2 rear, 2 in cab)
Bucket Capacity SAE Rated 1.85 yd3 1.4 m3 1.7 yd3 1.3 m3 ROPS cab, and operator. Machine stability ● Mono lever loader control
Struck 1.58 yd3 1.2 m3 1.3 yd3 1.0 m3
and operating weight are affected by ● Radiator mask, hinged
counterweight, tire size, and other attach- 1.15 1.50 ● Rearview mirror
Bucket Width 7'10" 2390 mm 7'10" 2390 mm ments. Apply the following weight changes lb/yd3 2000 2500 3000 3500 ● ROPS cab
to the operating weight and tipping load.
Bucket Weight 1,320 lb 600 kg 1,210 lb 550 kg kg/m3 900 1200 1500 1800 ● Seat belt, 3"
* This guide, representing bucket sizes not necessarily manufactured by ● Seat, cloth, suspension, reclining with armrests and headrest
Static Tipping Load Straight 15,430 lb 6998 kg 15,550 lb 7052 kg
Komatsu, will help you select the proper bucket size for material density, ● Service brakes, wet disc
WHEEL

40° full turn 13,420 lb 6086 kg 13,540 lb 6141 kg loader configuration, and operating conditions. Optimum bucket size is ● Speedometer (mph)
LOADER

determined after adding or subtracting all tipping load changes due to

Dumping Clearance, optional equipment. The 90% bucket fill line on this guide is recommended
● Starting aid, intake manifold preheater
maximum height and 45° when operating in conditions such as soft ground and unlevel surfaces. ● Starting motor, 24V/4.5 kW
dump angle 8'11" 2725 mm 8'9" 2665 mm The 105% bucket fill condition on this guide is sometimes utilized when ● Sun visor
operating on firm ground and level surfaces. ● Tires (17.5/25-12PR (L2) tubeless) and rims
Reach at 7' 2130 mm ● Transmission (4F, 4R)
cut edge clearance Material (loose weight) lb/yd3 kg/m3 ● Transmission control, electric
and 45° dump angle 4'6" 1365 mm 4'7" 1385 mm ● Two-spool valve for boom and bucket controls
Caliche 2,100 1250
Reach at maximum height Cinders 1,000 590
● Vandalism protection kit
and 45° dump angle 3'2" 955 mm 3'4" 1005 mm ● Wiper/washer, front and rear
WA120-3

Clay and gravel, dry 2,400 1420

Reach with arm hori- Clay and gravel, wet 2,600 1540
zontal and bucket level 6'6" 1985 mm 6'9" 2060 mm
Clay, dry 2,500 1480
Operating Height Fully raised 15'0" 4570 mm 15'0" 4570 mm Clay, natural bed 2,800 1660 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Overall Length Bucket ground 19'6" 5950 mm 19'9" 6030 mm Clay, wet 2,800 1660 ● Air conditioner with heater and defroster
Bucket at carry 19'8" 6000 mm 19'6" 5955 mm Coal, anthracite, broken 1,850 1100 ● Auxiliary steering
Coal, bituminous, broken 1,400 830 ● Boom kickout, automatic
Turning Radius* 16'11" 5170 mm 17'0" 5182 mm
● Brand preference, Goodyear
Earth, dry, packed 2,550 1510
Digging Depth 0° 2.2" 55 mm 2.4" 60 mm ● Bucket, 2.25 yd3 loose material
Earth, loam 2,100 1250 ● Bucket teeth (Esco bolt-on)
10° 8.3" 210 mm 9.1" 230 mm
Earth, wet, excavated 2,700 1600 ● Counterweight, additional, 594 lb
Breakout Force Granite, broken or large crushed 2,800 1660 ● Cutting edge, bolt-on, reversible
(Bucket Cylinder) 16,280 lb 7383 kg 17,777 lb 8062 kg
Gravel, dry 2,550 1510 ● ECSS (Electronically Controlled Suspension System)
Operating Weight 18,110 lb 8213 kg 17,990 lb 8159 kg ● Fenders, rear full
Gravel, dry 1/2" to 2" 13 to 50 mm 2,850 1690
● Heater and defroster
Gravel, pit run graveled sand 3,250 1930 ● Hydraulic adapter kit, includes valve, lever, and piping
Gravel, wet 1/2" to 2" 13 to 50 mm 3,400 2020 ● JRB Hydraulic quick coupler
Weight Changes Gypsum, crushed 2,700 1600 ● JRB 48" construction forks for use with coupler
Limestone, broken or crushed 2,600 1540 ● JRB 1.75 yd3 general purpose bucket for use with coupler
Change in Tipping Load
Change in ● Mud guard, front fenders
Magnetite, iron ore 4,700 2790
Operating Weight Straight Full Turn ● Radio, AM/FM with stereo cassette
Phosphate rock 2,160 1280 ● ROPS canopy
Install ROPS Canopy 400 lb 180 kg –400 lb –180 kg –375 lb –170 kg –330 lb –150 kg
Pyrite, iron ore 4,350 2580 ● Third valve, lever, piping
Deduct Additional Counterweight –620 lb –280 kg –1,170 lb –530 kg –1,010 lb –460 kg
Sand and gravel, dry 2,900 1720 ● Tires (bias ply)
• All dimensions, weights, and performance values based on SAE J732c and J742b standards. Sand and gravel, wet 3,400 2020 —15.5/25-12PR (L2)
* Turning radius measured with bucket at carry position, outside corner of bucket. —15.5/25-12PR (L3)
Sand, dry 2,400 1420
—17.5/25-12PR (L2)
Sand, wet 3,100 1840 —17.5/25-12PR (L3)
Sandstone, broken 2,550 1510 ● Tires (radial ply)
Shale 2,100 1250 —15.5/R25 XTLAT (L2) Michelin
Slag, broken 2,950 1750 —15.5/R25 XHAT (L3) Michelin
—17.5/R25 XTLAT (L2) Michelin
Stone, crushed 2,700 1600
—17.5/R25 XHAT (L3) Michelin
Topsoil 1,600 950 ● Tool kit
10 11
 Count on Komatsu and your Finance Through its
local distributor for the support finance company, Komatsu
can offer you a wide variety of
you deserve. Our success
financing alternatives designed
depends on satisfying your need Remanufactured
to meet your needs. Programs
parts Save money and
for productive equipment and include municipal leases for gov-
still have the same warranty as new
supporting that equipment. ernmental agencies, conditional sales
parts at a fraction of the cost with
contracts, and leases with $1 purchase
That’s why we have one of the like-new remanufactured parts.
options for customers interested in own-
largest and strongest heavy- ing their equipment. Ask your distributor Maintenance Take advan-
equipment distributor organ- about Komatsu leasing. We offer finance and tage of the experience we have
izations in North America. Their operating leases and the unique Advantage gained and ask your distributor about
Lease which offers you predetermined pur- our factory-supported programs including:
personnel are not only trained
chase, return, and renewal options. regular scheduled maintenance, oil and wear
to help you select the equipment analysis, diagnostic inspections, undercarriage
that is best-matched for your Parts Three computer-linked parts inspections, training, special service tools,
distribution centers provide fast access
business but to support to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Most
parts programs, and even a special software
program to help your distributor keep track
that equipment. parts are available overnight. Plus, Komatsu
of and manage service-related data.
distributors keep a large assortment of
commonly used parts in stock for
immediate access.

AESS445-00 Printed in USA SN-4/98(15M) 6/98 (EV-1)

Komatsu America International Company

440 N. Fairway Dr., Vernon Hills, IL 60061

www.KomatsuAmerica.com Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice

is a trademark of Komatsu Ltd. Japan