Engineering & Mining Journal

JUN 2014

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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52 E&MJ; • JUNE 2014 www.e-mj.com ering most of the other countries through a comprehensive network of agents. GHH's range of products spans machines employing fundamental, relative- ly simple technology up to hydrostatic drive train-based machines and super-low profile- loaders. Its LHDs, available in capacities of 5 to 20 t, are designed to be used in extreme mining conditions and low and nar- row galleries. The current LHD portfolio includes 15 different diesel- and electric- driven LHD models. Its super-low-profile loaders—the SLP product line—with a machine height of 1.5 m, can operate in galleries less than 1.7 m high. According to the company, African mine operators have shown high interest in compact GHH LHDs from the LF and the SLP product range, and South Africa-based GHH MM provides machinery as well as extensive services and training to the growing African market. GHH also offers seven mine truck mod- els for mining and tunneling applications, with payloads ranging from 15 to 55 t. All GHH models are designed around the robust GHH frame and system design aimed at providing low operating costs. Recent developments include a new version of the compact, 5-mt-payload LF-5 LHD, which is now in production. This upgrade features a water-cooled Deutz TCD 2012 Tier 3 / COM IIIa-compliant diesel as standard equipment, with a Deutz TCD 4.1 Tier 4i and 4f-compliant version available as an option that significantly reduces required underground ventilation rates, according to the company. The new LF-5 also has ROPS/FOPS and CE certification, as well as various ergonomic improvements to provide maximum performance and flex- ibility in narrow (1.8 m) hard-rock mining or tunneling conditions. The company said its 10-mt-payload LF-10 LHD has proven to be a durable and versatile LHD with an excellent power to weight-ratio and a simple, efficient design. The latest version of the LF-10 features engine improvements (water-cooled Deutz TCD 2013 diesel complying with Tier 3/COM IIIa), as well as improved operator ergonomics and controls. Visibility from the ROPS/FOPS-certified operator cabin has been enhanced significantly. The company also announced a new version of its 20-mt-payload MK-A20 truck, featuring new dump body options, ROPS/ FOPS certification and a water-cooled Cummins QSB6.7 engine complying with Tier 3/COM IIIa emission standards, as well as various operator ergonomic improve- ments. Its dimensions (9.4 m long x 2.2 m wide x 2.55 m high) and high power-to- weight ratio allow operations in narrow con- ditions. The MK-A20 shares the same plat- form with the MK-A5m 3 mixer truck, a compact and versatile concrete mixer. GHH also offers electric LHDs with pay- loads ranging from 10 to 20 mt. Its newest generation of electric units is equipped with the GHH-designed Efficient Drive System (EDS), an innovative hydrostatic continuous variable transmission concept combined with a constant-speed electric motor. Electric LHDs are equipped with a horizontal active-controlled cable drum, and the company claims that its precise cable-winding combined with low cable tension allows the service life of the cable to be extended significantly. The electric LHDs are suited for applications where pro- duction capacity must be increased with- out ventilation modifications. The newest model in the electric line, the LF-18HE, is currently working in potash mines under extreme conditions with gradients up to 28% and tempera- tures above 40°C, demonstrating the capa- bility and potential of EDS in combination with electric drives, the company noted. EDS can also be applied to diesel-driv- en LHDs, offering advantages such as sav- ings in fuel consumption, reduced tire and brake wear, better muckpile penetration, and easy handling in a single system. RDH Conveyor Truck Excels in Low-seam Ops In late 2013, Ontario, Canada-based RDH Mining Equipment announced its Haul- master 600-7LPC conveyor haul truck, designed specifically for mining in low- headroom environments such as potash operations. According to the company, the 600- 7LPC's chain-driven, sealed-bearing con- veyor, built into the chassis, unloads to the rear, eliminating side spillage associated with the unloading of traditional haul trucks. The load mass is evenly supported by a series of robust crossbeams. The con- veyor's hydraulic power and control system allows the operator to adjust conveyor speed or stop it quickly. Because the load body is never lifted, the truck can work in low seams or under obsta- cles such as ventilation or electrical struc- tures—RDH said units were working in a 70- in.-high heading. The unit is stable, can unload on uneven surfaces and takes less time to unload than traditional dump trucks. According to RDH, prior to the intro- duction of the conveyor belt truck, a min- ing customer used LHDs to carry potash from the face to a conveyor system. After the conveyor truck was commissioned, the operation reported a 400% increase in pro- ductivity due to quicker unloading time. The Haulmaster 6007LPC's load body can carry up to 6.3 m 3 (8.3 yd 3 ) of mate- rial and is rated at 6.4-mt (7-t) payload capacity. It is powered by a Deutz 914L06 air-cooled diesel. L H D S & T R U C K S GHH's LF-5 has been upgraded with new engine and ergonomic improvements. EMJ_pg46-55_EMJ_pg46-55 6/3/14 2:04 PM Page 52

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