Sandvik has unveiled the Sandvik Tyre Monitor (STM), which monitors tyre pressure and temperature, for underground load-haul-dumps (LHDs) and trucks.
Available for all new Sandvik underground LHDs and trucks equipped with Sandvik’s Vehicle Control and Management (VCM) system, it provides the following warnings when it detects tyre leaks; extreme over-pressure (of 38% and above); underpressure ( at 12.5 % and below); extreme under-pressure ( at 25% and below); when the tyres overheat temperature (85°C); and alerts the operator when the battery is low.
Sensors are easily replaceable.
The STM uses four pressure sensors integrated into the tyre vent caps, which send a signal to a wireless radio receiver integrated with the Sandvik VCM system.
Once the STM has been installed and set up, the tyres are inflated to their correct pressure and the pressure sensor vent caps are screwed on.
The operator can then see the tyre pressures on the cabin display and will be warned of any air leakage, as well as pressure or temperature problems.
Under-inflated tyres are potential safety hazards for the operation of the machine.
Steering and overall vehicle behaviour can change due to under-inflated or damaged tyres, compromising controllability of the machine.
In addition, unplanned wheel changes following a tyre failure in high-traffic production or ramp areas can create hazards to personnel carrying out the wheel change.
The tyre monitoring has also been designed for use on automated vehicle operation where human senses are not available to feel the differing behaviour of the machine caused by tyre failure.