Powertrans’ surface mining haulage systems offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional large rear dump trucks.
Owning and operating costs of a Powertrans road train are significantly lower than large off-highway mining trucks because capital costs are about half the cost of larger units, as are maintenance costs.
All Powertrans units use readily available off highway light earthmoving tyres. As a result, a Powertrans road train system allows speeds that are generally greater than can be achieved and/or sustained over haul distances by conventional off-highway mining trucks.
Loaded speeds in the order of 55 km/h and unloaded speeds of 75 km/h are possible, depending on road conditions and grades. In mining applications with haul distances between 10 km and 50 km, a Powertrans-based haulage operation offers a viable low-cost and flexible alternative to rail or conveyor-based transport, with generally lower infrastructure costs.
In addition, the deployment time to set up operations for a Powertrans road train system is usually far less than for conveyors or rail lines.
Powertrans’ most recent surface mining system is the Pit Hauler, which can haul up to 200 tonnes out of pits at higher speeds than conventional mining trucks, and then for an unlimited distance to a processing, stockpile or ROM operation.
It eliminates the need to have one transport system to haul out of the pit, and a second system to transport from the pit exit to a stockpile.
Loading options: Powertrans haulage systems are best suited to loading by wheel loader or surface miner, rather than by excavator or shovel. Substantially lower loading heights typically mean that a Powertrans system can be easily and efficiently loaded by a wheel loader of at least one size smaller than what is required by a conventional large rear dump truck.
For underground haulage applications, Powertrailers™ are matched with Powertrucks™. Haulage systems are available in capacities from 55 tonnes (Powertruck™ with Powertrailer™), to 85 tonnes (Powertruck™ with one Powertrailer™ and one tow trailer), and up to 100 tonnes (Powertruck™ with two Powertrailers™).
Pithauler specifications (pdf)
The unique characteristics of this truck include:
- 275 tonne manufacturers rating
- 650 & 760 Horse power rating
- Fully automatic transmission with retarder
- Centrally controlled operators cab designed to optimise vision
- Full ROPS & FOPS cab protection
- 14.00R25 size tyres that are readily available and can travel fully loaded for endless distance
This truck can be built to suit various applications:
- Heavy haul tractor for road train use
- Service truck applications
- Water truck application
- Low loader tractor for heavy mine site haulage
T1250 brochure (pdf)
Central to Powertrans’ product range is the patented Powertrailer™ system. It is a heavy-duty, high-capacity haulage trailer equipped with an engine, cooling system, transmission and drive axle system, all controlled from a prime mover. For Powertrans surface mining systems, this may be a heavy-duty version of existing prime movers manufactured by leading truck manufacturers.
Powertrans will install the Powertrailer control system to a customers existing prime mover to make it compatible to haul the Powertrailer.
A purpose designed and built powered trailer with identical powertrain components has been built to match the T1250 tractor unit.
Accompanied with a non powered trailer and dolly forming an out of pit haul unit capable of hauling 200 metric tonne up pit ramps of 10% grade at 8 to 10 km/h. This combination can have a payload increase of up to 350 tonnes with the addition of another B-double trailer combination for long distance haulage.
A powered dolly has been engineered to accommodate special applications such as a belly dump road train.
This unit again uses the same proven technology as the Pithauler but has been designed to suit the needs of operators using belly dumpers.
The Powertrailer™ uses off-the-shelf driveline and suspension components, while the unpowered trailers in the Powertrain™ use readily available axle, brake and suspension components.
Wherever possible, parts are common across the trailers, minimising parts-holding requirements. No specialist skills are required to service and maintain the mechanical components.
The Powertrailer™ engine/transmission and cooling modules are readily accessible and the engine/transmission module can be removed quickly from below the chassis.
A powered dolly has been engineered to accommodate special applications such as a belly dump road train.
This unit again uses the same proven technology as the Pithauler but has been designed to suit the needs of operators using belly dumpers.
The Towtrailer™ is a tri-axle trailer, with optional capacity side tipping bins, to suit the required application.
The Towtrailer™ is similar in design and construction to the Powertrailer™, without the drivetrain components fitted.
The Dolly is used with Powertrailer™ or Towtrailer units, it provides connection and services from the lead trailer.
The total load capacity for the Dolly is 75 tonnes. It uses off the shelf components.