ADVERTORIAL
WR810 water cannon exceeds expectation comprising a 6m 3 agitator , scissor lift , fuel & lube , and delivery configurations .
UG20K and UG20M Grade control Elphinstone identified an opportunity to expand their growing range of underground support vehicles by including a haul road maintenance vehicle , based on the Caterpillar 120K and 120M surface grader platforms .
The role of the underground grader is to create safe , consistent access throughout the underground tunnel network and ensure adequate drainage . Quality haul road maintenance ensures all production , support and light vehicles can move freely in a safe and controlled manner with optimal efficiency . The added benefit is increased production equipment tyre life and speed on grade .
The Elphinstone WR810 Underground Water Cannon
Since the founder , Dale Elphinstone , started modifying Cat surface mining equipment to suit underground applications in 1975 , the Elphinstone name has been synonymous with underground mining . The company has developed and released six new underground support vehicles in the last 24 months with the first production units already operating in North America , South America , and Australia .
In 2020 , Elphinstone identified an opportunity to trial an Elphinstone WR810 Underground Water Cannon in a mine in Victoria , Australia . Exceeding expectations , the dual application machine has significantly increased the recovery of high-grade ore at the mine .
“ The trial was so successful it secured a sale for Elphinstone through William Adams and potential opportunities for future orders ” - Tim Waller , Elphinstone Regional Sales
The optional wireless controller allows the operator to position the 8m telescopic boom from a safe remote location . The operator controls the side and rear sprays for dust suppression from the cabin . Other features include a proven Caterpillar power train , all-wheel drive , oscillating hitch , heavy-duty axles and fingertip-controlled electromagnetic brake retarder for downhill haulage . The WR810 10-t nominal base platform is highly configurable with applications
Elphinstone acquired the IP for the UG20M and UG20K underground graders from Ground Force and further refined the existing platforms to ensure compliance and performance in the harsh and demanding environment . In addition to Elphinstone ’ s renowned operator safety and ergonomic features , a robust rearguard provides rear protection whilst a front counterweight balances the machine .
An optional shortened gooseneck frame and moldboard improves the operation and manoeuvrability of the machine . This adjustment increases the turning radius with the standard articulation features of the grader . The redesign of the moldboard lift cylinders and exhaust complete the conversion to a low-profile configuration .
Units are operating on the ground in Canada , Argentina , Chile , Democratic Republic of Congo , India , Mali , Mexico , Mongolia , Peru , Russia , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , and USA .
The operators were very impressed with the ergonomically designed , spacious 3-person ROPS / FOPS cabin , access to controls , ease of operation , and the lighting arrangement , reported by the customer to be “ the best they have ever seen on an underground machine ”. The machine ’ s primary purpose is to wash down valuable ore fines by reaching into the stope using a high-pressure water cannon mounted to a telescopic boom . In addition , the machine ’ s rear and side sprays are used for dust suppression and maintenance of haul roads .
The Elphinstone UG20K Underground Motor Grader
20 www . fmdrc-Zambia . com