Powertrans exhibited a new prime-mover tractor unit for its mine haulage systems. The new T1250 tractor represents the company’s initial offering of its own prime movers for its surface and underground haulage systems; previously it used commercially available on-highway prime movers. According to Powertrans, it is now offering purpose-built tractor units in order to reduce lead times, to provide a prime mover specifically designed for mining applications and conditions, and with all safety systems built in from the ground up.

The T1250 is powered by a Caterpillar C18 diesel providing 465 kW through a 6x4 Allison M6610 automatic transmission, with a 12-mt-capacity Axletec steer axle and a 50-mt-capacity Axletec SPRC 1927 rear drive axle. It incorporates a center-mounted cab for unrestricted allround visibility, and is equipped with stairs and walkways to Australian standards, full fire suppression system, ergonomic cab and heavy duty air suspension.

Powertrans’ PT75 Pit Hauler, based on the company’s patented Powertrailer system, combines a prime mover with a powered trailer to haul loads of up to 200 mt up 8%-10% grades at speeds of 15 km/h, according to the company. The same rig, said Powertrans, can then haul virtually unlimited distances on the surface, at speeds in excess of 50 km/h and— because it uses conventional off-highway light earthmoving tires, which are in relatively plentiful supply—it hauls without any of the speed or distance restrictions that apply to giant earthmover tires.

In addition, the PT75 can haul out of the pit and then on the surface to the ROM or dump station. This eliminates the need to dump at the top of the ramp and then reload into another means of transport, such as a conveyor or conventional haulage unit—which calls for another loading tool, operator and maintenance.

A PT75 system fitted with 77- to plus 105-m3 coal bodies was recently delivered to a mine site in the Central Queensland coalfields, while a second PT75, fitted with 34- to plus 46-m3 ore bodies, was delivered to a gold mining operation in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields north of Kalgoorlie. It is also available in a rock configuration, consisting of 47- to plus 64-m3 m bodies.

www.ptrans.com.au