The new loader will have 25% more power than its predecessor, plus 30% more torque to increase towing power, Sandvik global product line manager Richard Osborn said.
“Over the past few years, we’ve received many requests from customers for a modern, up-to-date successor to this machine – and the LS151 achieves just that,” he said.
“It has been designed following a lot of customer and operator feedback, to ensure it truly meets the needs of today’s underground coal market.
“Customers and operators told us what they wanted in this class of underground loader – and that’s what we have delivered.
“In developing the LS151 – and our other new generation underground loaders – we have paid a lot of attention to increasing safety and ergonomics features, to ensure that all machines in the range are the safest and most comfortable on the market.
“With the LS151, we’ve also gone for a modular design that allows us to easily customise loaders to meet different site requirements, as well as greatly simplifying maintenance and servicing.”
The Tier 2 emission-rated MWM 4.10 TCA turbo-charged engine incorporates an automated electronic shutdown system rated at 107 kilowatts.
The cabin boasts a certified rollover and falling object protection canopy which is mounted forward of the articulation joint to improve visibility and operation.
Thanks to the modular design, the canopy height can be tailored to a range of 1790-2150mm and Osborn said alternate engine arrangements can be integrated.
“Other modular elements include an engine module that is pinned to the main frame, bolt-on hydraulic oil tank, fuel tank, hydraulic control module and a bolt-on operator’s canopy with choice of three height options,” he said.
“In addition, its compact profile allows it to work in a wider variety of environments, and operate more effectively in confined spaces.”
The comfier seat design provides ample space for the operator’s self rescuer and battery.
It uses a swivel seat base and also has a self-levelling seat suspension unit.
Bucket and steering is controlled by joystick controls while the lower dash and console height provides greater visibility.
Wider doorways and three points of contact design should minimise possible tumbles while Osborn said noise levels were “significantly” reduced through the use of improved sound proofing insulation.
Electronic monitoring display and diagnostics are in the cabin while there is a load-sensing hydraulic system operating the bucket and a wet scrubber system to tackle dust.
“Other OH&S-related features include cleaner engine emissions through the use of Tier II engine technology, methane protection, a flameproof electronic shutdown system, exhaust particulate filtration, a water bath exhaust conditioner, a spring applied braking system with automatic brake accumulator pressure bleed down, and optional fire suppression,” Osborn said.
Ultimately Sandvik aims to increase reliability, make the loader easier to service and meet design requests from its customers.
“We’ve ensured increased reliability and minimal downtime through such features as the flameproof electronic shutdown system with electronic display and diagnostics in the cabin,” Osborn said.
“And regular checking is much simpler, safer and quicker with the ability to now carry out all daily service and maintenance checks on the engine, hydraulics and transmission from ground level.”
The 7t payload capacity LS171 and the 10t LS191 loaders are yet to be released.
Sandvik provided the following LS151 specifications:
Maximum payload, 6000kg; bucket capacity, 2.2 cubic metres; powered by MWM 4.10 TCA turbocharged diesel rated at 107kW; tractive effort, 14,582kg; height 1800-2100mm (depending on cab configuration); length, including bucket, 8532mm; width (including cab), 2250mm; operating weight, 20,480kg.