Brisbane-based mining haulage system manufacturer will release its own-design prime mover tractor unit for its unique mine haulage systems on Stand B1111 during AIMEX 2007 – Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition, to be held at Sydney’s Olympic Park from September 4 to 7, 2007.
In addition, the company will be showing video footage and providing production information on its recently delivered PT75 Pit Hauler system – with two units recently delivered to mines in Queensland and Western Australia.
Powertrans’ new tractor unit, the T1250, represents the company’s first move into offering its own prime movers for its surface and underground haulage systems; previously the company has used off-the-shelf on-highway prime movers.
According to Powertrans, it is now offering its own purpose-built tractor units in order to reduce lead times, to provide a prime mover specifically designed for mining applications and conditions, and with all safety systems built in from the ground up.
The T1250 is powered by a Cat C18 diesel rated at 465 kW through a 6x4 Allison M6610 automatic transmission, with a 12 tonne capacity Axletec steer axle and a 50 tonne capacity Axletec SPRC 1927 rear drive axle.
It incorporates a centre-mounted cab, for unrestricted all-round visibility, stairs and walkways to Australian Standards, full fire suppression system, ergonomic cab and heavy duty air suspension.
Powertrans’ PT75 Pit Hauler, based on the company’s patented Powertrailer system, combines a prime mover with a powered trailer, to haul loads of up to 200 tonnes up 8-10% grades at speeds of 15 km/h.
The same rig can then haul virtually unlimited distances on the surface, at speeds in excess of 50 km/h and – because it uses conventional off-highway light earthmoving tyres, which are in relatively plentiful supply – it hauls without any of the speed or distance restrictions applying to giant earthmover tyres on conventional large mining trucks.
In addition, the PT75 can haul out of the pit and then on the surface to the ROM or dump station. This eliminates the need to dump at the top of the ramp and then reload into another means of transport, such as a conveyor or conventional haulage unit – which then needs another loading tool, operator and mechanical time to maintain.
§ Coal – 77m3 & 105m3
§ Rock – 47m3 & 64m3
§ Ore – 34m3 & 46m3
A PT75 system fitted with 77 plus 105 cu m coal bodies has recently been delivered to a mine site in the Central Queensland coalfields, while a second PT75, fitted with 34 plus 46 cu ore bodies, has been delivered to a gold mining operation in WA’s Eastern Goldfields north of Kalgoorlie. It is also available in a rock configuration, consisting of 47 plus 64 cu m bodies.