The Return of a Legend: Komatsu WA700-8 Finds the Sweet Spot Between Power and Precision
In the world of heavy equipment, some machines don’t just move material — they move people. They earn loyalty. They become legends.
The Komatsu WA700 is one such machine. First introduced decades ago, it quickly found its place in large-scale quarries and mines around the globe. With its perfect blend of raw power, manageable size, and operator-friendly features, it became a favorite — until it quietly disappeared from Komatsu’s production line.
Now, after years of silence, the WA700 is back — reborn as the Komatsu WA700-8. Not just a reissue, but a full evolution. With cleaner power, smarter systems, and enhanced productivity, it is positioned to dominate the modern job site once again.
Perfectly Positioned: Between WA600 and WA800
In Komatsu's large loader lineup, three names dominate the conversation:
WA600-8 – economical, versatile, and ideal for mid-size operations
WA800-8 – massive, powerful, and built for ultra-heavy mining
WA700-8 – the ideal balance between the two
Where the WA600 can feel underpowered for larger haul trucks, and the WA800 may be too large or costly for tighter sites, the WA700-8 offers a golden middle ground.
| Model | Net Horsepower | Operating Weight | Bucket Capacity | Tipping Load |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WA600-8 | 529 HP | ~56 tonnes | 6.4 – 7.8 m³ | ~36 t |
| WA700-8 | 773 HP | ~97 tonnes | 9.2 – 10.3 m³ | ~68 t |
| WA800-8 | 854 HP | ~115 tonnes | 11.5 m³ | ~75+ t |
The WA700-8 is built for fast, efficient loading of 70-100 ton trucks in as little as four passes — with better fuel economy and agility than the WA800, and more loading capacity than the WA600. For many fleet managers and mine operators, it's the “just right” loader.
WA700-8 vs WA700-3: A Giant Leap Forward
Many operators still rely on the older WA700-3, a proven machine with years of dependable service in the field. But the industry has moved forward — and Komatsu’s new WA700-8 represents a massive upgrade in every category that matters.
Here’s how the new WA700-8 compares to its legendary predecessor:
| Feature | WA700-3 | WA700-8 | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Power | 636 HP (474 kW) | 773 HP (578 kW) | +21% Power |
| Emissions Standard | Tier 2 | Stage V / Tier 4 Final | Cleaner, eco-friendly operation |
| Torque | ~2900 Nm | ~3300+ Nm | More torque at lower RPM |
| Bucket Capacity | 8.5 m³ | 9.2 – 10.3 m³ | Up to 20% more material |
| Operating Weight | ~90 tonnes | ~97 tonnes | Enhanced stability |
| Fuel Consumption | High at full load | Up to 8% more fuel-efficient | Lower running costs |
| Operator Cab | Analog, basic comfort | Modern, digital, climate control | Reduced fatigue, better visibility |
| Payload Monitoring | Manual estimation | Intelligent Load-Pilot system | More accurate and faster loading |
| Diagnostics | None | KOMTRAX telematics | Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance |
| Maintenance Access | Complex | Easier filter/service access | Shorter downtimes |
| Brake System | Standard | Oil-cooled disc brakes | Higher durability in extreme conditions |
Why the WA700-8 Matters Now
In today’s mining and construction industries, efficiency and ROI are everything. Machine owners need:
More material moved per shift
Less downtime
Lower operating costs
Smaller environmental impact
Happier, safer operators
The WA700-8 delivers all of these — with the legendary reliability Komatsu is known for.
It brings the same muscular performance of the WA700-3, but wrapped in a smarter, cleaner, and more comfortable package.
A Comeback Worth Celebrating
The return of the WA700-8 isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about filling a critical operational gap. It’s the machine you choose when the WA600 isn’t enough, but the WA800 is too much. When you want more productivity, without compromising mobility or budget.
This is a loader that fits the modern fleet — strong enough for the heavy loads, yet agile and efficient enough for tighter, faster-paced operations.
Komatsu has brought the WA700 back to life — not as a tribute to the past, but as a bold step toward the future.
If you ever ran a WA700-3, you already know the feeling: confidence, control, and power at your fingertips.
Now imagine that — but upgraded in every way.
WA700-8. The legend continues.