NARROW VEIN & LOW PROFILE
An Aramine L440B with two energy modules using battery swap can operate without interruption
loader , which operates in small to medium-sized sections from 7-14 m 3 . This new model extends the range of its battery-powered vehicles following the release of the smaller L140B mini loader in 2016 . The project it says demonstrates a desire to both guarantee the highest level of safety while ensuring greater productivity .
It incorporates Aramine ’ s exclusive innovation – its battery Quick Replacement System . An L440B with two energy modules using battery swap can operate without interruption . Not only that but it brings better working conditions for the operator , having an ergonomic closed cabin with great visibility – unusual for this size class of machine . Obviously being battery powered it has lower noise and zero CO 2 emissions while operating at a lower ambient temperature .
Aramine says it is both compact and powerful with an ‘ incomparable ’ size to capacity ratio , to enable it to transport more tonnes in small gallery sections , with a bucket capacity of 2.5 m 3 / 4.6 t . From the negative spring brake in each wheel to the escape window in the cabin , it adds that the L440B has been designed to protect not only its operator , but everyone around it .
Safety features are forefront in the design . The cab is ISO ROPS / FOPS approved and can be supplied open or closed . It has a steering and boom locking device , audiovisual reversing alarm , plus the machine has easy access and non-slip features . The L440B has an emergency stop , programmable CANBUS system plus optional proximity detection . Aramine says that the unique cabin design and unmatched stability make the operator feel like they are on board a large loader , in terms of comfort and safety .
It also has innovative technological features . The hydraulic systems have total filtration on suction and return ; while it has an oversized centre joint designed with tapered bearing and play catching . The choice of lifting / tilting kinematics in deformable parallelogram ensures high reliability by reducing the number of joints and the forces on these joints . The specific shape of the bucket and the strength of the powertrain provide efficient and fast bucket filling . Hinge pins fixed by half flanges facilitate disassembly for maintenance ; while a mechanically welded chassis is sized to guarantee a long service life , easy maintenance and simplified reconditioning .
The tramming capacity as stated is 4.6 t with
Sandvik on narrow vein
IM caught up with Kimmo Ulvelin , Sandvik Product Line Manager , Small and Low Profile Loaders to talk through its position in this part of the market
Q Sandvik is known for its largest and most powerful underground mining equipment like the LH517i loader - at the other end of the scale what does Sandvik bring to the table in terms of the smallest machines for precision mining ? A Sandvik ’ s standard offering includes narrow vein loaders in the size class of 3-7 t : Toro™ LH202 , Toro™ LH203 and Toro™ LH307 . In the low profile range , there are two models : the 7.7 t Toro™ LH208L and 9.6 t Toro™ LH209L . Sandvik has a long history and experience in the narrow vein and low profile mining equipment , and this expertise will be maintained also in the future . Also the smallest loaders are Toro™ family equipment .
Q Smaller machines have tended to lag behind large machines in terms of technology adoption as well as operator comfort and safety elements - how has and is Sandvik bringing its machines like the LH202 / LH203 into the future ? A The 7 t class LH307 features all the same capabilities as the larger loaders : same control system , automation capability , traction control , Knowledge box and data management , to name a few . So in terms of technology and equipment features , ranging from 7 t upwards , the equipment are quite alike , just the size varies . Also the smallest equipment is constantly being developed to meet customer demands . In 2022 , the 3 t loader Toro™ LH202 got a new Stage V engine option from Deutz . In addition to traditional fossil diesel fuel , the engine can use paraffinic fuels , meeting the requirements of EN 15940 , which reduces emissions of CO , CO 2 , HC , NOx and diesel particulates . Also it is a renewable fuel option compared to using fossil diesel . Paraffinic fuels can be used in all size classes of Sandvik loaders , from the smallest to the largest . In 2023 , the 3.5 t Toro™ LH203 loader got improvements where
The compact Sandvik Toro™ LH307 underground loader provides high ramp speeds for its size class
its maintainability , usability and productivity were improved , including a new bucket design . The majority of product improvements are made based on customer feedback and suggestions , no matter which size class we are talking about . For the low profile units , the Toro™LH208L loader ’ s transmission was quite recently updated and at the same time , the loader got features such as traction control , weighing system and knowledge box . Here as well , the LP loader offers same features and capabilities as the larger loaders , just in a different package to suit the low-profile mine applications . The a Toro™ LH209 loader ’ s latest improvements include Volvo Penta engine as well as changes to the control system and maintainability of the equipment .
Q Do you see a place for automation or battery operation for these machines even in the future ? A Automation has been introduced to smaller equipment already , such as the 7 t LH307 , and the customers have received it very well . Introducing automation to an even smaller class , that depends on customer needs for automation solutions . In terms of BEV offering , time will tell . On a longer interval the BEVs may become a viable option also in small equipment , but for now , the main interest has been on mid-size and large loaders .
46 International Mining | JUNE 2024