Komatsu Introduces New WA700-8 Wheel Loader, Enrages Last Dragon of Old Quarry Road

Gragathor sleeping on his granite treasures

Komatsu has officially unveiled its new WA700-8 wheel loader, touting enhanced power, efficiency, and operator comfort. But not everyone is celebrating this milestone in quarrying innovation—particularly the last remaining dragon of Texas Quarry.

The ancient, soot-covered beast, known locally as Gragathor the Gravel Hoarder, has reportedly expressed his displeasure at the machine’s ability to outperform even his fabled strength and fiery temper. For centuries, Gragathor has served as the unofficial overseer of the quarry, jealously guarding its limestone riches and enforcing an archaic "one shovelful at a time" policy.

“This... monstrosity?” bellowed the dragon in an exclusive statement to the Hard Hat Herald. “It’s an insult! Eight percent more power? Fifteen percent more torque? Do they think my claws were forged for nothing? I’ve been the king of aggregate for 800 years!”

A Loader Worthy of the Legend

WA700-8 Wheel Loader by Komatsu

The WA700-8, a four-pass match for Komatsu’s HD605-10 haul truck, offers substantial improvements over its predecessor, the WA700-3. It boasts up to 8% more gross power, a 6% increase in lifting force, and a cabin so advanced it’s practically a luxury condo on wheels. The enhanced operator comfort—complete with joystick steering and automation systems—has particularly infuriated Gragathor, who still relies on centuries-old brute force and bad posture and goat stealing to survive.

“Oh, sure,” the dragon sneered. “Joysticks. Cameras. Semi-automatic dumping systems. Where’s the pride in labor? Where’s the roar of conquest? Next thing you know, they’ll add cupholders.” (Editor’s note: The WA700-8 does, in fact, include cupholders.)

Gragathor’s Losing Grip

Local Texas quarry workers, long accustomed to Gragathor’s unpredictable supervision methods—ranging from fiery roars to the occasional dramatic boulder toss—are cautiously optimistic about the change.

“Don’t get me wrong, he’s a legend,” said foreman Rick Tolliver. “But productivity’s been down ever since he started taking midday naps in the gravel pits. The WA700-8 doesn’t nap.”

The new loader’s traction control system and precision automation features have made it the perfect tool for modern quarry operations, much to Gragathor’s chagrin. Its ability to handle challenging terrain with minimal slippage renders his once-feared talon-pounding technique obsolete.

Negotiations on Thin Ice

In a last-ditch effort to reclaim his throne, Gragathor has reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter to Komatsu, citing “encroachment upon dragonkind’s natural jurisdiction.” Komatsu declined to comment, though sources close to the matter suggest the company is preparing a counteroffer involving a ceremonial golden bucket attachment and free KomVision training.

Meanwhile, Gragathor has vowed to escalate his protests, threatening to barricade the quarry’s entrance with molten rock unless Komatsu agrees to tone down the WA700-8’s “ridiculous efficiency.”

As quarry operations gear up for a new era of streamlined productivity, the fate of Old Quarry Road’s most volatile resident hangs in the balance. Gragathor, however, remains defiant.

“They think this is over? I am the original wheel loader!” he roared, retreating to his cave to sharpen his talons and draft an angry Yelp review.

For more information about the WA700-8—and perhaps a glimpse of Gragathor’s fiery protests—visit www.komatsu.com.