The 50-tonne capacity TH550 and 40-tonne capacity TH540 are both offered with energy efficient, low-emission engines complying with EPA tier 4i/Euro stage IIIB emissions standards.
In addition, they have the smallest envelope size in their payload class and are designed to operate fully loaded on long spiral gradients of up to 20% at high speeds.
Available as an option, the tier 4i/IIIB Volvo engine on both trucks consumes less fuel, produces fewer emission and has better torque characteristics than the engines on their predecessor trucks, the Sandvik T50 and T40.
Sandvik Mining underground hard rock mining product line manager Scott Rowe said the TH540 and TH550 were the only trucks currently available with this engine option.
“These trucks can provide a healthier environment for all personnel working underground,” he said.
“For example, if these engines [were] running in the centre of a large city, the exhaust fumes coming out of the engines would be cleaner than the air they were taking in.”
Rowe said in developing its new underground truck range, Sandvik Mining paid particular attention to environment, health and safety issues, as well as productivity and reliability.
“As well as our low-emission engine option, both trucks incorporate ROPS/FOPS-certified operator compartments, easy three-point access into the cabin and to the top of the machine, improved visibility, ground-level daily maintenance and safety rails along the top of the machine,” he said.
“Improved ergonomics – which mean reduced fatigue levels over long shifts – include rubber-mounted and isolated cabs, improved sound and heat insulation, more efficient air conditioning and seats with low frequency suspension as standard.”
Daily maintenance requirements have been made simpler, more convenient and safer.
“All checking points for hydraulic and engine oils, coolant levels and air filters are at ground level, we have quick fill couplings for fluid and the belly plate opens by swinging out to the side,” Rowe said.
“The engine cooler is easy to clean and both trucks offer automatic central lubrication systems.”
In the event of a machine problem, Sandvik’s built in vehicle control and management diagnostics/troubleshooting alarm and log system allows the operator to quickly identify its source and cause.
Full operating logs can be downloaded to a standard laptop.
“Sandvik’s VCM system also increases machine useability and efficiency through features such as automatic shifting, selecting the correct gear and speed depending on the payload, ground conditions and gradient, while availability is increased because there are fewer failures and reduced downtime when troubleshooting,” Rowe said.
“In addition, the system ensures each TH550/TH540 is automation ready, able to be used with systems such as Sandvik’s AutoMine underground mining solution.”
The trucks’ Dana axles incorporate slack-adjustable Posi-Stop brakes as standard, Posi-Torq springs in the front axles for up to 69-85% torque transfer to the higher traction wheel and No-Spin diffs in the rear axles, giving 100% torque transfer to the higher traction wheel.
“The benefits of this include reduced wheel spin for longer tyre life and better traction in uphill hauling,” Rowe said.
