UTILITY VEHICLES
Art of ancillary
Utility equipment in mining may be involved in ancillary tasks, but these days these machines have to meet the same exacting requirements in terms of efficiency, safety and productivity that front line production fleets have to, reports Paul Moore
Some of the harshest conditions experienced by utility vehicles are those dealing with large heading areas of underground mines. As such, full fleet electrification isn’ t the only thing on the MacLean Engineering mobile equipment R & D agenda currently. This year will also see the company commercially launch an innovative solution for elevated work platform needs in larger-heading mines.
The MacLean LR3 Boom Lift provides dual heavy-load / high-reach capabilities in a onestop-shop utility vehicle. The unit can lift up to 4 t( 8,000 lbs, and is certified to 10,000 lbs in Australia); has a 6 m( 19.5 ft) deck height along with application-specific, quick-switch deck configurations; and a ± 15 ° boom swing and ± 30 ° deck swing movement.
The company told IM:“ The LR3 features a variety of different baskets from a simple general-purpose basket, to a slewing basket, to a purpose built fan handling basket. These engineered features make the LR3 Boom Lift versatile enough to perform a wide range of mine support functions while providing coverage from ground level to 8 m up [ 26 ft ]. From fan installation, to cable bolting, to pipe installation, to boom-based materials hoisting, to plain old miscellaneous mine services repair and installation needs from 2 m all the way up to 8 m … this friend in high( and low) places can do it all.”
The design was the result of close consultation with Australian contractors for whom it will offer up a safe, efficient solution for installing mine services like 4.5 t twin fans. With the MacLean LR3 already at work underground in northern Quebec as well as Western Australia, the company believes“ the stage is set for a step change improvement in safety and productivity for mine services installation and maintenance in high-back mines around the world.”
Battery and ultra-high lifting
Since 2011, RDH Mining Equipment has led the emerging battery power equipment market with the development of the first battery powered underground loader and it continues to lead with the launch of its newest innovation, a battery operated high reach scissor lift. The
The battery powered Liftmaster 600EB provides a mobile and secure working platform for the lifting of personnel and materials in underground mining and tunnelling operations
The MacLean LR3 Boom Lift provides dual heavy-load / high-reach capabilities in a onestop-shop utility vehicle
Liftmaster 600EB provides a mobile and secure working platform for the lifting of personnel and materials in underground mining and tunnelling operations.
The robust and reliable four‐wheel drive, articulated Liftmaster 600EB consists of a power‐shift transmission powered by an electric motor and battery system connected to heavy‐duty Dana axles.“ The rugged frame and articulated carrier make the Liftmaster 600EB a very durable and extremely manoeuverable unit even in the tightest situations. The elimination of a diesel engine allows for significant savings inthe form of reduced maintenance and energy
20 International Mining | MARCH 2017