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MINEXPO PREVIEW II
conditions. These unique low-profile motor
grader models have been designed paying
attention to high performance and low operating
costs.
The Veekmas FG 5 C with height of 1,990 mm,
maximum outer turning radius of 4,900 mm with
a front blade, total weight of 8,400 kg, and
Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA engine (90 kW) as
well as the FG 7 C with height of 2,460 mm,
maximum outer turning radius of 4,950 mm with
a front blade, total weight of 9,800 kg, and
Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA engine, are the
smallest motor grader models. The FG 15 C is the
largest with height of 2,710 mm, maximum
outside turning radius of 7,100 mm, weight of
19,000 kg, and Volvo Penta TAD870VE Final IV
engine (160 kW).
There are some unique technical solutions.
The FG 15 C with bogie axle has a so called
reversed transmission system which means that
the transmission is situated transversally at the
back of the motor grader. It brings many benefits,
for example, exceptionally low cabin noise, easier
maintenance, improved weight distribution, and
more effective cooling.
All Veekmas motor graders have low
pressurised hydraulic systems with automatic
hydraulically-operated blade shock absorbers to
give increased ability to avoid the impact damage
normally associated with hard mining conditions.
The middle blade moves up to 10 cm upwards
without jumping the motor grader itself when
driven over materials too
hard to grade down to the
desired level, for example,
rocks that protrude over
the road level. When
needed, the system can be
switched off.
The ROPS and FOPS
certified canopies or cabins
offer operator safety and
comfort. There is a joysticksteering facility to be used
when operating the
machine on working gears.
Visibility from the
operator's canopy or cabin
is good in every direction.
The operator sits lower
than on traditional motor graders and sees the
job and the middle blade in every position. The
design of the main frame ensures good visibility
further forwards. The sloping design of the
engine bonnet also enables excellent visibility
backwards making reversing safer. These
features coupled with the exceptional
manoeuvrability enable the motor grader to be
readily operated whilst still maintaining its
excellent operator visibility. The technical solutions
make it easier to operate effectively in small
48 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2016
dimensional and sharply curved mine galleries.
Shortly before it exhibits at MINExpo, Matrix
Design Group has been awarded the ISO
9001:2015 Management System Certification by
Intertek Group. This is the world’s most widely
recognised standard for quality management
systems. The standard helps organisations
consistently meet the needs of customers and
other key stakeholders in both the delivery and
continuous improvement of products and
services.
Matrix is a safety and productivity technology
leader for underground mining products and
services and will be demonstrating new
enhancements to its industry-leading IntelliZone
Proximity Detection System. IntelliZone proximity
systems are used on underground mining
vehicles in North America and Africa, and will
soon be available
Australia.
Matrix says
these systems
“are designed to
be the most
production-efficient
proximity systems available in the
market and are used by the world’s leading
underground coal mining companies.”
Matrix will also be unveiling its new MineOwl
camera & light system. Building on the cutting
edge technology the industry has come to expect
from Matrix, MineOwl low-light camera systems
are available with a variety of options, and can be
viewed in Matrix’s simulated underground mine
environment.
Along with proven systems such as the METS
2.1 Mine Monitoring System for tracking,
communications and atmospheric monitoring,
Matrix will also be demonstrating Monitech
machine-mounted Methane Monitors and Laser
Light Curtains.
The big news from the Bridon-Bekaert Ropes
Group came at the end of June with the news of
the successful merger of Bridon with Bekaert’s
rope business. The new business employs some
2,500 people in 17 countries combining
unrivalled industry expertise, portfolio, scale and
global reach. New CEO Bruno Humblet said: “We
are delighted that the merger is now complete.
The new group combines Bekaert’s existing
strength in the regions of Americas and Australia
and Bridon’s strong market position in Europe
and the USA.”
The group says it is a “global technology
leader in the manufacture of wire and fibre rope
solutions for the world’s most demanding
applications.” Hoist ropes, dragline drag and
hoist, shovel hoist and rope conveyors are among
the applications.
“Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group (BBRG) will offer
a broad range of additional services, as well as
strengthened expertise to customers, building on
the proud history of both businesses in providing
quality products and services,” says Humblet.
Flexco will be addressing splicing, cleaning,
tracking, belt slippage, and material transfer
needs. Attendees can visit the Flexco booth for
hands-on, interactive experiences
with new Flexco