UTILITY VEHICLES
DUX TD-18 underground haulage truck operator compartment suspension system which has been adapted for its S1-Series utility trucks
experienced by the driver and co-driver, structure and components. DUX says the system is particularly well-suited for applications requiring travel over longer distances at higher speeds, and can be readily adapted for installation on S1- carriers currently operating in the field. In addition to the new operator compartment suspension system, DUX continues to offer as optional the front and rear field-proven Soft-Ride System on all utility trucks. This vehicle suspension system comes with programmable controllers for position and force inputs, allowing for a programmed response for varying parameters, including travel over obstacles and potholes. DUX is also in the process of designing an electric-powered utility vehicle with onboard battery charger, which will improve noise levels, and reduce ventilation and maintenance costs.
Underground grading
Veekmas Ltd from Finland is the Nordic countries ' only motor grader manufacturer. The company offers three different sizes of specialised lowprofile motor graders for underground hard rock mines worldwide. Veekmas also provides motor graders for traditional construction works as well as snow and ice removal.
The low-profile Veekmas UG motor grader models Veekmas FG 5 C, Veekmas FG 7 C and Veekmas FG 15 C have been especially designed for continuous road maintenance in arduous underground conditions.“ An UG motor grader is an essential implement in an underground mine in order to raise the capacity of production and logistics. By the means of an UG motor grader, underground tunnel road maintenance can easily achieve the same high quality road maintenance level as gravel roads on the surface.”
The Veekmas FG 5 C has a height of 1,990 mm, maximum outer turning radius of 4,900 mm with
a front blade, total weight of 8,400 kg, and a Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA EU Stage IIIA engine with 90 kW. The somewhat larger Veekmas FG 7 C has a 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 EU Stage IIIA engine with 90 kW or alternatively Deutz TCD 3.6 L4 EU Stage IV engine with 90 kW. The Veekmas FG 15 C, the largest Veekmas UG motor grader model, has a height of 2,760 mm, maximum outside turning radius of 7,100 mm, weight of 18,000 kg, and Volvo Penta
TAD870VE EU Stage IV engine with 160 kW.
Veekmas says it will soon deliver an Veekmas FG 7 C equipped with the first Deutz EU Stage IV engine in northern Sweden to a mining operation. The model has unique customisation elements as well as product developments which will be standard on future units. The operator friendliness of the machine has been improved as the control levers have been located more ergonomically.
“ The middle blade circle, middle blade stand, and middle blade logical shift cylinder fastening have been renewed both on the Veekmas FG 7 C and Veekmas FG 5 C. The middle blade attachment has been moved as close to the middle blade as possible. Thanks to the new solution, operating is easier as the blade cutting depth is less affected when changing the blade cutting angle. Furthermore, exterior loading does not change the cutting angle or the cutting depth of the middle blade.”
Veekmas UG motor grader models also have advanced automatic, hydraulically-operated blade shock absorbers to give the motor graders increased ability to avoid impact damage normally associated with hard mining conditions. It means that the middle blade moves up to 10 cm upwards without causing the motor grader itself to jump when driven over materials too hard to grade down at the desired level, for example, rocks that protrude over the road level. When needed, the system can be switched off.
The Veekmas FG 15 C is equipped with a bogie axle and 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, exceptional low cabin noise level, easier maintenance, improved weight distribution, and more effective cooling.” The smaller models Veekmas FG 5 C and Veekmas FG 7 C have a single rear axle and they do not have a gearbox.
Remote payloads
Moving away from underground focussed
solutions, PRINOTH, one of the world’ s leading manufacturers of tracked utility vehicles, says it is innovating once again. The company has announced an increase in payload for its PANTHER T6, T8 and T12 models in the dump box and flatbed configurations.
The increase, which will affect the bulk load capacity, will represent an increase of 20 % for the PANTHER T6, an increase of 19 % for the PANTHER T8 and an increase of 9 % for the PANTHER T12. The company says this“ establishes PRINOTH as the leader in the industry for payload capacity.”
“ We are always looking for ways to move further, to push boundaries and productivity is always at the centre of our customers’ needs”, said PRINOTH’ s Tracked Utility Vehicles Product Manager, Jonathan Thibault. He went on to say;“ Our customers’ requests are crucial at PRINOTH and we always try to listen to their needs, to answer by providing simple yet efficient solutions with them and for them.”
The company says this change will provide customers with an even more efficient, more productive tool whether they purchase a PANTHER T6, a T8 or a T12.“ Whether in mud, gravel or snow, the PANTHER carriers are reliable tools for extreme use in extreme environments. Additional to their huge payload, these vehicles can be equipped with a multitude of specialised attachments. This makes them ideally suited for all types of operations in mining and other industries. With its one or two-person cab, large deck space as well as ease of implement installation, the PANTHER is ready to perform without fail in all sectors.”
While carrying the biggest payload in the industry, the PRINOTH PANTHER can reach work sites in any terrain: delicate grounds, rocks, steep hills, swamps or even deep mud. The overall design allows the PANTHER to reach fording depths of up to 1,397 mm( 55 in). The PANTHER“ performs brilliantly at any angle and in any situation” says PRINOTH: n Largest payload capacity in its class: from 5,420 kg( 12,000 lbs) to 20,865 kg( 46,000 lbs) n Rubber track design features a zigzag pattern that increases traction and side-hill grip n PRINOTH’ s exclusive large wheel tandem suspension undercarriage provides unparalleled off-road mobility and comfort n Elevated engine position provides optimal fording depth of up to 1,397 mm( 55 in) n Pavement-friendly rubber tracks and remarkable speed make the PANTHER highly mobile PRINOTH also recently introduced a new model in the PANTHER series, the PANTHER T14R Rotating Dumper. Offering the highest speed( 13 km / h) combined with the highest payload
24 International Mining | MARCH 2017