LeTourneau lifting output for KCGM

Selected following a comprehensive assessment and analysis process by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mining (KCGM) engineering, maintenance and production personnel, the new loader will be used primarily as a frontline loading tool, loading out CAT 789 and CAT 793 dump trucks, and to supplement the mine’s fleet of hydraulic face shovels.
The assessment program compared three machines and involved analysis on total productivity rates, cost per tonne and flexibility to work in all areas of the open pit.
“As the new machine was to replace an existing wheel loader, it was required to be multi-purpose and perform primary production loading as well as clean-up work around the pit,” said Tim Berryman, senior mining engineer at the Super Pit and who lead the assessment team.
“The three machines we assessed all had unique advantages and all had the mobility and multi-purpose versatility. The LeTourneau was chosen mainly due to its higher production capacity. The higher tonnes per operating hour achievable with the L-1850 better matched our current production requirements.”
According to Berryman, KCGM’s main expectation for the loader is to provide a reliable loading tool with expected production rates in the vicinity of 800 BCM/hour in good digging conditions. It is also expected to be a cost effective machine with low operating cost per tome and good fuel consumption.
To date expectations are being met with productivity levels in the expected range. Fuel consumption and cost per tonne are also in line with expectations. Current fuel consumption is around 180 litres per hour; a rate confirmed by anecdotal evidence from similar size LeTourneau loaders.
The 230-ton L-1850 loader is powered by a Detroit Diesel Tier II US-emission compliant 16V Series 4000 engine developing 1491 kW at 1800 rpm driving a LeTourneau J2 DC traction motor mounted in each wheel. Travel speed is infinitely variable either forward or reverse up to a top speed is 16kph, which makes for a mobile loader around the Kalgoorlie mine site.
The loader is equipped with the LINCSTM microprocessor-based control and monitoring system, along with the complimentary LINCS load-weigh system which display and logs realtime load per pass, load per truck and total loads.
To meet production targets at the Super Pit, the new loader is fitted with a 25m3 rock bucket.
General consensus around the Super Pit is that the L-1850 has been a good move and its reliability and competitive operating cost per tonne will deliver long term benefits to the mining operation.

For further information tel: +61 (0)7 3902 9000 or email: jchadwick@letouneau-aust.com