SURFACE LOADING
HCM on the EX-7 series & ultra durable boom project
With more than 100 years of experience across its group companies , Hitachi Construction Machinery is certainly a leading industry pioneer for mining excavators , evidenced by its EX-7 series that runs all the way up to the 800 t EX8000-7 , with these models it says showcasing HCM ’ s leading edge with innovative technologies and proven , trusted design . “ With advanced technology at its core , Hitachi Construction Machinery ’ s EX-7 excavator is engineered to tackle the most demanding jobs in 24 / 7 operations . Reliable digging power and a performance-focused front attachment design give the capability to deliver consistent results . The EX-7 models feature energy-optimising solutions , including electronically controlled hydraulic pumps , optimised cooling package , enhanced hydraulic circuits , and a choice of emission configurations to meet regulatory requirements , all combining to help operations minimise costs and maximise productivity .”
The EX-7 excavators also feature ConSite Mine , a set of Hitachi technologies that bring the Industrial Internet of Things to mining sites around the world . These machines can connect to online servers which collect valuable data and turn it into actionable insights , to help customers optimise the safety , production and efficiency of their operations . ConSite Mine performs roundthe-clock remote monitoring of compatible ultralarge hydraulic excavators and rigid dump trucks and provides two types of status reports to the customer ’ s maintenance staff or to service personnel at distributors . The reports are sent via email or the ‘ ConSite Mine Shot ’ smartphone app . The ‘ Monthly Report ’ provides updates on the machinery ’ s operational condition each month , while the ‘ Alarm Report ’ notifies personnel when any abnormalities are detected by the various sensors installed on the machinery that may require immediate attention .
The entire EX-7 series lineup is also available in cable electric . HCM told IM : “ Many of the leading mining customers are aiming for net zero emissions by 2050 , and plan to decarbonise in stages . The trend to strive for zero-emission at mining sites is accelerating especially among major mining companies , and the shift to EVs is expected to accelerate further going forward . Under such a market circumstance , we offer a full lineup of cable electric mining excavators ranging from 190 to 800 t .”
EX-7 diesel engine excavators have the choice of MTU or Cummins brand engines , including the choice of emission configurations to meet regulatory requirements , combined with new electronically controlled hydraulic pumps , optimised cooling package and enhanced hydraulic circuits , to provide unparalleled performance and efficiency .
In April 2023 , HCM announced the development of an enhanced boom and arm for its range of ultra-large hydraulic excavators , the improved durability of which it says will extend service life 1 by 1.5 times compared to previous models . Durability has been improved by expanding the applicability of steel castings to the boom and arm connecting part and is applicable to backhoe front excavators . Serviceability has also been improved by equipping the boom with an access hole that can be opened and closed with a bolt for easier inspection . Welding strength and part of the thickness of the boom and arm have also been reinforced . As a result , customers will enjoy reduced repair downtime of their mining
With advanced technology at its core , Hitachi Construction Machinery ’ s EX-7 excavators , like this EX8000-7 , are engineered to tackle the most demanding jobs in 24 / 7 operations
equipment and lower maintenance costs too . The newly designed boom and arm will be applied as standard equipment to the EX5600-7 backhoe excavator ( operating weight of 550 t ), before being gradually expanded to other applicable excavator models . Durability tests have been underway since August 2023 , prior to standard application , under actual operation loads at Brockman 4 iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia , operated by mining giant Rio Tinto .
HCM told IM : “ The durability tests are carried out over a period of approximately seven years , from August 2023 to 2030 . The tests will verify whether the boom and arm of ultra-large hydraulic excavators can maintain the expected durability under actual operating conditions . The boom and arm of ultra-large hydraulic excavators are generally checked on a daily basis by visual inspection .”
It adds : “ Through collaboration with Rio Tinto , the accumulated load on the ultra-large hydraulic excavator ’ s boom and arm is monitored using Load Index , one of the functions of ConSite Mine , Hitachi Construction Machinery ’ s service solution for mining sites . The accumulated load applied to the welded structure of the boom and arm while
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MARCH 2024 | International Mining 35