Thread: Impressive haul truck

Originally Posted by Chucaro

Do you think so?

Yep. Certainly do.

Originally Posted by Chucaro

Is that based on the Command Software by Cat?

No, it was jointly developed by Rio Tinto and Komatsu

Originally Posted by Ferret

No, it was jointly developed by Rio Tinto and Komatsu

In my last job, I spent a fair bit of time in Rio Tinto's OCS centre, located at Perth Airport. The company I was contracted to had just completed building and commissioning the new crushing plant at Mesa A, and we were in the process of "handing over" to Rio. Part of my role was to provide training to the Rio operators in the operation of the new plant, which is run from the control centre in Perth.

Interesting to see that, not only do they control the crushing plant from this location - they also control a number of driver-less dump trucks on this site (plus on other minesites), and they can also operate trains from the same control centre - there are no drivers on the trains when they are being loaded at Mesa A.

The trucks are controlled by computer plotting GPS co-ordinates, and this system is so accurate that they have to enter some "variability" into the plotted haul routes to avoid "ruts" being worn in the haul roads.

The system that Rio uses for their trucks has been developed jointly with Komatsu - but Caterpillar are now getting in on the action through development of similar systems with BHPIO and FMG.

As others have said - there have been video clips and other promotional materials around about these "EFT" trucks / haul trains for quite a number of years now - I forgot how long ago it was that I first saw them promoted. They have some very interesting concepts - including the ability to "self load". But to the best of my knowledge - there are still none in existence.

One of the biggest limitations at the moment on the development of larger and faster haul trucks is the availability of tyres that can handle the duty. Caterpillar's largest model currently is the 797 - but I don't know of anyone who actually has any of these in Australia - it's hard enough getting tyres for the smaller 793's (of which there are now plenty in Australia).

We are running a thing called the "Haulmax" at one of our jobs in the north west. Caterpillar running gear, but a high speed off road hauler (compared with a traditional dump truck) made by Dale Elphinstone's company in Tasmania.






Brilliant concept - but they have still been unable to find a tyre that can handle what the truck will do (100 tonne payload at up to 70 km/h over reasonably long haul distances). We have had to reduce speed / lock out gears to reduce tyre damage - the manufacturers of the trucks are still working constantly with a number of tyre manufacturers to come up with something that will handle the duty.

We also run conventional 100 tonne payload Cat dump trucks on the same job - no tyre problems with these, but they are only good for short haul and at nowhere near the same speed as the Haulmax.

I can't see this design ever being a threat to the existing designs.
Simply too complex with too many parts for reliability in mine conditions.

Dougal, it's exactly the opposite, with 30 min changeovers on major drivetrain items.

Once any company decides to run with this type of vehicle concept and modifies their ROM they will be in front of their competitors.

Blackwater mine in Qld use Cressis for their "long haul" but still have tyre issues.

This new concept will basically eliminate tyre issues...ie fires etc.

Drivers are a real problem in the mines. They are just guys...and girls.....like you and I and are expected to work like robots.

This new concept will also eliminate a lot of driver problems as well.

They will be built...the mining companies can't afford not to have them.

might be just my eyes getting on,,
but the promo pic of the Haulmax is running way smaller, more road tyres, than the at work shot below it--
or is it just shadows?

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

Dougal, it's exactly the opposite, with 30 min changeovers on major drivetrain items.

Once any company decides to run with this type of vehicle concept and modifies their ROM they will be in front of their competitors.

Blackwater mine in Qld use Cressis for their "long haul" but still have tyre issues.

This new concept will basically eliminate tyre issues...ie fires etc.

Drivers are a real problem in the mines. They are just guys...and girls.....like you and I and are expected to work like robots.

This new concept will also eliminate a lot of driver problems as well.

They will be built...the mining companies can't afford not to have them.

Fast change doesn't mitigate the excessive number of components.
I do work with mines and none of the mines I've been involved with would be interested in these.

Automation exists for current trucks. That is not an advantage for this virtual concept.

Pretty sure I saw these in the Courier Mail saturday paper a few years back (when Mrs Hay Ewe brought news papers)

intersting concept and I think its another company that are trying something new to break in to the market with an alternate option.

I think that because they are so new and different there is a limited opening for them but I am thinking the ground pressure from having more tires might be an advantage on softer less stable ground?

but as has been said, tires are a problem (apparntly, but more tires less load per wheel?) and if automation already exists for similar equipment then its a tough area to get in to.

Hay Ewe