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At the time of its introduction, Cat said the truck's C27 engine, rated at 776–805 gross horsepower (579–600 kW) had been significantly refined for use in the AD60, including new pistons and high-tempera- ture fuel injectors, more durable rocker arm assemblies, a redesigned crank- shaft lubrication system, a high-efficiency engine oil cooler and a higher-capacity fuel cooler. The latest version of the AD60 also has a remote-mounted transmission oil cooler for the seven-speed Cat planetary power- shift transmission, which features a lock-up torque converter as well as an electronical- ly controlled retarding system. The trans cooler lessens the heat load on the engine oil cooler. In addition, a new heat-shielding system isolates heat from the exhaust man- ifolds, turbocharger impeller, and exhaust piping to reduce engine compartment tem- peratures and to provide a cooler environ- ment for surrounding components. New ventilated hoods and covers allow effective heat dissipation and assist in passive cool- ing of component compartments. Other major features on the AD60 include electronic integration of the engine and drive train, providing controlled-throt- tle shifting, overspeed protection, and body-up shift inhibitor. And, currently, the AD60 is the only ADT model on which Cat's Truck Payload Management System is standard equipment. Underground Force, part of Idaho, USA-based mining utility vehicle builder Ground Force Manufacturing, a Cat busi- ness partner, recently introduced its line of articulated dump trucks that includes 10-, 15- and 20-ton payload capacity models, filling the gaps in Cat's underground haul truck product line. The underground trucks are offered in ejector, side dump and end dump models with Tier 4 and LRC engine options. The trucks, according to Under- ground Force, include AR400 steel com- ponents for durability and employ 65% Cat parts in their design. Sandvik LHD for the Chinese Market In March, Sandvik Mining announced the introduction of its LH204, a 4-ton-capacity LHD designed for narrow-vein underground mining applications and developed initially for the fast-growing Chinese market. "The LH204 operates productively and profitably in confined applications while still handling larger payloads than similar-sized competitor units," said Mika Pöyri, Sandvik Mining product manager. "The increased 4-ton payload capacity results in a produc- tivity increase of at least 13% compared with other LHDs in this size class." The LH204, now available in China and in other global markets later this year, fea- tures powertrain, engine and transmission improvements that translate into higher penetration rates for efficient loading of the 2-m 3 bucket, according to Sandvik. "It also offers the highest levels of safe- ty and ergonomics in this size class," Pöyri said. "For example, the operator's compart- ment is located in the rear frame and we can offer the option of a fully enclosed cabin for extra operator safety and comfort." Unique in this class of LHD, said Sandvik, is its Vehicle Control and Management (VCM) system, which monitors all loader parameters, including tramming speeds, operating tem- peratures and pressures. This expedites trou- bleshooting and minimizes unscheduled downtime. In addition, all daily check and fill points are at ground level, facilitating safe and easy maintenance. "This loader is the result of a design process that combines local market requirements with 30 years of Sandvik Mining experience in designing safe, reli- able LHDs and applies our core technology benefits to a machine tailored for develop- ing markets," said Pöyri. Concurrently with the announcement of the LH204, Sandvik introduced an upgrade of its LH410 LHD earlier this year, aimed at improving the machine's opera- tional flexibility and productivity. Feature enhancements include a complete re- design of the front end to improve the loader's capability to load trucks—it's now able to three-pass load Sandvik's TH430 underground mine truck. Changes to the loader bucket and arm geometry have elevated the bucket pin height 312 mm to 3,863 mm. The LH410 features a strong, lightweight box-construc- tion boom, designed for strength, reliabili- ty and durability while minimizing fuel- wasting dead mass, according to Sandvik. Improvements to the LH410's optional boom suspension system have been designed to deliver a smoother ride in bumpy underfoot conditions, resulting in more operator comfort, reduced machine wear and better load retention. The loader also has a larger boom/buck- et pump for better control and faster dump speeds and an improved bucket-shaking system to increase dump speeds, particu- larly with muddy or sticky materials. To optimize load distribution and facilitate dumping, it now has a redesigned bucket with an improved profile for easier bucket filling and faster dumping. Additional enhancements include ergo- nomic improvements to the accelerator and brake pedals, an upgraded oil cooler and improved transmission and torque converter cooling, and a relocated air filter that is easier to access. An optional monitoring system for tire pressure provides early warning for poten- tial tire problems. "The LH410 is automation-ready, enabling it to be integrated into a Sandvik AutoMine operation by installing an avail- able upgrade kit," said Minna Pirkkanen, Sandvik product manager for mass mining underground loaders. Atlas Copco LHD Aims for Top Productivity Late last year, Atlas Copco launched a new, 18-mt-capacity underground loader for large operations, including development work as well as production mining. Designed to match the company's 60-mt-capacity Minetruck MT6020T, Atlas Copco said it expects the Scooptram ST18—which com- pletes its range of LHDs in this segment—to be the most productive LHD on the market. The company also noted that the ST18 and the MT6020 share many common parts and control system components, which can sub- stantially reduce total cost of ownership. Describing one of the LHD's key fea- tures, Ben Thompson, product manager at 48 E&MJ; • JUNE 2014 www.e-mj.com Atlas Copco's ST18 is designed for high-rate development and production applications. L H D S & T R U C K S EMJ_pg46-55_EMJ_pg46-55 6/3/14 2:04 PM Page 48