Komatsu launches four new underground loaders

Komatsu Australia has announced its venture into the hard rock mining sector by unveiling four new specialised machines for the industry, as Komatsu celebrates a successful 100 years of service to the global mining and construction sectors.

It is the first time Komatsu Australia has entered the hard rock market with a concerted hard rock mining solution, the company explained, and claims it be the most dedicated program of its type in the local hard rock sector.

While gold remains Australia's primary hard rock resource, world automakers are also seeking reliable access to sophisticated metals for their move to vehicle-electrification, and Australia is at the forefront of supply.

"Providing hard rock miners with reliable underground loaders is part of a broader understanding of the need to assist their overall productivity in the face of global competition," said Komatsu Australia Product Manager for Mining, Joshua Foale.

More than 70 established Australian hard rock mines are likely to be joined by others as demand increases, increasing the need to achieve cost efficiencies as competitive pressures mount.

Komatsu's new mining range consists of two large capacity hybrid-electric loaders and two conventionally powered smaller machines designed for narrow vein operation.

Australia's first low-emission ultra class mining truck

Komatsu unveils electric remote-controlled excavator concept

Komatsu reveals upgraded mining loader

Based on operating trials, Komatsu found the WX22H and WX18H hybrid-electric loaders were able to move up to 20 per cent more load in tonnes compared to conventionally powered loaders, with up to 20 per cent decrease in fuel costs. An independent life cycle analysis identified a 30 per cent reduction in operating costs.

The use of high efficiency electric traction motors in each wheel helps to improve work cycle performance while reducing operating costs substantially, Komatsu said.

The Kinetic Energy Storage System (KESS) is at the heart of the switched reluctance hybrid drive which captures and reuses braking energy from each of the four wheels. Heat-energy generated when the machine stops abruptly at the dig face is captured by the bi-directional KESS loop instead of being lost to the atmosphere.

KESS stores and releases three megajoules of energy, supplementing power from the conventional diesel engine for greater acceleration to maximise cycle performance.

A smart traction system on the hybrid loaders provides smoother acceleration and results in less tyre and component wear, Komatsu added. It generates less inertia at each stop to reduce potential damage to the drive train.

Komatsu's 22-tonne WX22H produces 320kW (429hp), while the smaller WX18H produces 280kw(375hp). Both engines are compliant with Euro V requirements for emission control and with the KESS are capable of delivering 410kW (550hp), effectively doubling power delivery on demand.

The hybrid loaders are joined by two conventionally powered load haul dump loaders– the 7-tonne WX07 and 4-tonne WX04.

Komatsu's analysis shows the WX07 is 14 per cent more productive than any other machine in its category, while the WX04 offers 20 per cent more breakout force in its class, based on published information.

Both loaders boast large capacity fuel tanks of up to 243 litres for longer working times.

Cabin access, visibility and ergonomics have been optimised and critical service points have been placed at ground level to minimise the need for technicians to climb or use ladders to reach key areas.

The new machines also feature a new, more efficient bucket design that enables greater penetration into a load pile for fast bucket filling, Komatsu said.

The Komatsu WX04 delivers 97kW (130hp), while the WX07 delivers 160kW (215hp).

Komatsu said its range of hard rock mining machines establishes new standards of strength and durability.

"In developing our machines, we have been specific in providing protection for critical structural components, linkages and joints," Foale said.

"Reliability has been a paramount consideration in the design of long-life moving parts.

"In the case of our Hybrid Drive (HD) machines, there are no commutators, brushes or rotor windings to replace, and our wiring systems are double insulated.”