IM May 2026 | Page 38

HIGH PROFILE
The E15 Tilt Tray is set to allow customers to replace standard on-road highway trucks with a purpose-built solution

The new Elphinstone E15 Tilt Tray is the fourth model in the Elphinstone E15 underground support vehicle platform series, adding another application to the highly configurable E15 underground support fleet comprising an agitator( 7 cu. m), delivery with crane, flat deck and a fuel and lube truck with several other applications still in development.

Global Sales & Marketing Manager, Tim Mitchell, said:“ The E15 has been well received within Australia and overseas, with a new variant, the E15 Tilt Tray, set to allow our customers to replace standard on-road highway trucks with a purpose-built solution.”
Two E15 Tilt Trays are operating on mine sites in Australia; the first at Newmont Tanami in the Northern Territory, the second at Evolution Mining’ s Ernest Henry Mine in Queensland.
With a maximum static payload of 13,200 kg and 8,300 kg tilt and slide loading capacity, the purpose built E15 Tilt Tray is compliant to all relevant ISO and Australian standards, including AS5400 for Tow Trucks, and offers a flexible and safe transport solution with tilt and sliding tray, the company says.
The 6,785 mm x 2,500 mm tray has a 15 ° loading approach angle and features a class-leading 12.5-t planetary drive winch, heavy-duty H-frame for lateral stability, a robust steel plate floor bordered by multiple tie-down points, four container locks( ISO 10’ pattern), lashing rail and the provision for optional ratchet load binders.
Other features include undertray open storage compartments and a hand wash dispenser.
Safe and effective load handling
Using a Wi-Fi remote control, the operator can operate the tilt tray at a safe distance from the machine and, thanks to in-built dampening on the tilt cylinders at closed and extended positions, position the tray close to the load for safe and effective load handling. Emergency stops are located at ground level on both sides of the machine. The Wi-Fi remote control features two-speed functions
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Full tilt for E15 Series

Choosing the right support vehicle for an underground operation can significantly increase the productivity of the production fleet and reduce operational costs, Elphinstone says
for all tray and winch movement, including a Deadman switch and dropped remotes detection system.
Three-point contact access ladders and handrails are located at the front and rear, on both sides of the tray to enable access to the tray when in the full forward or rearward positions.
Ride and serviceability
The front axle suspension, combined with the oscillating hitch and air-suspended seats, delivers a high level of machine comfort to the operator and passengers, Elphinstone says.
The oscillating hitch provides superior operator comfort, four-wheel ground contact and reduced wear on the hitch and steering components. The hitch features a heavy duty 600-mm deep frame section through the oscillating hitch area with +/- 42.5 ° steering articulation and +/- 10 ° oscillation.
An optional feature of the E15 is the front hydraulic jacks. The front jacks operate with a“ park” function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating. Rear hydraulic stabiliser jacks are standard on the E15 tilt tray, providing the ability to level and stabilise the machine during the loading and unloading processes. All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres.
All service points, such as tanks, filters, lubrication points and compartment drains, are conveniently located at ground level for servicing.
Quick change air filters and 500-hour oil service intervals reduce downtime and keep machines in operation longer for greater productivity, while a centralised on-board service centre offers fluid sample points for analysis.
Safety priority
E15 safety features include firewalls and heatshields, machine interlocks and centralised isolation points.
Operator presence, on-board brake testing and advanced machine diagnostics ensure that the operator is in control of the machine and has the right information to diagnose any issue via the 12 inch( 305 mm) touch screen dashboard.
Emergency stops are fitted as standard, one inside the cabin, and two at ground level on both sides of the transmission. Optional features include a factory fit integrated fire suppression system and metallic fuel water separators made from a non-flammable material.
Tray up and tray slide locking mechanisms( lockable) are located at the front and rear of the tray to provide a safe environment for maintenance and servicing. The E15 intelligent electronic speed control uses a heavy-duty electromagnetic driveline retarder, engine speed and the correct transmission gear to safely control speed while descending into the mine, reducing wear and tear on the service breaks, including parts and components.
On top of this, the E15 can detect neutral coasting and automatically apply the electromagnetic driveline retarder to slow the machine to an acceptable speed and apply the park brake.
The operator cabin is ROPS / FOPS certified to ISO and Australian standards, while the tilt and slide mechanisms can be isolated and locked in position for maintenance.
Engine arrangements
The C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 final engine arrangement is optional, offering 151 kW of power and adheres to EU Stage V exhaust emission standards.
The C7.1 ACERT Tier 3 engine arrangement rated at 168 kW is the standard option for less stringent emission regulations. Matched to the engine is a Cat five-speed( three-speed reverse) transmission fitted with a lock-up torque converter.
An optional partial flow diesel particulate filter can be fitted in place of standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models, according to the company.
Operator experience
At 2.4 m high, the low-profile front-mounted operator cabin features three-person seating, air conditioning, ergonomic central driving position with a clear 180 ° view and a dial controller for the retarder, speed and implement controls.
Ergonomically designed machine controls are located for the operator to control the machine functions with minimal effort. The result is greater concentration on vehicle operation, with reduced operator fatigue.
Operator comfort and convenience are further enhanced with an air-cooled compartment for lunch box storage, cupholders and smartphone charging ports.
International Mining | MAY 2026