Atlas Copco has released a new carbon emission free LHD loader.
The new Scooptram EST1030 is the latest addition to the company's range of Scooptram underground loaders.
According to the company the new LHD's electric motor means that it now consumes less energy compared to a diesel engine, while at the same time producing less heat and lower noise levels.
It uses approximately 40% less energy and produces 40% less heat during 'general operations'.
As the motor is electric it also directly addresses one of the key issues faced in operating heavy machinery in underground mines – diesel particulate matter, as well as only requiring minimal ventilation and air to operate.
Lars Bergkvist, Atlas Copco's global projects manager explained that “as mines go deeper, heat and ventilation becomes more and more problematic. At the same time the price of fuel is rising. We strongly believe that efficient electric vehicles will be the key in future mining operations.”
While there are concerns over the range of an electrically powered motor underground, cable powered electric loaders are not a new concept, and have demonstrated operatability underground for sometime.
However the issue of cable and cable control still remained, with high tension causing the cable to wrap around corners – causing cuts and high levels of cable wear.
The EST1030 has now solved this problem with a new cable control system that minimise cable tension as well as cable wear.
Despite the change in power supply the controls remain the same, with the same system as the ST1030 diesel version.
Safety has also been a focus, with the new LHD including spring applied hydraulically released (SAHR) brakes as well as an ISO and ROPS/FOPS approved cabin.
The cabin has been more ergonomically designed with increased leg room and better control placements, while the cabin itself is placed on rubber mounts to reduce vibrations.