Modern Mining May 2017

EQUIPMENT

launched by Babcock

full articulated hauler concept and provides total versatility so that the entire jobsite can be accessed and steeper gradients climbed. It works in all seasons, terrains and appli- cations using tailored machine configurations and tyres that have been optimised for the machine. Goodyear, Bridgestone and Michelin will manufacture the specialised tyres required for the A60H. The A60H has several features that will be familiar to current series A40 operators, eliminating the need for major retraining of operators. Operators will only require a short orientation course and technicians who regu- larly service other Volvo dump trucks will have knowledge of many of its elements. Designed to load the A60H, the other new machine on display in Middelburg, the 90-tonne EC950E, is Volvo’s largest ever crawler excavator. It is claimed to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and features a powerful 16-litre engine, a new electro-hydraulic control system, Volvo’s unique ECO mode and an ergonomic operator environment. With over 424 kN of breakout force and 408 kN of tearout force, Babcock says the EC950E offers the perfect combination of power and stability. It features a wide track gauge, long track length, a retractable undercarriage and an optimised counterweight, resulting in a well- balanced, solid machine. All machine interfaces – including joysticks, keypad and LCD monitor – are ergonomically positioned and designed for optimum control and efficiency. Operators can work with com- fort and confidence in the most challenging environments in the comfortable, spacious and low-noise cab of the EC950E. Volvo’s durable, high quality buckets are perfectly matched to the EC950E for dig- ging in all working conditions. The General Purpose, Heavy-Duty or Extreme-Duty buckets are built with wear-resistant steel plates, mak- ing them well suited to quarrying and mining applications. Both machines can be purchased from Babcock with Customer Support Agreements offering preventive maintenance, total repairs and a number of uptime services, while the latest in Volvo technology is used to moni- tor machine operation and status, ultimately resulting in increased profitability to custom- ers and retention of asset value. Photos: Arthur Tassell

“The A60H and EC950E are eminently

suitable for local mining operations as their robust drivelines are designed specifically for challenging applications such as those found in the Southern African mining environment.”

repairs and servicing of the fully automatic Allison transmissions that form part of the backbone of the A60H dump truck. Vaughan says that six A60H dump trucks have been ordered by South African custom- ers while first orders for the EC950E crawler excavator have also been placed. One of the South African customers is Burgh Plant Hire, which placed its order for three A60Hs and one EC950E at last year’s bauma show. Its new machines, which are now in the process of being delivered, will mainly work in the Highveld coalfields. “The A60H and EC950E are eminently suit- able for local mining operations as their robust drivelines are designed specifically for chal- lenging applications such as those found in the Southern African mining environment,” says Vaughan. “The A60H articulated dump truck in particular is perfectly suited for opencast coal mining where short yet extremely steep ramps have to be climbed to access boxcuts made through overburden in order to expose high grade coal.” The A60H can move more tonnes per hour and gives 100 % in all conditions. The largest true articulated hauler on the market, it has a bigger payload (55 metric tons or 61 short tons) for heavy-duty applications, delivering up to 40 % more productivity than Volvo’s previous largest hauler. The Volvo A60H embodies the

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