Published in the September 2007 American Longwall Magazine

The relationship between Anderson and Atlas Copco is nothing new, after many years of cooperation with Anderson actively supporting Atlas Copco's Wagner product range. Leading on from the cooperation, the two teamed together to design and build the Coaltram.

The Coaltram is available in two models: the compact and manoeuvrable CT10, which has a 10-tonne rating; and the larger CT13, which has a 13t capacity. They both feature the Caterpillar C7 turbo diesel engine which has a Tier 3 origin exhaust emission rating.

The Coaltrams are designed, assembled, tested and provided to the world market from Anderson's Newcastle facility in New South Wales.

Major frame components are supplied by Atlas Copco Sweden in kit form and Australian local content is added to complete the coal specification.

The Coaltram design, integrity and maintainability recently underwent and passed rigorous and intensive scrutiny by the Swedish Atlas Copco engineering team.

"These new Coaltram models benefit from a survey of industry engineers and operators which identified numerous items that have been incorporated into the build of the CT10 and CT13," the companies said.

"Research of incident reports and technical bulletins relating to similar machines over the past decade has assisted in the identification of improvements."

The Coaltram utility functions include LHD/loader, forklift, materials handling, supplies, drilling and bolting, longwall shield relocation, cable handling, grading and dozing.

On the safety front the design team has ensured the Coaltram has no exposed hydraulic hoses in the cabin or in the engine bay; there is optional use of cameras for safety and vision; and a KAT Master Hitch system utilising twin locking cylinders with visual indicators to ensure cylinders are locked into place.

The radiator features a very high temperature drop to prevent overheating and the likelihood of burns by hot water is reduced with a zero pressure radiator.

As far as maintenance the engine system package is cradle mounted for ease of maintenance, which can all be done from ground level.

With a lot of buzz surrounding ergonomics on underground vehicles in the industry at the moment, the Atlas Copco and Anderson designers have paid close attention to this area with an operator foot box, positioning of transmission to reduce heat, noise and give extra room in the operator compartment, dual steering controls, clean burning electronically controlled Cat C7 Tier 3 origin engine, gel cushioned seat and cabin soundproofing and padded upholstery.

The ergonomic cab has been tested with operators ranging from 150cm to 195cm in height and some up to 130kg, with all reporting significantly increased comfort compared to other similar machines.

The Coaltram CT10 has been designed to be narrower and shorter than comparable machines but has retained its stability, partly due to a low centre of gravity. A Z-bar boom design increases breakout force and reduces the load on the crowd cylinder.

Forced cooled and filtered brakes work to extend brake life and rapid yield valves installed on the cylinders prevent overloading and damaging hydraulic spikes.

Anderson and Atlas Copco said the Coaltram design has benefited from the latest international legislative requirements and is supported by operational risk assessments, design risk assessments, failure modes and effects analysis and black coal competency standards.