Compact loaders suitable for mining environment

25th September 2015 By: Donna Slater - Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer

Compact loaders suitable for mining environment

VERSATILE MACHINERY CSE Equipment’s SR- and SV-series skid-steer loaders have advanced features for improved performance

Construction equipment company CSE Equipment’s range of US-manufactured Case SR- and SV-series skid-steer loaders is suitable for materials handling operations at mines, owing to their compact design, small turning circles and hydrostatic four-wheel drive, as well as roll-over protection and falling-objects protection systems.

CSE Equipment is the capital equipment group of Invicta Holdings.

“The Case SR- and SV-series skid-steer loaders have been designed for exceptional driving force, increased stability and reliable handling in all conditions,” says CSE Equipment MD Brenton Kemp.

The Case series of skid-steer loaders employs diesel-turbocharged, four-cylinder engines that are certified to meet Tier 3 emissions regulations.

Kemp says these engines provide the power and torque required to efficiently cope in the toughest site environments while ensuring operating efficiency and fuel economy.

Kemp notes an important feature of this highly efficient series is the large fuel tank – with a capacity of between 60.5 ℓ and 96.5 ℓ – which enables the machine to operate all day without the need to stop operations for refuelling.

The Case skid-steer loaders comprise six radial-lift SR boom skid steers that have been engineered for digging, prying and pushing; and three vertical-lift SV machines that are suitable for efficient lifting and carrying tasks.

Models in the SR and SV series range from the smallest SR130 unit, with a 590 kg operating capacity, to the SV300 machine, with a 1 360 kg operating capacity. Peak torque specifications are from 130.5 Nm at 1 750 rpm, to 340 Nm at 1 400 rpm. Tipping-load capacities extend from 1 179 kg to 2 720 kg and the breakout force of the bucket cylinder are between 18.5 kN and 38.2 kN.

Users can choose from standard mechanical drives, or optional electro-hydraulic (EH) switchable controls. The EH option facilitates the match of control patterns to operator preference.

Greater Agility
The Case skid steers are also offered with a Power Stance chassis, with a longer wheelbase of up to 21%. This setup offers enhanced weight distribution between the front and rear axles, with 30% of the weight at the front and 70% at the back; this safely increases the capacity to lift and haul more material.

These machines also offer increased travelling speeds and improved stability, regardless of working conditions.

Their design also enables technicians to have easy, ground-line access for daily maintenance inspections. Battery and environmental drain hoses are easily accessible from the side of the machine for quick service and maintenance. Two retaining bolts facilitate convenient cab tilting for access to hydraulic and transmission components when necessary, while a safety locking system is automatically activated to prevent the cab from dropping.

The new cab design of this series offers 25% more interior width, with improved visibility, comfort and control, thereby improving on skid steers’ renowned all-day operability. The cab has been sealed to reduce noise levels and pressurised to mitigate dust ingress. The ultra-narrow wire side-screen design has more glass surface area to provide 360° visibility.

Side lighting further enhances visibility and allows for 24-hour operation by the operator and other personnel outside the vehicle – essential for many mining sites where health and safety standards are strict.

Optional attachments for these skid-steer loaders include buckets, pallet forks, breakers, augers, sweepers, backhoes, stump grinders, cement mixers, cold planers, trenchers, rollers and slot cutters. An hydraulic coupler enables the operator to switch attachments without having to leave the cab, while the standard connect-under-pressure feature enables the operator to connect tool hoses without having to use a wrench.

Various tyres are available for use in heavy- and severe-duty applications, including nonpneumatic, flotation, mining and premium-liner tyres.