Engineering & Mining Journal

AUG 2013

Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr

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LO A D I N G T E C H N O LO GY The Hydropilot hydraulics on the Komatsu PC 4000 deliver precise control. The loader bucket capacity has been increased as well, to 38 yd3 from 35.5 yd3. Hydraulic pump output has been increased by 10%, without degrading conventional cycle time performance. This results in a higher flow rate at the same pressure. Higher flow rate means faster speed. Pump speed is increased through a change in the pump drive gear ratio. The hydraulic oil cooler has changed. The manufacture of the core has been changed, along with the type of core row and fin shape. Fan speed has been increased to provide additional cooling capacity due to increases in hydraulic horsepower. Inside the cab, LED lighting has been adopted for longer life and less heat generation. An optional interface with major mine management systems commonly used in many mine sites, including Wenco Fleet Management Systems (provided by Wenco International Mining Systems Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.) is also available. Although the Cummins engine model number remains the same, it is a different engine configuration to provide the increased horsepower. There is now a spin-on type filter for pilot system for easier serviceability. The EX5600-6 is offered in both backhoe and loader shovel configurations. The exclusive auto-leveling crowd mechanism increases job efficiency with one-lever control. Hitachi's computer-aided Engine50 E&MJ; • AUGUST 2013 Pump Control coaxes optimum efficiency from the engine and hydraulic pumps. This innovative system senses load demand and controls the engine and pump output for maximum operating efficiency. For the undercarriage and hydraulic cylinder, parts common to the original EX5500-6 are used. The cab remains the same—roomy and comfortable with an air suspension seat, low-effort short-throw levers with electric fly-by-wire, and support for diagnosing the failure portion via the monitoring function of the large size LCD monitor. Provisions for extreme operating conditions, from tropical to arctic, are still available. Also retained are the convenient 45° folding-type service ladder and Hitachi Global e-Service that enables owners to download critical field data to their office for remote field monitoring. Complete Machine Information Center (MIC) data can be downloaded in the field with a laptop. Komatsu Makes Reliability a Priority During MINExpo 2012, Komatsu discussed improvements to its PC4000 hydraulic shovel. With an operating weight between 855,500 lb to 879,800 lb (388,000 to 399,000 kg) and a bucket capacity of 29 yd3 (22.1 m3), it was designed with the goal of helping miners move more material in less time at a reduced cost per ton, according to Komatsu. A Komatsu SDA16V160E-2 diesel engine and 4-circuit advanced "Hydropilot" hydraulics are two of the major improvements. The Komatsu SDA16V160E-2 diesel engine has a rated power of 1,875 hp. The shovel's low engine emission levels meet EPA regulations for Tier 2 and an oil management system, which saves time, is fitted as standard on all machines. Electric drive 4,160 to 7,200 volts, 50 or 60 Hz, is also available. The PC4000 has some of the highest digging forces in its class with a backhoe break-out force of 250,000 lb and loading shovel crowd force of 300,000 lb. All cylinders are mounted in the shadow of the attachment's steel structure for component protection. A wide-range of wear packages, buckets and track shoes are available to suit applications. Komatsu's PC4000 is recommended for use with haul trucks with payloads that range from 150 to 240 tons. The insulated cab has been engineered to reduce noise and vibration. The cab has a deep wide front window with the operator positioned and seated on a multiadjustable air suspension seat for improved comfort and visibility. The cab has A/C climate control with pressurized filtered air ventilation. An optional back up A/C or heater is available. The Hydropilot hydraulics reliably deliver precise control, according to Komatsu. The single engine is connected to a gearbox driving four identical main pumps that draw hydraulic oil from an unpressurized tank. The open circuit system is fitted with swing out oil coolers and monitored filtration that enhance machine efficiency and operating life. The machine has been designed to be maintenance-friendly with quick access to major components. Access to all major service points are at the machinery's house level and there is also ground-level access to the hydraulically-powered swing-down service arm with Wiggins connections. The PC4000 is equipped with Komtrax Plus (formerly VHMS) technology, which sends machine operating information to a secure website wirelessly. Data such as operating hours, component trends, machine utilization (including idle time and fuel consumption) and production information are relayed to the web application and made available online for analysis. www.e-mj.com

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