Komatsu launches loaders for hard rock mines

Komatsu Australia is targeting the hard rock mining industry with the launch of a suite of four underground loaders. The company said the release, during its centenary year of service to the mining and construction industries, came after several years of research. Komatsu will enter the hard rock mining sector with two large capacity hybrid-electric loaders and two conventionally powered smaller machines designed for narrow vein operation. The hybrid drive loaders, equipped with independent electric motors in each wheel, headline a substantial investment by Komatsu to provide a complete service solution to miners and contractors. "Providing hard rock miners with reliable underground loaders is part of a broader understanding of the need to assist their overall productivity in the face of global competition," Komatsu Australia product manager mining Joshua Foale said. The hybrid Komatsu WX22H and WX18H load haul dump (LHD) loaders each claim the lowest total operating costs in their class. Komatsu said the WX22H and smaller WX18H (pictured below) achieved up to 20 per cent greater tonnes moved compared to conventionally powered loaders, with up to 20 per cent decrease in fuel costs, based on operating trials. An independent life cycle analysis identified a 30 per cent reduction in operating costs. Improved work cycle performance is achieved by use of high efficiency electric traction motors in each wheel, making conventional mechanical power drive redundant, resulting in substantial reductions in operating costs. A Kinetic Energy Storage System (KESS) captures and reuses braking energy from each of the four wheels. Heat-energy generated when the machine stops abruptly at the dig face is captured by the bi-directional KESS loop instead of being lost to the atmosphere. Related: PIMS taps Komatsu for Millennium fleet KESS stores and releases three megajoules of energy, supplementing power from the conventional diesel engine for greater acceleration to maximise cycle performance. Komatsu's 22 tonne WX22H produces 320kW (429hp); the smaller WX18H produces 280 kw(375hp). Both engines are rated to the strictest Euro V requirements for emission control. And both utilise the same KESS, capable of delivering 410kW (550hp), effectively doubling power delivery on demand. New narrow vein hard rock loaders. Komatsu has designed the new WX07 and WX04 machines for maximum productivity. Large capacity fuel tanks - 243 litres in the case of the WX07- allow longer operational cycles between refueling. Cabin access, visibility and ergonomics have been optimised and critical service points have been placed at ground level to minimise the need for technicians to climb or use ladders to reach key areas. A new more efficient bucket design enables greater penetration into a load pile for fast bucket filling. The Komatsu WX04 delivers 97kW (130hp) and the WX07 delivers 160kW (215hp). Komatsu said its analysis showed the conventionally powered Komatsu WX07, seven-tonne loader was 14 per cent more productive than any other machine in its category. The WX04, four-tonne version offers 20 per cent more breakout force in its class, based on published information. "In developing our machines, we have been specific in providing protection for critical structural components, linkages and joints," Mr Foale said. "Reliability has been a paramount consideration in the design of long-life moving parts. "In the case of our Hybrid Drive (HD) machines, there are no commutators, brushes or rotor windings to replace, and our wiring systems are double insulated."

Komatsu launches loaders for hard rock mines

Industry Queensland

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