IM 2019 June 19 | Page 21

UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL The newly revised Paus PFL 8 LHD with 1.5 t payload manoeuvrable articulated vehicles have an optimised turning radius. “The smallest loader PFL 8 with approximately 1,950 mm masters even 90° curves in gallery widths of only 2.2 m excellently.” In detail, the Paus loaders have the following turning radii: PFL 10: 2,700 mm, PFL 20: 2,450 mm and the PFL 30: 2,750 mm. The articulated oscillating axle steering (on the PFL 20 and 30) and the articulated oscillating steering (on the PFL 8 and 10) compensate for any unevenness in the road and thus offer more driving comfort. “All controls can be reached from the driver's seat and are easy to see. The lateral seat arrangement provides the driver with a good overview when driving forwards and backwards. The operator's platform is equipped with two joysticks - a multifunction joystick for the direction of travel and gear shifting, and a joystick for the working hydraulics. Engine components such as filters or oil dipsticks are easy to change or check. One less worry: hard-to-reach areas are automatically lubricated by the optional central lubrication system. The clearly laid hydraulics and electrics are easy to maintain via flaps in the operator's platform. Countersunk screws are installed in many places to protect them from damage during rough working conditions. Backlash-free, robustly designed spherical plain bearings in the articulated steering area are just as easy to lubricate.” Paus says the loaders are characterised by their robustness, efficient hydrostatic/hydrodynamic drive systems and current exhaust emission levels. While the PFL 8 and 10 have a hydrostatic drive, the PFL 20 and 30 are equipped with a hydrodynamic drive with “full power shift”. PFL 8 to 30 are delivered with Deutz engines, PFL 10 and 20 are also available with Cummins engines. Various exhaust emission standards, TIER 4f (EURO Stage V ready) and TIER 3a are thus met. The PFL 8 and PFL 20 are also available in a battery-operated version for emission-sensitive underground mining or sites with low fresh air supply. Mines with 400-1,000 V voltage and 50 or 60 Hz frequency can fall back on the loader variant PFL 15E with tethered power supply. Equipped with an active drum drive for orderly winding. This protects the cable and increases the service life. “The proven hydrostatic drives complement the electric drive perfectly with their stepless transmission. The combination of the drives and an intelligent control system minimize power losses and sustainably reduce energy consumption. Brake and tyre wear are also reduced.” The operator's platform complies with ROPS/FOPS requirements. A fire extinguishing system, which can be triggered from several locations, is part of the basic configuration. The very high thicknesses of the metal plates on the one hand protect the driver, on the other hand the robust construction stands for the high availability of the articulated vehicles. In addition, the vehicles have additional underbody and impact protection. The Posi-Stop brake enables safe manoeuvring of the loader when the vehicle is moving downwards when loaded. If necessary, the exhaust flap brake or the retarder with lock-up clutch can be used as a continuous brake. A CE declaration of conformity is available for all Paus loaders. Aramine partners with ARMZ on battery Underground vehicle specialist Aramine says it has signed a partnership agreement with Russia uranium producer, ARMZ, for the assembly of its L140B battery-powered miniLoader. The pact was signed by ARMZ Uranium Holdings’ Director General, Vladimir Verkhovtsev, and Aramine Presidents, Marc Melkonian and Christophe Melkonian, during the 23rd International Mining World Russia Exhibition, in Moscow. JUNE 2019 | International Mining 19