Komatsu’s new PC365LC-11 Excavator Features Electric Swing System with Boom-up Power Assist

The dedicated electric swing motor improves swing speeds and operational efficiency, reducing cycle times in multifunction applications delivering up to a 15-percent increase in productivity, compared to previous models.
Dec. 23, 2025
4 min read

Komatsu introduces the new PC365LC-11 multifunction plus excavator to the North American market. It features a refreshed exterior design, an enhanced operator cab, and several new standard and optional features built and optimized for the North American construction market.

The PC365LC-11 is the only excavator in its class featuring an innovative electric swing system with  “boom-up” power assist. The dedicated electric swing motor improves swing speeds and operational efficiency, reducing cycle times in multifunction applications delivering up to a 15-percent increase in productivity, compared to previous models. The ultracapacitor stores an additional 70 electric horsepower for acceleration when the engine is in ultra-low idle for instantaneous power to the work equipment on demand.

The ultra-low idle state reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%, extending runtimes and lowering total cost of ownership. All electrical energy used in this system is 

generated during normal operation and stored in the ultracapacitor — no external charging needed. Without the need for hydraulic power for swing operations, this power is fully available for the boom, arm and bucket cylinders. Optimizing hydraulic flow further reduces digging cycle times and reduces work equipment lag, enabling smoother operation in multi-function applications. These features also make the PC365LC-11 significantly quieter.

Compared to the previous model, this workhorse brings new features and enhancements across three key areas: operator experience, technology and attachment flexibility:

·       Greater operator comfort for long shifts: A new premium heated air-suspension operator seat features a high leather back, improved cushioning and multiple adjustments. New proportional joysticks offer an intuitive, ergonomic feel that’s easy to use, helping reduce operator fatigue and wrist stress.

·       Technology that gets the job done: The KomVision camera system comes as standard** and provides a real-time bird’s-eye view of the machine and its surroundings to help improve situational awareness that drives Komatsu’s mission of zero harm. An optional Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit can be factory-installed. This system provides operators in the field and managers in the office access to 3D design and topography data that help drive work accuracy, control load volumes and promote optimized operations.

·       Efficient, fast and versatile attachment operation: The tool control system is standard for machine configurations with an additional hydraulic piping line, which allows operators to configure and store flow rates/target pressures for multiple attachments. Attachment information is displayed on the in-cab monitor interface. This system improves efficiency, precision and performance by enabling quick switching between attachments with accurate, preconfigured hydraulic settings tailored to each tool. Optional hydraulic quick coupler piping can be factory-installed for quick, easy attachment of tools, such as the Lehnhoff quick coupler system. 

For added peace of mind, this machine’s electric powertrain components are covered by a 7-year/15,000-hour transferable warranty. 

“The PC365LC-11 was engineered for excellence in multifunction applications by leveraging its innovative electric powertrain system to boost jobsite productivity while reducing fuel consumption,” says Matthew Moen, Product Manager. “To highlight these performance enhancements, we’re emphasizing the concept of ‘multifunction plus’ as the defining feature of this machine.”

 

About the Author

Michael Roth

Editor

Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.