UTILITY VEHICLES
Mining will be Manitou ’ s main focus at the forthcoming bauma show in Munich , in April .
Among the innovative new features to be presented are utility vehicles offering machine operation from the mine basket , specially designed for underground applications .
The remote control located in the basket on a MHT 790 Mining ST5
The MHT 790 Mining telehandler , for instance , enables the
ST5 telehandler offers operator to maintain ventilation and electrical greater safety and systems . Such control means the machine can be moved without field of vision for operations , Manitou having to climb in and out of the cab , with the system improving says
machine operating safety and simplifying underground maintenance operations . This is all achieved while reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity .
Because user safety is at the heart of Manitou ’ s mission , features such as operator head protection at the driver ’ s station , front and rear working lights on and off the cab , and double pedal and presence switch safety ( essential for moving the machine ) have all been designed in .
At the end of maintenance work , the machine operator can take the remote control out of the basket and use it to control accessories such as tyre and cylinder clamps away from the machine . This results in less fatigue without the tiring vibrations of telescopic forklift movements , with the MHT 790 Mining ST5 telehandler offering greater safety and field of vision for operations .
At bauma , the versatile SC 28 ( preview ) Manitou telescopic handler will be showcased . This machine is equipped with a hydraulic hammer , is compact , robust , reliable and agile , and designed for a tough underground environment . Its streamlined shape enables it to work as close as possible to the walls , the company added .
extended operational uptime and lower total cost of ownership .
“ As a trusted partner to a growing number of off-road manufacturers , we need to help them deliver on the needs of today while simultaneously preparing for the transition to a net-zero future ,” Darren Tasker , VP of Industrial Sales for Volvo Penta of the Americas , said . “ Our partnership with J & S Manufacturing provides mining customers with a platform to make meaningful progress – reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency while also benefitting from a collaborative service approach .”
Portelance added : “ Volvo Penta ’ s expertise in delivering reliable , high-performance engines aligns perfectly with our mission to provide tailored solutions and services that meet the evolving needs of the mining sector . We look forward to exploring new opportunities with Volvo Penta , addressing industry challenges and delivering long-term value to our customers .”
Volvo Penta ’ s D5 Tier 4 Final and Stage V engines are built to perform in demanding mining conditions , providing robust construction and consistent power output to support uptime . Service intervals of up to 1,000 hours help optimise efficiency and safeguard productivity . Additionally , all Volvo Penta off-road engines are designed based on the same platform , which simplifies everything from installation to service and the acquisition of spare parts .
J & S Manufacturing has already received its first orders for a new Volvo Penta-powered boom truck and scissor lift truck , both in operation in underground mines in northern Ontario . An additional scissor lift , boom and ANFO loader truck are scheduled to be delivered to customers soon .
In the mining mix
Putzmeister Underground is well known for its range of concrete spraying equipment , which is complemented by concrete transport equipment to optimise the logistics of underground mining operations , called the Mixkret line .
This range of low-profile mixing equipment consists of four Mixkret models , designed and developed to complement and improve the
overall shotcrete process . The mixing drums have a capacity of 3 , 4 , 5 or 6 cubic metres and are named accordingly .
The entire range is equipped with a powerful engine that complies with emission regulations in all major regions , and has an automatic height compensation system . The hydrostatic transmission is optimised for gradeability , travel speed , start-up acceleration and fuel consumption , and the downhill speed control system with tilt sensor ensures the vehicle always travels at a safe speed , the company says . Mixkrets also offer great manouevrability in all types of terrain thanks to the 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steering , crab steering and reduced turning radius .
“ The Mixkret range is also renowned for its toughness , as evidenced by machines in the field that have worked for over 30,000 hours at full capacity and in continuous shift ,” the company says .
Putzmeister Underground ’ s engineering department is in Madrid , Spain , where key components are designed , assembled and exported worldwide . Its after-sales service network looks to provide rapid assistance to ensure efficient solutions in every situation , be it commissioning , breakdown repairs or inspections , and provides both a remote telephone service with a 24-hour helpline and on-site service by the local staff worldwide , as well as shotcreting consultancy services and training courses .
‘ Pedigree ’ eLVs
Western Australia-based majority Indigenous owned business , Kuuwa Rentals , is looking to sate the Australian mining industry ’ s demand for electric light utility vehicles by offering the Ford F150 Lightning electric truck to companies in the state .
Australia has one of the highest populations of light utility vehicles across the globe , with several companies having established an electric light utility vehicle offering in the past decade .
The range of low-profile Mixkret mixing equipment consists of four models , including the Mixkret 4 , which has a 4 cu . m capacity
74 International Mining | MARCH 2025