Sandvik Mining and Construction has released two new Tier 3 compliant underground coal loaders the 7 tonne LS171 and the 10 tonne LS191. The company has already delivered the first units to Narrabri Coal.
Both loaders are powered by a low-emission Tier 3 Caterpillar C7 engine through a Sandvik specified electronic engine management system specifically designed for underground applications. According to Sandvik, these engines will deliver reduced emissions, improved performance and lower fuel consumption.
The Cat C7 ACERT engine delivers gross power of 172 kW at 2200 rpm and maximum torque of 940 Nm at 1650 rpm giving greater tractive effort and increased towing performance.
Both the LS171 and LS191 loaders share a high degree of parts and components commonality, including the engine electronics and some drivetrain components, with the main difference being in the hydraulics systems of the two machines.
The LS171 uses a conventional fixed displacement hydraulic system for its loader system, while at the same time incorporating upgraded pumps.
The LS191 as with its predecessor the LS190 has a pressure compensating hydraulic system which allows it to act as a prime mover unit for Sandvik’s 50 tonne hydraulic drive roof support trailer, used for relocating longwall shields and equipment.
This pressure compensating hydraulic system allows the LS191 to efficiently deliver hydraulic power to drive the trailer, for faster, more effective moving of large longwall components.
An upgraded hydraulic system features new, more efficient pumps to allow a reduction in engine speed 2300 rpm compared with 2600 rpm for its predecessor resulting in lower noise levels.
Mr Richard Osborn Sandvik Mining and Construction’s product line manager for underground flameproof load-and-haul equipment said that “The underground coal mining industry has been crying out for Tier 3 engines for many years, because they are so much cleaner. While we can achieve the required emission levels on Tier 2 and even Tier 1 engines, Tier 3 engines give a major reduction in NoX emissions, as well as further lowering particulate emissions.”
The engine’s electronic management system which has been specifically developed by Sandvik for underground operations, in close consultation with customers and engine and electronics systems suppliers is said by the company to meet the latest underground mining requirements.
To comply with underground explosion protection requirements, all exposed field devices for the engine electronics are either intrinsically safe or encapsulated. In addition, the electrical components have been fully certified by Australian certification authorities.
(Sourced from theajmonline.com.au)
