SURFACE LOADING
The record breaking IZ-KARTEX
EKG-32R shovel
areas may also emerge and we remain very open to that collaboration.”
In terms of the machine’s actual performance at Mission, although
ASARCO does not operate a hydraulic excavator for direct application
comparison at that site, Fierro says there are some exciting results that have
achieved by the P&H 2650CX pilot thus far. “Our target to reduce fuel
consumption by up to 25%, in comparison to a 550-700 t hydraulic
excavator, has been successfully realised. The low engine load factor
experienced by the twin diesel engines is extending the estimated planned
component replacement interval beyond 20,000 h. The machine’s
availability has experienced highs and low while working through the
reliability growth period, but is trending positive with an average of 90% in
the past six months. As we approach 15,000 -18,000 operating hours on the
unit, a detailed analysis of the operating costs associated to the hydraulic
componentry onboard will be done.”
The main functions on the 2650CX are powered by electric motors, with
the propel and the bucket’s open, close, and articulation being hydraulically
powered. It’s anticipated that operating costs will be reduced due to less
hydraulic componentry to be exchanged, extended life to hydraulic
components, and reliability of the electrical system.
In terms of a wider hybrid range, since the 2650CX program began, there
has always been the intention to grow the concept into a broad Hybrid
Shovel product line, says the company. “Initial evaluations were mapped
out, but the scope will now widen to consider the overarching strategy
between all of the loading tools offered by Komatsu. The unique hybrid
concept now sits between the mature and recognised P&H Electric Rope
Shovels and Komatsu’s Hydraulic Excavator product lines. We’re currently in
the process of combining our regional sales and support strategies in order
to provide clear definition around each product line’s value proposition. This
will assist in identifying how each loading tool can be leveraged based on
its strengths and applicability to the specific application.”
IZ-KARTEX and Uralmash update
Russia’s leading shovel players IZ-KARTEX and Uralmash have since 2016
been both under the strategic management of joint company UZTM-KARTEX.
The two companies continue to produce and deliver on the market their own
lines of shovels. Thus, they are internal competitors, but at the same time
the distribution of sales is controlled and regulated by the joint
management company.
Daria Korshunova, Marketing Manager at IZ-KARTEX explained that while
it can be confusing as both lines of shovels often have seemingly identical
names and similar parameters, in Russia (and earlier in the USSR) the