Komatsu apprentices restore classic D10S-1

Komatsu apprentices from the Wacol branch in Brisbane undertake many projects, but a very special one has connected them to the Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer’s culture and heritage - the restoration of a classic 1976 Komatsu D10S-1 track loader.

Under the technical supervision of Product Support Manager, Mark Stone, five apprentices restored the D10S-1 to as-new condition. The apprentices involved were Sam Gray (4th year), Max Battermah (3rd year), Ryan Egerton (4th year), Matthew Tafai (4th year) and Oonagh Keogh (1st year).

“Our dedicated Komatsu apprentice crew worked tirelessly for five months on this iconic little two-tonne track loader, in liaison with our skilled technical and trade specialists, as well as supplier partners,” Stone explained. “At the same time, they had to continue attending to their regular work tasks at Wacol.

“By the time we’d finished, it was back in full working order, looking as good as it had done when it was locally delivered as a new machine on August 19, 1976.”

Completed as part of Komatsu’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 2021, the D10S-1 that the apprentices brought back to life just happened to be the very same unit that Komatsu Australia’s Trevor Jackson, who oversaw the restoration, pre-delivered when he was a first-year apprentice at Komatsu back in 1976.

The D10S-1 is now on permanent display at the Wacol Innovation Hub.

Other people and organisations who provided invaluable assistance with the restoration project include:

Fabrication repairs: Adam Burns, Garry Rayner, Nick Egan

Hosing: Nemanja Milovanovic

Paint: Jeff Wodley

Administration: Trevor Jackson, Tony Tito, Chris Martin, Jeremy McIntosh

Project Partners: Queensland Mine Maintenance, Protec, BSC Bearings, Seal Innovations, Rocklea Abrasive Blasting, Earthmoving Mobile Auto Electrical, All Vehicle Upholstery, Pirtek, Surreal Signs.