Sandvik unveils battery-powered loader

Swedish mining solutions company, Sandvik, has announced its new LH518B 18-tonne battery-electric loader, believed to be the world’s first battery powered loader in its size class.

The new loader was developed by Sandvik in conjunction with US-based electric mining vehicle expert, Artisan Vehicle, which Sandvik acquired in 2019.

Sandvik said the LH518B has been designed from the ground-up, based around Artisan’s innovative battery system and electric driveline for a zero-emissions operation.

Especially built for underground mining applications, the new LH518B battery loader is compact enough to fit through a 4.5 x 4.5m tunnel yet still able to carry loads of up to 18 tonnes, according to Sandvik.

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It features an innovative boom and bucket system as well as independent front and rear drivetrains to allow high payload capacity while keeping a low overall height.

For superior productivity, the LH518B is equipped with three 2000Nm permanent magnet motors. As it doesn’t feature a torque converter, transmission or engine, starting up and operating the loader is much faster compared to a conventional diesel machine, Sandvik said.

An innovative feature of the LH518B is the AutoSwap, which is a patented self-swapping system for the Artisan battery pack. Battery swapping for the LH518B requires minimum manual handling and doesn’t require the use of heavy equipment such as cranes, Sandvik said. In fact, changing the battery only takes about six minutes and can be done in a passing bay or old re-muck bay, the company added.

A brand new AutoConnect feature on the LH518B makes swapping even easier and faster by automatically connecting and disconnecting the battery pack to the machine. Aside from unplugging and plugging in the charger, the operator doesn’t need to leave the cabin, saving them time and effort.

As the battery-powered loader emits low heat and virtually zero emissions underground, it will help mines reach their sustainability targets and reduce ventilation costs, Sandvik said. The battery pack uses Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry (LiFePO4) and is purpose-designed for use in underground mining.

Sandvik said it is currently expanding its battery loader and truck offering into new markets, which will happen in phases. Once the products are introduced to new markets, Sandvik will be ready to offer full product support and aftermarket services for its customers.