Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to attend the Komatsu BootsOn event on the east coast. Held every two years, BootsOn is Komatsu’s premier customer field day, inviting around 300 customers and ~200 Komatsu staff for an impressive, hands-on showcase of the latest equipment, innovation, and technology shaping the future of construction and mining operations.
A day on the ground
Fully kitted out in PPE, we arrived at a sprawling site with Komatsu machines laid out for operation, ranging from Dozers, compact 1.5T excavators through to 95T excavators and IT loaders up to the large WA500 Loaders.
Attendees could test drive the equipment on display, with a line-up system giving everyone a chance to jump in the cab. While we didn’t get to operate Komatsu’s new fully electric 20T excavator, it was interesting to see it up close.
A welcome presentation outlined the format for the day, followed by demonstrations and access to new GPS-enabled Komatsu survey drones used for mapping and volume calculations, Komatsu uses drones in civil construction as part of their Smart Construction initiative, which aims to modernise and streamline construction site operations using advanced technology.
Innovations and technology highlights
Komatsu continues to set benchmarks when it comes to innovation and safety. Several standout pieces of equipment and systems caught our attention:
- New Komatsu 220 Intelligent Control 3.0 Excavator: Featuring GPS integration and real-time reporting capabilities, this system allows our teams to better track load volumes, fuel consumption, and machine efficiency.
- Pedestrian and object avoidance systems: A major tick for safety-first approach, especially in mining environments.
- WA475 Loader: Improved comfort for operators paired with cutting-edge automation technology.
- Smart construction and Komtrax data: These platforms feed monthly data reports directly to our team, giving us insights into engine hours, fuel and AdBlue usage, and material moved, critical data we now use as part of our sustainability reporting.
The ability to fly a GPS drone and map an entire site for volume calculations also offers immense benefits. When planning and pricing projects, we’ll be able to draw from historical data on material moved, machine hours, and fuel usage to improve our accuracy and efficiency.
Value to Austral Construction
Komatsu is one of our key suppliers. We have a significant amount of Komatsu gear in our fleet, including:
4 loaders
16 excavators
5 HM400 Moxy’s
1 HM400 Moxy Watercart
BootsOn wasn’t just a product showcase; it was a powerful networking opportunity. We connected with hire companies, regional suppliers, and Komatsu branch managers, discussing how to streamline support and improve local stock availability, particularly in WA. These conversations are vital to ensuring quicker parts access and reducing freight delays from the east coast.
Evening networking and hospitality
Following the field day, we returned to the hotel to freshen up before heading to a smaller, more intimate networking event at a local winery. Around 50 guests, including representatives from Western Australia, gathered for an evening of great food, drinks, and informal conversations.
Looking ahead
BootsOn reaffirmed Komatsu’s ongoing commitment to innovation, safety, and customer support. With smarter machines, real-time data, and advanced systems now available, we’re well positioned to optimise our operations, improve project planning, and deliver on sustainability targets.
We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Komatsu and exploring how these new technologies can support Austral’s ongoing growth.
