Manufactured in Beresfield near Newcastle by DMS subsidiary the Anderson Group, three Coaltram CT10s were purchased by Donaldson Coal’s Abel minesite and have been operating successfully in the underground coal continuous miner operation for over three months.

Anderson Group’s Coaltram department manager Craig Anderson told ILN the Coaltram operators, maintenance personnel and mine management at Donaldson Coal were very impressed with the vehicle.

A result of four years and many millions of dollars of research and development, the Coaltram is available in 10-tonne and 13t models and represents the latest in diesel-powered load haul dump/utility vehicle designs.

Anderson said other articulated LHD vehicles used in Australian underground coal mines had had minimal changes or improvements in the past 10-15 years.

The Coaltram design benefited from Anderson’s local industry expertise and Atlas Copco’s global network of engineering best practice. Local customers were extensively consulted and involved, from vehicle operators to mine managers.

“We’ve come up with a product that is looking after the operator’s safety and comfort, managing the maintenance and reducing the long-term total cost of ownership,” Anderson said.

The Coaltram features a host of design features that improve safety, comfort, ergonomics and maintenance, and introduces a new level of Tier 3 low-emission electronic engine technology to underground coal utility vehicles.

One of many key design features is the use of a yield valve system so the Coaltram cannot be used beyond its intended design, which protects against external forces that may damage vehicle components.

The Coaltram has three levels of electronic operator communications to warn the driver of pending issues or problems and boasts many patented designs, including a dual-control steering option.

A zero-pressure engine coolant header tank is featured on the Coaltram and it is the first underground coal diesel utility vehicle with full split cap trunnion frame designs.

Anderson said the vehicle operating systems were monitored electronically, with sensors measuring temperatures, pressures and flow rates. Communications to the operator are staged but continuous, timely and very accurate. This is vitally important as the vehicles operate underground in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

The vehicle is designed so tradespersons can have easy access for maintenance work and are able to perform all routine work from the ground level.

Anderson said the Coaltram’s engine, transmission and hydraulic cooling systems – which are always a focus point on this type of equipment – were far superior to other existing systems.

For ergonomics, the Coaltram cabin design allows the operator to extend his or her legs, and specially designed padded upholstery in the cabin adds to the operator’s comfort as well as protects against excessive noise and heat.

DMS, via the Anderson Group, has a hire fleet of 10 Coaltrams for both New South Wales and Queensland.

Anderson said the average delivery time for a newly purchased Coaltram was 18 weeks. Anderson Group marketing manager Matt White said, based on the current level of components in stock, the next eight vehicles could be delivered in 12-14 weeks.

The company has genuine sales opportunities from at least nine underground coal mines in the next 18 months covering seven major coal companies in NSW and Queensland.

International interest is rapidly increasing and all orders will be assembled and distributed from Anderson’s Newcastle facility.

DMS, via the Anderson Group, markets and supports the Coaltram in Australia and New Zealand, while Atlas Copco distributes and supports the vehicles globally to countries such as China, India, Russia, USA and South Africa.

The Coaltram already meets both Australian and international design and safety standards and carries various levels of regional approvals to operate in hazardous underground coal mines.