UNDERGROUND LOAD AND HAUL
functionality also allows for Speed Brake
Interlock where the machines’ speed is
monitored and when the machine travels over a
predefined setting the operator is given a
warning to slow down; if no action is taken then
the machine speed will be automatically reduced.
A safety report showing the events raised by the
PDS is also available when OptiMine Monitoring
and Reporting is selected.
There is a larger 3.5 m 3 bucket option, rather
than the standard bucket which is 3.3 m 3 .
Another thing to remember in low profile (or
narrow reef ) mining is that due to the height
restrictions and the gradient in the tunnel
following the reef it is not possible to complete a
heaped load in the bucket. For this reason
Sandvik has designed a bucket that specifically
assists in gaining more tonnes from non-heaped
bucket filling for low height seams.
There is improved lighting with heavy duty LED
lights as standard and for improved visibility
there is an on-board camera system fitted to all
machines.
There is a side-mounted swing out cooling
package for easier cleaning and harsh conditions
where there is a lot of water:
n Easy to clean trial unit
n Tough design in severe conditions, not as
easily exposed to mud and dirty water
n No down time on cooling unit components,
motor, fan blades and hydraulic hoses
n No transmission overheating
n No additional parts used in trial period.
There is a Tier 3 engine option as Sandvik is
pushing to make available on its equipment
range lower emission engines.
In addition to the compact DUX Machinery
model DT-5N, 5 t payload, 1.42 m wide diesel
powered dump truck sold to a narrow vein copper
mine in the USA last year, DUX is planning to
introduce a very compact model DSL-300 LHD
with 3 t tramming capacity and 1.22 m³ SAE
heaped bucket capacity, which measures only
1.44 m wide. Both the DT-5N and DSL-300 models
are well suited for small deep narrow-vein mines
and construction projects. Both share a similar
platform and will be available later in electric
versions. DUX is also in the process of designing
a DT-40E electric haulage truck with 40 t payload
capacity.
ADTs
Volvo Construction Equipment’s (Volvo CE)
articulated hauler offering, which recently saw
the introduction of a the new 45 t class A45G,
now includes the latest, 55 t capacity A60H,
offering a 34% higher payload than the previous
largest A45G. It could prove a highly productive
solution underground. In situations where
loading height and turning space would not
restrict a vehicle of this size in unde rground
48 International Mining | JUNE 2017
operations, the A60H could provide for a
significantly lower cost per tonne. Despite its
size, its turning circle, at 10,014 mm, is not
significantly greater than the 8,957 mm of the
A40G/A45G.
Where there may be access issues, Volvo’s
A25G Twin Steer option can provide a good
solution. Modified to simplify long distance
reversing in tunnels, the Twin Steer features dual
controls. Rotation of the operator’s seat through
180° determines which controls are activated and
allows the operator to be always facing the
direction of operation. When the rear controls are
activated – steering, throttle and brake – long
distance reversing is easier, with speed reduced
to 13 km/h as an additional safety factor.
A rear window wiper and slats in the rear of
the dump body improve visibility when unloaded
and a side dashboard improves operator comfort.
Safety is further enhanced with a rear vision
system, comprising a camera and in-cab monitor,
four halogen lights facing the rear, extra mirrors
and an amber flashing beacon mounted in the
rear part of the machine, providing high visibility
when operating in tunnels.
No stranger to underground operation either
and increasingly an option where dimensional
limitations allow their use, is Volvo’s extensive
range of wheel loaders. Highly manoeuvrable and
adaptable they provide for fast and efficient
loading where space is restricted; a factor than
can benefit an operation’s bottom line as well as
the production rate.
Volvo wheel loaders are adept at working with
multiple attachments; one machine fitted with
the Volvo quick coupler can perform multiple
jobs, reducing the fleet needed underground.
The Volvo side-tilt bucket, for example, has
proven reliable in limited space environments
and can dramatically increase production rates
by eliminating the conventional “Y” loading
pattern.
The latest technologies include lockup
transmission converters, Volvo-patented
OptiShift technology with reverse-by-braking,
safety controls and systems, and on-board data
logging and diagnostics (with telematics
connection where capable) to assist service
planning.
As for haulers, an optional low profile cab is
available to reduce the overall working height
without impairing operator visibility, factory-
fitted fire suppression systems, cameras and
various lighting packages to increase visibility in
poor light conditions. Optional, fluorescent
highlight strips available for wheel loaders
provide an additional safety feature.
A variety of guarding packages can be applied
to the cab, windows, radiator/rear, hydraulics
and driveline to customise protection to specific
needs; the majority are bolt-on/bolt-off
assemblies designed to fit the machine, allowing
smoother replacement.
All cabs are ROPS/FOPS certified; brakes and
other primary systems meet or exceed
international standards. Filtration solutions are
available to mitigate dusty environments, both
for engine air intake and for cab protection and
treatment packages can be applied to address
corrosive or high/low temperature environments,
increasing reliability and uptime.
The latest Volvo L260H and L350H are
particularly suited to underground production at
the face, as the Volvo Z-bar linkage generates
tremendous breakout forces at ground level,
allowing the bucket to be completely filled with
minimal raising of the boom.
With ventilation an important consideration,
Volvo’s latest, highly fuel efficient, Stage IV/Tier
4 final emissions technology offers cleaner burning
engines and minimal exhaust emissions. In Canada,
for example, the latest A25G/A30G haulers are
CANMET registered for underground use.
Volvo CE is also actively engaged in
investigating future solutions. Participation at the
Swedish Mining Initiative (SMI) in Toronto in April
this year serves as just the most recent example
of keeping in touch with developments and
customer needs. Organised by Business Sweden,
exchanges around best mining practices and the
future of the mining industry provided an
opportunity for Volvo CE’s former Vice President