IM 2021 June 21 | Page 28

UNDERGROUND LOAD & HAUL
Komatsu has released two new LHDs , the redesigned WX04 4 t legacy model and the all new WX07 LHD
we are wanting to confirm battery charge and recharge cycle .”
The company adds : “ We are presently at 296 total hours on the machine – so 96 hours into the formal performance period . Unit productivity has been good . Reliability issues have remained – largely small issues and parts flow due to COVID have been very problematic . The machine is solid – but small things are still causing uptime issues . We are pleased in that we are realising about 5.5 hours charge time and generally a 2 hour re-charge cycle . This works well for us . The machine is stealthy , quiet and has plenty of power .”
At its California home base , Sandvik continues to invest in Artisan , with the company recently moving premises in Camarillo , to expand its production and testing capabilities . “ We ’ re definitely growing in Camarillo ,” Artisan ’ s Vice President of Technology , Brian Huff , told IM recently . “ The move to a larger facility comes at the same time we are ramping up a lot of hiring in terms of engineering and manufacturing personnel .”
Artisan ’ s new facility comes with a test ramp with a 20 % grade and a whole area for mucking on the property . “ This will allow us to do a lot more development testing in a short period of time , giving us an advantage in terms of validation testing and trials of new designs and tools ,” Huff said .
The potential for speeding up Artisan ’ s time to market will be increasingly important as more mines replenish fleets with battery-electric equipment .
A final note on new battery machines from Sandvik and Artisan going forward plus on how the two organisations will integrate further as more technology is developed . Sandvik told IM that work on its new 65 t class battery truck continues but an exact timeline has not been released yet : “ The truck is in good progress however and it will be joining the Sandvik fleet ; when the truck will be launched , it will have the Sandvik brand . The formerly acquired Artisan Vehicles is today an integral part of Sandvik , and it is a business unit that belongs our Load and Haul division . The name of this business unit ( BU ) that is focusing on battery electric loaders and trucks is today BU BHEV . When new battery loaders or trucks are released , they will be using the Sandvik brand .” And while others are making retrofit and integral part of their BEV offering , Sandvik says it is focussing on the 3rd generation BEV equipment “ as these are designed from the ground up to be battery-electric , which is in our opinion the best approach to utilise the benefits that this technology allows .”
Komatsu releases two new hard rock LHDs
Komatsu Mining in addition to launching an innovative common platform for underground hard rock drills and bolters , has released two new LHDs , the redesigned WX04 4 t legacy model and the all new WX07 LHD , developed from the ground up with a whole new chassis , Z- link kinematics , revamped powertrain and optimised ergonomic operator cabin with enhanced visibility to help boost productivity . As with the new drills , Komatsu yellow now replaces Joy orange .
The WX07 replaces the old LT650 and is cited as ideal for small and narrow vein mines , particularly operations using cut-and-fill methods . An advanced and reliable powertrain is designed to deliver exceptional traction , optimised loading and low maintenance . Cummins QSB6.7 Tier 3 215 horsepower components include a new NRC , Dana electronic transmission TE14 and C3000 torque converter .
Ground-level maintenance design offers easy serviceability with vital maintenance components more accessible . “ Facilitate faster , efficient repairs with added safeguards for your service crew . Data management features allow you to monitor , store and manage operational data to enhance servicing , troubleshooting , training and overall performance . Highest breakout force with up to 10 % higher breakout force in its size class , the WX07 can fill the bucket quicker for faster cycle times .”
With a large 64-gallon ( 243-litre ) fuel tank , users can operate longer underground without stopping to refuel . The WX07 ’ s large fuel tank volume allows for longer working hour shifts and less refuelling handling and frequency .
The WX07 operator compartments are ROPS / FOPS certified with generous space and comfort . Clear visibility provides enhanced protection for the operator and those around . Superior ergonomics , easy-to-operate controls and comfort features reduce fatigue on longer shifts . Safety features include open-door interlocks that activate brakes while deactivating boom bucket and steering functions .
The WX07 also features Z-bar linkage and a reinforced boom design for superior breakout force enabling optimal penetration into the pile
and fast bucket filling . Loading 20 to 22 t trucks is also easier with excellent lift capabilities .
The control panel for the WX07 is designed to be easy-to-use and informative . All the data and information operators need to perform , such as autogenerated diagnostic measurements , adjustments , and live data readouts , is readily accessible on a sleek control panel .
Based on the 4LD legacy machine , the redesigned WX04 is described as “ a reliable 4 t LHD for narrow vein applications . The WX04 ’ s high-strength steel frame design with heavyduty , all mechanical powertrain can help you hit your production targets while keeping your costs down .”
The WX04 has a Stage V low-emissions engine . This engine option offers power and performance benefits , along with low emissions for regions that can use ultralow-sulphur fuel . A ground-level maintenance design again offers exceptional serviceability with vital maintenance components very accessible facilitating faster , efficient repairs with added protection for service crews .
With a breakout force up to 20 % higher in its size class , the WX04 can fill the bucket quicker for faster cycle times . “ The WXO4 leads the industry in the 4-tonne class with unmatched speed fully loaded on grade . This machine is powered by a dependable 133 horsepower Cummins QSB4.5 engine .”
“ With a larger 190-litre fuel tank , you ’ ll have longer operational cycles without stopping to refuel . Your load-haul-dump cycles will achieve up to a 31 % greater nonstop operation for continuous running and consistent productivity . The WX04 features the largest fuel tank in its class .”
The operator compartment is ROPS / FOPS certified with generous space and comfort . It features open-door safety interlocks that activate brakes while deactivating the boom , bucket and steering functions . There are no high-pressure hoses in-cab for an added layer of protection . A fully enclosed , environmentally controlled cabin is an available option for added operator comfort .
A heavily reinforced boom design enables industry-leading breakout force and optimal cycle times . A rigid cast cross-tube , a hard line
26 International Mining | JUNE 2021