Caqital Equipment News October 2018

RIGID HAULERS

TALKING POINTS

competitive trucks in this category achieve about 92 t of payload, while the T236 loads a maximum 100 t, translating into 8% more payload. This improves productivity, while lowering cost per ton. This is achieved through the truck’s clever design. Its front suspension has the same width as the rear outside wheels’ suspension. This means that the truck has a more or less square track pattern, which makes it very stable, even when it has to turn or brake on a decline where, in most instances, tyres collapse. “We run a double-wishbone suspension, which reduces the ‘Ackerman error’, meaning you have got less tyre deformation during turns,” explains Vorster. “The intelligent design allows the T236 to move more tonnes per hour by maximising payload and reducing cycle times.” Munch says one of the most interesting aspects about the diesel-electric system is the elimination of mechanical components. These are subject to normal wear and tear and will require periodic maintenance and exchange. A considerable amount of time and money can be saved compared with a conventional mechanically-driven truck. That simultaneously drives down operational costs due to less maintenance. “Mechanically-driven trucks require more maintenance through oil changes, while service life of major components is shorter compared with electric drive systems,” reasons Munch. “The electric drive has fewer major components than the mechanical drive option, and this translates into less potential failures. Fewer components also mean less maintenance, which in turn translates into higher availability and ultimately higher productivity.” Liebherr has also incorporated an array of new technologies to provide customers with a high quality rigid hauler. The T236’s Advanced Traction Control System is said to have been developed exclusively for mining truck applications. With four-wheel speed sensing capability, torque is automatically adjusted to the rear wheels to maximise traction when cornering, accelerating from a standstill position, or travelling down wet or icy roads. An anti-rollback feature is standard on the T236. Meanwhile, the in-line electrical powertrain layout minimises cable lengths, while the maintenance-free IP- 68 rated plug-and-drive power modules ensure reliable operation in all weather conditions.

“The new 100-t Liebherr T236 arrives at an opportune time for Liebherr Africa as we are working in a contract mining market. If you look at the type of equipment this group of customers requires currently, it’s mainly 100 t excavators and 100 t dump trucks.”

Tom Munch, director Mining at Liebherr Africa

“As the first diesel electric truck in the 100 t class to incorporate an oil immersed braking system with four-corner braking control, the T 236 is geared to deliver sound reliability and performance, even in tough operating conditions.”

Abie Kriel, technical manager – Mining at Liebherr Africa

“Efficiency is a key ingredient for a successful mining operation. The Liebherr T236 rigid hauler enables customers to enjoy unrivalled performance while reducing cost per ton.”

Christopher Vorster, national sales manager – Mining at Liebherr Africa

“By effective use of electrical energy during retarding events, the drive system is able to deliver controlled engine speed with almost no fuel consumption. Engine over speed events are eliminated during retard events by actively using the four-corner braking and active speed control.”

Donald Hewitt, national service manager – Mining at Liebherr Africa

More benefits abound Apart from being the only mining truck with a diesel electric drive system in the 100-t class, Munch says the T236 also sets a new era in this class size with its 100 t payload. Many of the

reducing cost per ton.” “During retard, the power generated by the wheels is used to increase parasitic energy consumption and reduce truck speed by engine friction, while controlling the engine speed anytime,” says Hewitt.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2018 10