Rexx marks the spot
Aussie-built mining rig much cheaper and more efficient to run than conventional dump trucks, the manufacturer claimed.An innovative truck designed to improve productivity on mining sites has potential to increase efficiencies in other industries, including construction.
The Rexx truck, built by Powertrans, a subsidiary of Perth-based services company BIS Industries, uses some proprietary components but is essentially a ground-up fresh approach to moving goods and raw materials.
Only one Rexx has been made but more are in the pipeline as BIS looks at options for in-house or external manufacture, or keeping the truck as an exclusive asset when providing contract services to companies such as those involved in mining.
It uses a Cummins engine and Allison transmission but its steering and drive systems are protected by patent and BIS will not discuss the details.
Compared with a conventional dump truck or haulage vehicle, the Rexx has multiple axles and 20 conventional-sized wheels that allow replacement of tyres at a fraction of the cost of competitor dump trucks. The wheels are also easier to change than other big trucks.
Where the Rexx has economic benefits to operations in mining, construction and forestry or agriculture, is its manoeuverability. It has a turning circle of only 13.6 metres, not much bigger than a large SUV.
It can operate for two 12-hour shifts without refuelling, considerably better than conventional haulage trucks. BIS claims a 30 percent reduction in operating costs compared with rivals, particularly with fuel savings which are said to be around half that of other dump trucks.
BIS said the fuel savings are a direct consequence of Rexx being designed with patented on-demand power that lowers fuel consumption but did not elaborate on how that is achieved.
The same low operating costs can be extended to other industries to make the Rexx a potential money-saver for high payload haulage.
BIS CEO Brad Rogers said he has received strong interest from around the world.
“There are also inquiries from other sorts of companies because Rexx doesn’t just have to be exclusively for mining,” he said.
“We have looked at requests from industries including civil construction and oil sands, for example.
“Anywhere where you need a dump truck, Rexx’s flexible and maneouverability features can be an advantage.”
Rexx also has high safety features including a BIS-developed fatigue management system, 360-degree view cameras and reversing cameras.
Rexx went from a simple idea to completion of its first unit in an incredible 13 months, all built by Powertrans in complete secrecy.
BIS started in 1915 as Brambles Industrial Services. It is a WA-based resources logistics company that initially specialised in underground coal mining equipment leasing and now has expanded into other resources - including iron ore - around Australia and South-East Asia.
Powertrans, which it bought in 2014, is the company that developed dual-powered road-train technology and this technology led to the ability to design and construct projects such as Rexx and other specialist mining-related equipment.
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