About · Komatsu WA470Overview
The Komatsu WA470 is a large articulated wheel loader in the 23-tonne operating-weight class, producing 272 hp and carrying a 4.2 m³ bucket. It occupies the upper-medium segment of the wheel-loader market, positioned above compact utility loaders and below the heaviest mining-class machines. The combination of power output and bucket volume makes it suited to high-throughput bulk-handling cycles where productivity per hour is a primary purchasing criterion.
Typical applicationsWhere this machine is used
Wheel loaders in this class are commonly deployed in quarrying, aggregate handling, port and bulk-terminal operations, large-scale construction earthworks, and industrial material handling. The 4.2 m³ bucket capacity supports efficient truck-loading cycles and stockpile management across a range of bulk densities. Secondary applications include road-base spreading, land-clearing support, and intermodal yard operations where a machine of this weight and reach provides sufficient breakout force without requiring tracked equipment.
Used-market inspectionWhat to check before buying
Inspection of a used WA470 or any machine in this class should begin with a full service-history review, confirming that scheduled filter, fluid, and drivetrain service intervals have been observed and documented. Articulation joints, steering cylinders, and the centre hitch pin are high-wear points on articulated wheel loaders and warrant careful physical inspection for play and seal condition. The torque-converter transmission should be tested through all ranges under load, with attention to shift quality and any slippage. Bucket, cutting edges, and linkage pins should be measured for wear, as replacement of these components represents a predictable near-term cost on high-hour machines. Tyre condition deserves particular attention given the significant replacement cost in this weight class. A fluid sample analysis covering engine oil, hydraulic oil, and transmission oil provides objective data on internal wear rates and is strongly recommended before purchase.
Current marketPrice position
The WA470 is regularly cross-shopped against the Caterpillar 966 and the Hyundai HL770, all three occupying broadly the same operating-weight and power band. Against the Caterpillar 966, the WA470 is comparable in bucket capacity and power, and buyer preference often reflects fleet standardisation, dealer network strength, and parts availability in a given region rather than outright specification differences. The Hyundai HL770 competes on a similar footprint and is typically evaluated alongside the WA470 where cost-of-ownership over a contract term is the deciding factor. Within any of these models, the attributes that move a unit within its price band are accumulated service hours, maintenance history and service documentation, configuration choices such as high-lift linkage or ride-control systems, the presence or absence of attachments including forks or bulk buckets, tyre condition and remaining life, and overall structural and hydraulic condition.