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Efficiency drive includes underground articulated dump truck range

25th March 2016

  

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South African manufacturer and articulated dump truck (ADT) specialist Bell Equipment’s efforts to improve and lower total cost of ownership target underground mining operations in the market for underground ADTs.

Bell Equipment ADTs marketing manager Tristan du Pisanie says the company has been building underground ADTs since the late 1980s and is confident that the company’s improved latest-generation underground ADTs will positively differentiate Bell from other underground haulage brands in the marketplace.

He notes that, although the industry is going through a tough period, mining operations continue, adding that “the biggest change is that the environment is much more competitive than it was a few years ago”. Bell believes this will result in greater emphasis on efficiency in all mining operations and, Du Pisanie says, the company’s ongoing research and development puts it in an ideal position to offer credible solutions.

“Our trucks, being locally manufactured, have a lower capital cost and spare parts pricing while still burning less fuel for the same productivity. These factors have the potential to offer a signifi- cant reduction in the running cost of an underground ADT,” says Du Pisanie.

With a rated payload of 33 000 kg, the B33L is currently the largest low-profile ADT in the Bell range. It generates 290 kW of power and 2 000 Nm of torque. Additionally, the B33L is fast establishing itself as a preferred production tool, owing to its powerful drivetrain and suit- ability to heavy-duty mining.

Du Pisanie points out that key features of the B33L design are based on the company’s popu- lar and proven B40D ADT, most notably the engine, transmission transfer case and electrical system. “The benefits of this design approach are that we have experience with these components and [are confident] that they will meet the expectations of our customers. Our spare parts and logistics systems are also already set up to support a growing population of these trucks.”

The truck is specifically designed with underground mining in mind and is filled with Kessler axles, which have spring-applied hydraulic release brake systems – a requirement of most underground mines. “The main structure is designed to [restrict height and owing] to the harsh operating environment, it is much more robust than the standard ADTs [as a result of] the use of thicker steel plate.”

Du Pisanie says, with Bell’s latest underground ADTs, the company took a conscious decision to emphasise the development of a machine asked for by its customers. Bell’s development programme included visits by its engineers and sales team to several underground mining customers to discuss their requirements for ADTs.

“These discussions gave us a clear picture of the truck that would meet the industry’s needs and expectations, [which] aligned very well with what we would be able to engineer, manufacture and support,” he comments.

Understanding the cost of downtime on mining production, Bell has also taken the strategic decision to stock increased levels of spare parts for underground ADTs at its Johannesburg-based Global Logistics Centre and, most importantly, at customer service centres closest to the machines to ensure the fastest possible response time in the unlikely event of a failure.
Future improvements under consideration for the enhancement of the company’s underground product offering include developing a side-mount cab option in addition to Bell’s centre-mount cab solution.

“We’re also looking at the possibility of developing a larger underground truck, which should deliver a lower cost per tonne,” says Du Pisanie. However, the company still has to address challenges with regard to cooling and extraction in underground mines, as larger trucks will gene- rate more heat. “The bottom line is that each mine needs to understand its own optimum equipment configuration,” he adds.

Further, Bell plans to develop a wireless (WiFi) solution to further enhance its Fleetm@tic fleet management system. “Currently, our system is based on satellite and cellphone tower communication but, with WiFi, we would be able to link to an underground mine’s network and communicate fleet management information in that way.”

Bell Equipment currently sells underground ADTs into Southern Africa and is also pursuing opportunities further afield.

Edited by Tracy Hancock
Creamer Media Contributing Editor

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