UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
Heading into
the future
Paul Moore reviews underground load & haul equipment
around the world, with new larger truck options as well as
greater lithium battery model availabity being stand out trends
Starting with the big three and looking at
underground trucks, there have been
several interesting updates. Since the
successful launch of Epiroc’s MT65 in 2016, it has
remained the highest payload capacity
underground truck in the world. The company
recently presented a summary of recent
improvements “that have made the truck even
better and further improves the value for the
customer.” The new engine dramatically lowers
emissions, enabling more sustainable
operations. The latest engine technology meets
Tier 4 Final/Stage V requirements and is certified
to comply with the North American standards
CANMET (Canada) and MSHA (USA). NOx has
been reduced by 45%, and diesel particle matters
have been lowered by 80% compared to a Tier 2
engine. Lower emissions improve the working
environment and reduce the need for ventilation,
leading in turn to lower operation costs and a
smaller environmental footprint.
“Another great advantage of Minetruck MT65
is its new Ejector dump box option for compact
envelop applications. We developed this solution
to cover more applications with the same load
frame. The modular design is a pin-on solution
that attaches to the load frame, which makes it
possible to swap between standard and Ejector
dump boxes as needed.” Daniel Sandström,
Global Product Manager, Underground division at
Epiroc states: "We keep a constant dialogue with
our customers around the world to receive
feedback from the field. These updates are the
direct result of this feedback."
An additional load-weighing display can be
placed in the cabin window so the loader
operator is able to ensure that the truck is fully
loaded every time. This will not only help
maximise the payload but also minimise the risk
of overfilling/overloading. This information can
also be monitored through Epiroc’s proven
telematics system Certiq. Certiq monitors and
records vital machine information, which helps to
both improve productivity and reduce
unnecessary wear.
In the market, SOMINCOR recently received
the first of six units of the brand-new MT65 with a
760 hp Stage V Cummins engine for the Neves
Corvo copper-zinc mine in Portugal. These units
were the first to leave Orebro with this new
engine.
It is also worth pointing out that the MT65 is
also ready for automation. The Rig Control
System (RCS) Control System already allows
users to control the operation and add different
automation solutions. With Epiroc's Certiq
telematics solution, machine data can be used to
optimise production and maintenance.
Moving on to Caterpillar, it has released a new
underground articulated truck that, it says,
features increased payload, advanced emissions
controls, enhanced comfort and serviceability.
The new Cat ® AD63, the largest underground
truck in the Caterpillar product line, features a
5% increased payload and more torque for
enhanced production capabilities, compared with
its predecessor, the AD60. The new AD63 also
can be configured to meet the strictest diesel
engine emissions regulations – for both
regulatory compliance and improved
underground air quality, the company says.
Additional new features enhance operator
ergonomics, maintenance access and safety, and
data collection for machine health monitoring,
according to the company. The new model will be
available in late 2020, according to the company.
The AD63 is powered by the Cat C27 diesel
engine, which produces 588 kW, meets EU Stage
V emission standards and is approved by
CANMET for use in underground mines, the
mining OEM said. The truck does not require
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet these
standards, with the emissions control system
maintaining the ability to use diesel particulate
The Talpa Maden battery LE110 has massive
potential around the world in narrow vein
mining
filters, such as the Cat Wall Flow Filter, to further
reduce particulate emissions. The AD63
powertrain also features a new torque converter
gear ratio to increase peak torque and improve
gear retention on variable grades, according to
Cat. “The optimised transmission shift strategy
results in smoother uphill driving and greater
operator comfort,” it said. “The new torque
converter also increases rimpull when driving
away from a stop.”
The AD63 engine package has extended
altitude capability – from negative 3,048 m to
positive 1,524 m – while the new engine cooling
package maintains capabilities at high ambient
temperatures. A new design and routing for
cooling air, meanwhile, improves serviceability,
and the radiator core has serviceable tubes for
fast repairs.
In the AD63 cab, the ducted ventilation and air
conditioning system gives the truck operator full
control with nine adjustable louvres for
comfortable cooling and efficient defogging. The
HVAC system is powered by a battery electric
system so it can be operated when the engine is
not running, which pays off in less engine idling
and lower operating costs, according to Cat.
The new cab arrangement features a forwardfacing
trainer seat offering increased space and
comfort for the trainer, Cat says. The tilt cab
feature gives maintenance personnel the ability
to tilt the cab for access to the cab side of the
engine for easier and faster access to
components. And, outside the cab, a redesigned
access ladder and fold-flat handrails enhance
safety during maintenance
The new AD63 incorporates Product Link
Elite™ as standard equipment to enable data
collection and equipment health monitoring.
“The system enables sharing data across
multiple destinations, reduces gaps in data or
lost data due to network issues, and has direct
connectivity to Caterpillar and Cat dealers for
remote support and services, such as condition
monitoring,” the company said.
The AD63 also has external displays showing
the weight of the truck contents to the loader
operator. “Instant feedback for the loader
operator enables more efficient passes and
optimum truck loads,” the company said, adding
that displays are on both sides of the truck.
In addition to new technology, Caterpillar has
added the option of a new lightweight dump
body, with 38.3 m³ capacity. The AD63 also
maintains commonality with other AD60 bodies.
Nathan Wescombe, Commercial Manager –
Hard Rock Vehicles, Caterpillar told IM: “The
AD63 replaces the AD60 and is designed and
built to help miners improve productivity and
8 International Mining | JUNE 2020