Volume 9 Edition 3 2012 - The ASIA Miner

Product NewsLow-emission underground trucks from SandvikSANDVIK Mining has introduced two new underground miningtrucks, the first to offer low-emission engines, which according tothe company makes them the cleanest underground trucks on themarket. The new 50-tonne capacity TH550 and 40-tonne capacityTH540 are offered with energy-efficient, low-emission enginescomplying with EPA Tier 4i/Euro Stage IIIB emissions standards.In addition, they have the smallest envelope size in their payloadclass and are designed to operate fully loaded on long spiral gradientsof up to 20% at high speeds. Available as an option, the Tier4i/IIIB Volvo engine on both trucks consumes less fuel, pr oducesfewer emissions and has better torque characteristics than the engineson their predecessor trucks, the Sandvik T50 and T40.According to Sandvik Mining’s product line manager for undergroundhard rock mining, Scott Rowe, the TH540 and TH550 arethe only trucks currently available with this engine option. “Thesetrucks can provide a healthier environment for all personnel workingunderground. For example, if these engines ran in the centreof a large city, the exhaust fumes coming out of the engines wouldbe cleaner than the air they were taking in.”A new Sandvik 50-tonne capacity TH550 underground truck with a low-emission engine.Scott Rowe says that in developing its new undergr ound truckrange, Sandvik Mining paid particular attention to envir onment,health and safety (EHS) issues, as well as pr oductivity and reliability.“As well as our low-emission engine option, both trucks incorporateROPS/FOPS-certified operator compartments, easythree-point access into the cabin and to the top of the machine,improved visibility, ground level daily maintenance and safety railsalong the top of the machine.“Improved ergonomics – which mean reduced fatigue levels overlong shifts – include rubber-mounted and isolated cabs, improvedsound and heat insulation, mor e efficient air conditioning andseats with low frequency suspension as standard.”Daily maintenance requirements have been made simpler, moreconvenient and safer. “All checking points for hydraulic and engineoils, coolant levels and air filters are at ground level, we havequick fill couplings for fluid and the belly plate opens by swingingout to the side,” says Scott Rowe. “The engine cooler is easy toclean and both trucks offer automatic central lubrication systems.”In the event of a machine pr oblem, Sandvik’s built in VehicleControl and Management (VCM) diagnostics/tr oubleshootingalarm and log system allows the operator to quickly identify itssource and cause. Full operating logs can be downloaded to astandard laptop.76 | ASIA Miner | May/June 2012