Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 – Which one is better? The 78 and 88 are two very similar wheeled loaders capable of performing significant work on construction sites. If you do not know what wheeled loaders are, a wheeled loader is basically a big jacked up pickup truck designed to carry around a bucket. These two models are probably two of the best rated machines by their users, whether they are pros or amateurs.Which one is better?
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 |Dipper
Dipper
The dipper arm is the most important part of an excavator because it carries the bucket. The PC78 and PC88 have a dipper length of 1.85m.
These dimensions are the same.
Bucket
The standard bucket size for these models is 0.17 m3, which is ideal for digging holes for fence posts or planting trees. For transferring gravel or loading sand, you might want to consider a bigger bucket like 0.29 m3.
Blade
The blade on a conventional excavator can be used to maintain balance during operation as well as level ground during grading or backfilling jobs. The Komatsu PC78 and PC88 have a blade width of 1,550mm, which is the same for both machines.
Counterweight
The counterweight allows the machine to be stable and to lift heavy loads. A good counterweight should not be too heavy because this will increase fuel consumption and put extra stress on the engine and mechanical components. The counterweight of Komatsu PC78 has a weight of 3,230kg while that of Komatsu PC88 has 4,280 kg; which means that this machine has an advantage over its counterpart in terms of stability when lifting heavy loads.
| Komatsu PC78 | Komatsu PC88 | |
| Dipper Length – Minimumft/in | 7 ft 4 in | |
| Dipper Length – Maximumft/in | 6 ft 11 in |
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 |Driveline
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88. Komatsu PC78-6. The Komatsu PC78US-6 is equipped with a 3.8 liter engine, which produces less emissions and fuel consumption than the previous model. The new engine has a power output of 65 horsepower and draws in more air for better combustion to allow for a smoother running engine.
Komatsu PC88-8. With its increased productivity, the Komatsu PC88MR-8 is perfect for general construction, demolition and earthmoving applications. This machine is powered by an Isuzu turbocharged diesel engine rated at 67 horsepower and meets EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards.
differences that could make one a better choice for your project than the other.
| Komatsu PC78 | Komatsu PC88 | |
| Emission Rating | Tier 4 | Tier 4 |
| Engine Manufacturer | Komatsu | Komatsu |
| Number Of Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
| Displacement Inches³ | 149.5 | 149.5 |
| Engine Output – Net hp | 67.9 | 67.9 |
| Track Shoe Width inches | 18 | 18 |
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 |Dimensions
The Komatsu PC78MR-6 is a compact track excavator that is the perfect balance between power and size. This machine can work easily in tight spaces, but still has the strength to get the job done. The PC 78 has a slightly smaller operating weight than the PC 88 (21,196 lbs to 23,377 lbs), but its fuel tank is slightly smaller as well. The PC78 also has a lower maximum operating pressure of 3,349 psi compared to the 3,937 psi for the PC 88.
Since these machines are so similar and are frequently compared with each other, here is a breakdown of their specifications to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next mini excavator.
| Komatsu PC78 | Komatsu PC88 | |
| Transport Height – Maximum ft/in | 9 ft 8 in | 9 ft 8 in |
| Transport Height – Over Boom ft/in | 9 ft 8 in | |
| Overall Undercarriage Length ft/in | 9 ft 6 in | 9 ft 6 in |
| Zero Tailswing | Yes | NO |
| Dozer Blade | Standard | Standard |
| Width over fixed tracks | 7 ft 8 in | 7 ft 8 in |
| Track Gauge ft/in | 6 ft 2 in | 6 ft 2 in |
| Dig depth-2.24m/8ft flat bottom ft/in | 14 ft 4 in | 13 ft 9 in |
| Front Slew Radius – Mono Boom ft/in | 6 ft 9 in | 6 ft 9 in |
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 |Capacities
Comparing PC78 and PC88, both of them come with a wide variety of capacities and bucket sizes. For instance, the PC78 comes in a maximum operating weight of anywhere between 16,100 lb. to 17,200 lb. These weights are dependent on whether you use rubber tracks or steel tracks for the excavator.
The PC78 also has a maximum digging depth of anywhere between 160 inches and 190 inches, depending on your choice of bucket size and capacity. The PC88 has a maximum digging depth of anywhere from 175 inches to 205 inches.
| Komatsu PC78 | Komatsu PC88 | |
| Fuel Tank gallons (US) | 33 | 33 |
| Hydraulic Tank gallons (US) | 14.8 | 14.8 |
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 |Performance
Both PC78 and PC88 are small excavators in the 7 to 10 metric ton range. The Komatsu PC88 is a few years older than the PC78, but they both have been manufactured for a while, so they’re both well-established in the market at this point. You can buy either of these machines used or new today, depending on your preferences.
The main difference between the two machines is their size and fuel efficiency. The Komatsu PC88 is larger than the Komatsu PC78, but it also uses more fuel per hour of operation.
Komatsu has manufactured many different sizes of excavators over the years, but this article will focus on these two because they’re comparable in size.
The Komatsu PC88 is a hydraulic excavator with a Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine that runs at 123 horsepower. This machine has an operating weight of 21,650 pounds and a dig depth of 15 feet, 4 inches. It has a travel speed of 2 miles per hour and an arm digging force of 17,463 pounds. It also has an arm crowd force of 14,752 pounds.
| Komatsu PC78 | Komatsu PC78 | |
| Ground Bearing Pressure PSI | 5.2 | 5.44 |
| Swing Speed rpm | 10 | 10 |
| Tractive Force lbf | 15309 | 15040 |
| Dipper Tearout lbf | 7756 | 8161 |
| Bucket Breakout lbf | 13781 | 13781 |
| Lift – Quoted With Bucket? | Yes | Yes |
| Total Flow gallons (US) / min | 40.1 | 40.1 |
Komatsu PC78 VS PC88 |Weights
Weights
PC78 has an operating weight of 19,840 lb (8,990 kg) to 22,580 lb (10,240 kg), while the PC88 has an operating weight of 24,420 lb (11,070 kg) to 27,500 lb (12,470 kg).
Horsepower and Torque
The PC78 has a net horsepower of 50.5 hp (37.7 kW) and a bucket digging force of 11,490 lbf (50.98 kN), while the PC88 has a net horsepower of 66 hp (49 kW) and a bucket digging force of 14,520 lbf (64.4 kN).
| Komatsu PC78 | Komatsu PC88 | |
| Operating Weight | 17483 | 19224 |
| Counterweight | 1775 | 7826 |
Chose Komatsu PC78 or PC88 Which one is better?
With a net power of 52 hp, the Komatsu PC78UU-6 has an engine that produces less horsepower than the Komatsu PC88MR-10, which is rated at 68 hp.
The Komatsu PC78UU-6 has an operating weight of 17,502 lbs. This unit has an operating weight that is 6,588 lbs more than the Komatsu PC88MR-10.
The dimensions of the Komatsu PC78UU-6 are 5’4″ x 10’5″ x 9’8″. This unit has dimensions that are 6″ shorter in length, 1’8″ less in width and 9″ less in height than the Komatsu PC88MR-10.
Depending on various factors like the condition of the model and the mileage of a particular unit, the average price of a pre-owned excavator ranges from $30,000 to $40,000. If you want to save money on your purchase, you should buy a used model instead of a new one as it will cost you about 20% less than its brand new counterpart.