THE PW138 MR WHEELED EXCAVATOR FROM KOMATSU IS A REAL MULTI JOB EXPERT.
We travelled to a site in Blessington Co Wicklow to see first hand the rubber duck whose bite is way bigger than its quack.
Bought by Ballywilliamroe Pipeline Ltd from McHale Plant Sales in Dublin, this little beauty just spews charisma.
The Swiss Army Knife of the Dirt World: Why the Komatsu PW138MR is Basically a Transformer
Let’s be honest: most heavy machinery has the personality of a brick. They sit there, they grunt, they move dirt, and they look like they were designed by a committee that hates fun. But then, every once in a blue moon, an excavator rolls onto the scene that makes you think, “Wait, did they just turn a construction site into a precision ballet?”
Enter the Komatsu PW138MR-11. If machines had horoscopes, this one would definitely be a Gemini,it’s smart, it’s versatile, and it’s arguably suffering from a split personality disorder (in the best way possible). It’s a wheeled excavator that’s small enough to navigate a tight alleyway but packs enough punch to make a seasoned operator weep with joy.
The “Don’t Look at Me” Tail Swing
First, let’s talk about that silhouette. The PW138MR features a “short tail” design that is practically a magic trick. With only 240mm of protrusion over its tires, you can spin this beast around in spaces that would make a regular excavator nervous. It’s like watching a linebacker take up yoga. You’re working in the middle of a narrow city street, surrounded by nervous pedestrians and parked cars? No problem. The PW138 won’t accidentally take out a mailbox or the neighbor’s prized petunias while it’s doing its job.
Four Wheels, Three Steering Modes: The Crab-Walking Wizard
If you’ve ever tried to parallel park a hatchback, you know the struggle. Now imagine doing that with a 14-tonne piece of yellow steel. Thankfully, the Komatsu team decided that regular steering is for amateurs. The PW138MR comes equipped with 4-wheel steering that offers three distinct modes.
You can steer the front wheels for normal driving, all-wheel steer for a turning circle so tight it’ll make your head spin, or, my personal favorite, the “crab steer.” Yes, the machine can literally sidestep its way across a site. It’s undeniably quirky, it’s immensely useful, and it’s guaranteed to make people stop and stare.
We asked John Sinnott from Ballywilliamroe Pipeline about his company ,the new Komatsu and dealings with McHale Plant Sales
“So the company was set up in 1997, its a family run business. All utility based work he has done projects covering all of Ireland North and south.
The Cockpit: A Five-Star Hotel (Almost)
Climb into the SpaceCab™ and you might forget you’re supposed to be working. It’s quiet, it’s spacious, and it’s got an air-suspended seat that’s probably more comfortable than your office chair at home. They’ve even moved the swing control to the joystick, clearing up legroom like they’re trying to turn the cab into a lounge. With the high-res widescreen monitor, you’re basically managing your site from a digital command center. It’s all very “high-tech, low-stress.”
Lights, Camera, Safety!
Construction sites can be dark, dangerous, and generally unfriendly places. The PW138MR fights back with a literal spotlight. Its standard LED lighting package is bright enough to make the sun jealous, meaning you can keep digging through the night without worrying about what’s lurking in the shadows.
And let’s talk eyes, specifically, the KomVision surround-view system. You get a bird’s eye view of the machine on your monitor, which effectively kills the “blind spot” anxiety that keeps most operators up at night. With extra cameras available, you’re practically seeing through walls. It’s not quite a superpower, but it’s the next best thing when you’re maneuvering heavy iron near a trench.
The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood, you’ve got a 72.6 kW / 97.3 HP EU Stage V engine. It’s the kind of engine that doesn’t just work hard; it works smart.
With six selectable working modes and Komatsu’s fuel-saving technology, it’s remarkably thrifty with diesel. It’s got enough grunt to handle heavy lifting, but it won’t guzzle fuel like a teenager at an all-you-can-eat buffet. And for the pedants in the crowd regarding those rumors about “gapless wheels”..while the PW138MR comes with robust industrial tires (often found in twin-tire configurations for that extra stability), the real beauty is in how it sticks to the road, not in some mythical solid-rubber dream.
One of the PW138MR’s unsung heroes is its specialized dual-tire configuration. By mounting the tires with a precise “gapless” profile, Komatsu effectively eliminates the notorious “rock trap” hazard. This clever, tight-fit design prevents construction site debris, jagged stones, or stray materials from wedging between the sidewalls, ensuring your tires stay protected and your productivity remains uninterrupted by pesky punctures.
Why You’ll Actually Miss It
At the end of the day, you’re looking at a machine that tries very hard to be everything at once. It’s a tool-carrier that works with a Komatsu Integrated Attachment Control system, meaning you can swap tools faster than a social media influencer changes outfits.
Is it the most rugged machine on the planet? Yes. Is it the most agile? Almost certainly. Is it the only excavator you’ll ever operate that makes you feel like you’re piloting a giant, yellow, dirt-digging Transformer? absolutely. If you’re looking to get the job done without losing your mind in a cramped, tight, or complicated workspace, the PW138MR isn’t just a choice, it’s a cheat code.
