Komatsu is expanding its next generation -12 excavator lineup with the PC158USLC-12 and PC158USLCi-12 tight tail-swing models.
Making their debut later this year, the two compact machines are designed for efficiency and an enhanced operator environment.
These excavators build on the legacy of Komatsu’s midsize PC138USLC-11, and the PC158USLCi-12 will be Komatsu’s first tight-tail excavator with IMC 3.0, the latest factory-integrated machine control.
“What we heard consistently from operators, fleet managers and business owners was the need for a tight tail swing excavator that delivers advanced automation without adding complexity for the operator,” said Matt Moen, Product Manager, Excavators, Komatsu.
“The PC158USLCi-12 was developed to help operators stay in control of the work while benefiting from sophisticated IMC 3.0 features that are easy for operators to use. This machine is designed to help drive accuracy, efficiency and productivity on the jobsite.”
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The PC158USLC-12 and PC158USLCi-12 are designed for the North American market, with an emphasis on enhancing productivity, increasing lift capacity and improving hydraulic attachment flow while reducing fuel consumption.
Built to work on space-constrained jobsites, such as urban construction, utilities and roadwork, the new -12 machines help operators work more confidently while maintaining control over grade, boundary restrictions and attachment performance.
“Canadian contractors have been asking for the advanced technologies found in larger excavators to be integrated into smaller machines suited for tight, urban job sites,” said Chris Stocco, Director, Product Management at SMS Equipment.
“The Komatsu and PC158USLC-12 and PC158USLCi-12 deliver, combining automated workflows, enhanced safety and improved operator efficiency without compromising access or versatility.”
Komatsu’s IMC 3.0
IMC 3.0 introduces several advanced features new to the size class to enhance productivity, working accuracy and jobsite safety.
Additional IMC 3.0 features include in-field design, simple measurements attachment calibration, auto swing and an enhanced payload monitoring system for the PC158USLCi-12.
Both excavators include a new electric hydraulic control system that improves operability by providing the ability to customize work equipment speeds, joystick response and combined operation balance to meet the preferences of each operator.
As well, a newly-designed, wide-profile cab improves visibility and provides a more spacious, comfortable working environment. The cab features a new multi-function seat, EPC joysticks and a 20-cm touchscreen monitor to maximize operator comfort during long working shifts.
The Komvision 360-degree monitoring system, with human and object detection, can increase operator awareness and mitigate the risk of accidental collision during operation with auto-stop control.
The excavators also include 2D machine control, 2D boundary control, a bucket payload monitoring system and joystick travel as standard features.
PC158USLCi-12 features
The PC158USLCi-12 includes several exclusive key features. In the cab, a high-definition 25.6-cm ICT monitor enables intuitive, user-friendly operation.
The PC158USLCi-12 also includes 3D machine control that semi-autonomously guides movements in real time, enabling precise excavation across complex terrains. Komatsu’s 3D boundary control allows the operator to set multiple work-restriction surfaces with specific boundaries. Once defined, these settings remain unchanged even when the machine travels and changes elevation, making it able to compensate for location and elevation changes on the jobsite.
Swing-to-line and travel-along-line functions work in tandem to improve productivity while reducing error to maximize efficiency in applications such as trenching.
The PC158USLCi-12 brings together significant key excavator specification improvements, a redesigned cab and Komatsu’s proprietary IMC 3.0 technology to offer a comprehensive solution for contractors working in confined areas.
The PC158USLC-12 and PC158USLCi-12 excavators are scheduled to launch later in 2026. Additional details, including availability and full specifications, will be released closer to the launch.
