UTILITY VEHICLES AND PERSONNEL MOVEMENT
Timberland Equipment ’ s Minejack is one of its principal purpose-built mobile underground utility vehicles
and fire system activation , if fitted ). Optional features include an integrated fire suppression system and metallic fuel water separators made from a non-flammable material .
Emergency stop buttons are fitted as standard inside the cabin , at ground level on the front lefthand side of the machine and near the access ladders on the left- and right-hand side of the deck .
Integrated into the WR810 operator station is ROPS ISO 3471:2008 and FOPS ISO 3449:2005 approved protection for the operator .
The operator station is designed to seat three people in comfort with optimal visibility , Elphinstone said . This can aid operator training and allows the complete crew to travel collectively rather than deploying an additional light vehicle for personnel transport .
The oscillating hitch provides superior operator comfort , four-wheel ground contact and reduced wear on the hitch and steering components , according to the company , stopping the transfer of rough conditions from the rear frame to the front frame .
Utilities under one roof
Based in Ontario , Canada , Timberland Equipment ’ s purpose-built mobile underground utility vehicles cover a wide range of applications , with the Minejack ® being one of its principal product lines .
Other products from the company include tensioners , mine rescue systems , pullers , hoists , sheaves and winches custom designed for shaft sinking and underground projects .
The Timberland Equipment – Minejack M- Series , built on the multi-purpose Minejack carrier , is in high demand among mining operators and contractors , particularly the M-30 and M-40 models , according to the company .
Recently a new cassette truck order was placed by a Canada-based customer , which required scissor , mechanic , lube and water cassettes . The client requested a small fleet of equipment to reduce emissions and cost and chose the Minejack M40 platform as Timberland offered custom-designed solutions to meet operational needs , Timberland said . The cassettes are designed for rapid on-boarding and off-boarding for efficient transportation .
Another recent order entailed a M30 platform to be used as a material transporter and for utility works , which was sold to a US client that required a narrow-vein machine to transport its drill platform via a quick attach system . This system allows the client to quickly deliver the drill platform and re-connect to a personnel basket with remote control capabilities , according to Timberland . This allows the basket attendant to manoeuvre the M30 Minejack without a second operator .
Timberland added : “ At Timberland , we are focused on electrification and digitalisation , and seeking to expand our battery-electric vehicles to operations with additional requirements of clean air . We also manufacture under one roof , which gives us more control over product quality .”
Platform package
MacLean Engineering ’ s range of production support vehicles is set to expand in the next two years , Maarten van Koppen , VP Product Management , told delegates at The Electric Mine 2022 Conference , in February .
Its new MC5 Mine Charger will be available later this year , with the cab-forward design available in both battery-electric and diesel form .
The machine comes equipped with a rearmounted explosives package that can switch between emulsion and ANFO with minor re-work , according to van Koppen .
The MC5 could end up as a platform for future technology , including explosives loading from the cab and , eventually , remote loading , he said . This pathway , however , is dependent on industry-wide blast initiation product innovations .
In the March quarter of 2023 , the company plans to launch the ML5 multi-tool carrier , which is primarily geared towards the Australian market . This new carrier has a certified elevated work platform with controls in the basket , offers basket slewing and has multiple attachments available . Like the MC5 , it is set to be available in diesel or battery-electric form .
These machines come on top of the recently released GR5 underground road grader , a fit-forpurpose utility vehicle for maintaining haulage ramps in optimal condition .’
MARCH 2022 | International Mining 13