UTILITY VEHICLES
Highly configurable utility
Having long been established as a Caterpillar OEM solutions customer , Elphinstone is recognised as a leading manufacturer of quality products for the global underground and surface mining industries .
Combining practical design , the latest technology and quality manufacturing , Elphinstone ’ s three base platforms – the WR820 Series ( 20 t ), the E10 Series ( 10 t ), and the E15 Series ( 15 t ) – can all be fitted with specialised configurations for each application .
The E15 series is the latest edition to the range incorporating many improvements to the common E10 platform , introduced in 2017 . The most significant is the lower profile of the E15 compared with the E10 ( 2.45 m versus 3 m height ), which is a key consideration for mining operations with smaller tunnel size .
Models in the E15 series include the Agitator 7 m 3 , Delivery and Tilt Tray with additional models to be released soon .
The first model to be released in the series , the E15 Agitator 7 m 3 specialises in the bulk transport of concrete to back fill voids and deliver shotcrete to the shotcreter . The combination of an excellent top speed and 7 cu . m capacity improves cycle times and allows the machine to travel at the same speed as the production fleet resulting in increased production , Elphinstone claims .
Other features include electrohydraulic control for mixing and unloading via a dial controller located on the operator ’ s armrest which also controls the braking retarder . The same dial controller is positioned at ground level to the rear of the machine with an emergency stop for bowl control . The bowl is protected with standard guarding and removable inspection covers for cleaning .
The E15 Delivery , the second in the series to be released , provides the ability to transport parts , components , equipment and maintenance personnel .
Featuring a fully integrated Hiab X-HiDuo 092 loader crane with a rated lift capacity of 8.8 tm , and 7.7 m outreach , the E15 Delivery provides impressive load and unload ability , the company says .
“ Operated by manual lever control or wireless joystick remote , the operator can manoeuvre loads from a distance on and off the machine but never over the cabin due to built-in intelligence and speed control – an excellent safety feature ,” Elphinstone Global Sales & Marketing Manager , Tim Mitchell , said .
Multiple configurations are possible ; deck ( 4.5 m x 2.5 m ) with crane , two-piece deck ( 5.2 m x 2.5 m ) where the front section can be removed to fit a crane , or one-piece full-length deck ( 5.2 m x 2.5 m ) with a maximum payload of 16,620 kg ( with crane ) or 17,200 kg ( without crane ).
The deck features a steel tread plate floor bordered by multiple tiedown points and provision for ratchet load binders . Dual-sided access is enhanced with a removeable guard rail system ( optional ) with on-board storage .
Cabin comfort At a height of 2.4 m , the front-mounted operator cabin on the E15 features three-person air suspended seating , air conditioning pressurisation , an ergonomic central driving position with a 180 ° view and a dial controller for the retarder , speed and implement controls .
Smaller thoughtful details include an air-cooled compartment for lunchbox storage , cupholders and smartphone charging ports .
Improved ride and manoeuvrability An A-frame front axle suspension , combined with the oscillating hitch and air-suspended seats , delivers a high level of machine comfort to the operator and passengers , the company claims .
The oscillating hitch ensures all wheels remain in contact with the
Elphinstone ’ s E15 Agitator 7m 3 specialises in the bulk transport of concrete to back fill voids and deliver shotcrete to the shotcreter
ground offering traction in rough or wet conditions . Although the E15 is typically longer than the E10 , the common rear frame and axle position mean that the machine has a better turning circle improving manoeuvrability .
Shared engine front frame Common to the E15 and E10 range , the engine front frame can accommodate either Cat C7.1 Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final engine arrangements featuring Caterpillar ’ s ACERT™ technology to meet exhaust emission reduction standards .
The engine ’ s efficient fuel delivery , air management and electronic control lead to high productivity and exceptional service life , according to Elphinstone . An optional full-flow diesel particulate filter may be fitted in place of the standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models .
All engine and machine isolation functions are located on one panel accessible at ground level .
Safety features An optional safety feature of the E15 is the front and rear hydraulic jacks . The front jacks operate with a “ park ” function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating . The rear jacks are used to level or lift the machine for discharge . All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres .
Other safety features include intelligent electronic speed control that combines the functions of the heavy-duty electromagnetic driveline retarder , engine speed and the correct transmission gear to control the maximum speed while descending into the mine , reducing wear and tear on the service brakes , and improving machine control .
Operator presence , on-board brake testing and advanced machine diagnostics ensure the operator is in control of the machine and has the right information to diagnose any issue via the 12 inch touch screen dashboard .
Ground-level serviceability All service points such as tanks , filters , lubrication points and compartment drains are located at ground level for servicing .
Downtime during service and maintenance is also reduced markedly on the E15 due to clever engineering and design features , incorporated with service personnel in mind , Elphinstone says .
Quick-change air filters and 500-hour oil service intervals reduce downtime and keep machines in operation longer for greater productivity . A centralised on-board service centre includes fast fill , evacuation and fluid sample points for analysis .
70 International Mining | MARCH 2025