Komatsu releases 142-tonne capacity dump truck

Komatsu has released the HD1500-8 mechanical drive dump truck in Australia, with completely new features designed to enhance productivity, fuel efficiency and longer machine life.

It replaces the HD1500-7 introduced in 2008 that is currently working across different mining applications in Australia, Komatsu said.

“Our new HD1500-8 truck will further build on the success the HD1500-7 has had in Australia,” said Komatsu Australia’s National Product Manager for Mining, Scott Harrington.

“It’s a completely new, redesigned truck, produced using principles developed by the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT) to ensure high standards of safety and harm minimisation,” he added.

“This new truck builds on the performance and reliability characteristics of the HD1500-7, as well as incorporating technological advances from our proven HD785-7, such as the Komatsu Traction Control System.

“It will deliver our customers outstanding productivity due to its high payload and high engine power, enabling faster cycle times.”

Harrington said the new HD1500-8 will provide a further six per cent cost per tonne advantage compared with the HD1500-7 through reduced operating costs thanks to its upgraded suite of features to improve serviceability, component life, and fuel economy.

A 16-cylinder Komatsu SDA16V159-3 engine powers the HD1500-8, rated at 1175kW gross – a six per cent increase in power over the 12-cylinder Komatsu SDA12V160 powering the HD1500-7.

“While this engine is new to the Australian imported HD1500-8, it’s been used across other Komatsu mining products, and is well-proven in the industry,” Harrington said.

Fuel efficiency is improved through a number of engine management and control features, including improved hydraulic pressure management for the transmission system; operator selectable operating modes with a choice of “Power” or “Economy; and Komatsu’s ‘on-demand’ energy saving technologies such as variable displacement pumps for the steering and hoist circuits.

Revamped transmission

A key element in the truck’s improved fuel efficiency and higher productivity, according to Komatsu, is a completely revamped transmission system which offers a seven-speed automatic transmission with selectable reverse gear ratio.

This is combined with a range of electronically controlled technologies introduced in the HD785-7. These include K-Atomics - an electronic shift control with automatic clutch modulation in all gears; Komatsu Traction Control System (KTCS) that continuously monitors the rear wheels’ rotating speeds and vehicle speed to minimise wheel slip and maximise traction; as well as the Komatsu Automatic Retard Speed Control (ARSC) which allows the operator to easily set a downhill travel speed and go down inclines at a constant speed.

“We’ve also significantly upgraded the transmission and rear axle components to ensure improved maintainability and durability,” Harrington said.

The HD1500-8 has been equipped with a redesigned high-rigidity frame that incorporates castings in high-stress locations where loads and shocks are most concentrated.

In addition, the hauler also incorporates a payload monitoring system (PLM) which assists in managing the payload of each haul cycle, as well as analysing production volumes and working conditions.

Komatsu has also improved the serviceability of the Australian-spec truck by including features such as a centrally located service centre on the bottom part of the steering/hoist tank, centralised filters, maintenance-free engine cooling fan drive belt and an auto-greasing system.

Smart tech and better comfort

The HD1500-8 also features Komatsu’s latest advancements in technology including the KOMVISION camera and radar system, KOMTRAX Plus machine monitoring system, and a road condition analysis system that uses suspension cylinder pressures to map haul road conditions.

A new ergonomically designed automotive-style cab, an automatic climate control system, reduced in-cab noise levels, large capacity viscous cab mountings, a hydro-pneumatic suspension system and independent McPherson strut type suspension on the front wheels add to operator comfort.

“These upgrades, combined with the additional operator feedback, monitoring and situational awareness systems, along with centralised maintenance locations, make this a far safer truck to operate, maintain and work around,” Harrington said.

“This, in conjunction with its productivity, efficiency and maintainability improvements, position the HD1500-8 as the leading truck in this class,” he said.