HEAVY ENGINEERING & WEAR PARTS
Philippi-Hagenbuch supplies high-volume truck bodies , water tanks and lowboy trailers to the mining sector , all of which are aimed at maximising the productivity of operators ’ truck fleets and minimising the downtime of their support equipment .
On the back of showcasing its patented HiVol ® Water Tanks at CONEXPO-CON / AGG 2023 in Las Vegas , just over a year ago , IM put some questions to Josh Swank , Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Philippi-Hagenbuch .
Philippi-Hagenbuch custom engineers each of its water tanks to haul the greatest possible volume for the specific make and model of off-highway articulated or rigid frame haul truck , Josh Swank says
IM : Philippi-Hagenbuch used CONEXPO to highlight PHIL Water Tanks . What will be the key focus at MINExpo this year ? JS : Our water tanks will continue to be one focal point as they provide mining operations with a stable , high-capacity solution to minimise airborne particulates , spray down haul roads in a single pass and to perform washdowns and fulfill other water requirements in the mine . We custom engineer each tank to haul the greatest possible volume for the specific make and model of off-highway articulated or rigid frame haul truck .
We will also highlight our full range of solutions for material hauling at the show . Our durable HiVol mining class bodies maximise hauling capacity for mines looking to increase payload with each pass and tailor their haul truck bodies to their operation . Our Rear Eject Bodies provide an ideal solution for challenging hauling applications in the mine , such as those with overhead barriers that inhibit traditional dump bodies . In addition to these complete body replacements , we offer haul truck body attachments , including tailgates , load ejectors and sideboards , to address specific hauling challenges .
We ’ re excited to showcase all the custom solutions we offer for operations to maximise their hauling productivity .
IM : How much of Philippi-Hagenbuch ’ s product development work is carried out directly with truck / vehicle OEMs and how much is working directly with operators ? When it comes to your current product line , what percentage has been influenced by each market ( OEMs / operators )? JS : Our product development is driven by our clients ’ needs and goals . We are focused on providing them with fully customised solutions for any off-highway haul truck in their fleet .
In some cases , we ’ re working with a brandnew vehicle . Other times , we ’ re customising a truck that has been in a client ’ s fleet for years . In both instances , we work with the specific make and model of haul truck and consider any applicable OEM requirements , such as distribution of weight and other requests from the OEM . We also utilise OEM parts whenever possible to streamline fit up maintenance for the operator . We have great relationships with all the OEMs so we can interface with their truck as seamlessly as possible .
IM : How would you say your products stand out in a crowded market for truck trays / bodies ? What are the unique elements you embed in your designs that ensure customers choose your products ? JS : First and foremost , Philippi-Hagenbuch products are all custom engineered . They address the operation ’ s specific hauling challenges when an off-the-shelf product is not the right fit . We have decades of experience and extensive knowledge of the global mining industry that allows us to use insight we have learned elsewhere to maximise the efficiency of a client ’ s operation today . Simply put , we know how to tailor a haul truck fleet to maximise hauling productivity .
We also pride ourselves on our products ’ durability . We couple our designs with highquality steel to ensure our clients have a solution that will last and will not need regular replacement throughout the truck ’ s lifecycle . One example where this is evident is with our water tanks . Most water tanks on the market only last five to seven years , but the first water tanks we engineered and built in 2000 are still operating today . We have over half a century worth of water tanks still operating around the world .
IM : Can you highlight any new innovations that you are working on tailored for mining operations ? JS : We ’ re seeing a significant shift toward lightweight bodies in the mining sector . Operations want to haul as much material as
possible within the haul truck ’ s rated weight . If the truck body weighs less , more weight can be allocated for payload .
Historically , many lightweight bodies on the market have had a significantly shorter wear life and have been classified as “ throwaway ”. We don ’ t believe operations should have to sacrifice that much longevity in the name of greater hauling capacity . So , we have designed and engineered lightweight mining class bodies with Hardox ® 500 Tuf steel . The result is a 10-20 % increase in payload capacity due to the lighter body weight , with a new abrasionresistant steel that has increased hardness . This means we can offer a lightweight body that maximises payload but will last longer than the three years typically seen with other lightweight mining class truck bodies .
IM : Anything else to add on the topic of truck trays / bodies in the mining sector ? JS : Water tanks and truck bodies only scratch the surface of our solutions . For those not seeking a complete body replacement , we provide custom products to address specific mining challenges such as carryback and spillage .
For example , our Load Ejector System shakes sticky material out of the truck bed when the load is dumped . This solution virtually eliminates carryback , effectively increasing load capacity without the downtime associated with removing sticky material .
On the other hand , our Autogate ® Tailgates cap off the back of haul trucks , and our sideboards add height to the sides for added volumetric capacity . These solutions keep more material in the truck , increasing capacity and reducing spillage .
From truck bodies to water tanks and tailgates , we ’ re proud to work with mining operations to tailor their solutions for maximum hauling productivity .
16 International Mining | JUNE 2024