‘New generation’ underground coal loader released

It is the first in a new generation of low-emission Sandvik LS series underground coal loaders, designed and manufactured in Australia at the company’s Hexham facility near Newcastle.
The LS151 is powered by a Tier 2 emission-rated MWM 4.10 TCA turbocharged engine - incorporating an automated electronic shutdown system for increased safety - rated at 107 kW.
Power is 25 per cent greater than on its predecessor and, along with 30 per cent more torque, gives greater tractive effort and increased towing power.
The new underground loader is designed for smaller underground applications to meet market demand for a modern, up-to-date 6 tonne capacity underground loader, said Richard Osborn, Sandvik Mining and Construction’s global product line manager for underground flameproof load-and-haul equipment.
“Sandvik’s former offering in this class of machine, the Eimco 913 LHD was an ‘iconic’ underground loader for the coal industry - with over 90 per cent market share - but its design goes back many years,” he said. “Over the past few years, we’ve received many requests from customers for a modern, up-to-date successor to this machine - and the LS151 achieves just that.
“Customers and operators told us what they wanted in this class of underground loader and that’s what we have delivered.
In developing the LS151 - and its other new generation underground loaders – Sandvik has paid a lot of attention to increasing safety and ergonomics features, to ensure that all machines in the range are the safest and most comfortable on the market.
“With the LS151, we’ve also gone for a modular design that allows us to easily customise loaders to meet different site requirements, as well as greatly simplifying maintenance and servicing,” said Osborn.
The ergonomically designed operator’s cabin has a certified ROPS/FOPS canopy and is mounted forward of the articulation joint for improved visibility and ease of operation.
Osborn said that noise levels had been significantly reduced with the use of improved sound proofing insulation, while cabin access/exit improvements included wider doorways and three points of contact.
“Other OH&S-related features include cleaner engine emissions through the use of Tier II engine technology, methane protection, a flameproof electronic shutdown system, exhaust particulate filtration, a water bath exhaust conditioner, a spring applied braking system with automatic brake accumulator pressure bleed down, and optional fire suppression,” he said.
Additional design elements of the new loader include:
• Electronic monitoring display and diagnostics in the cabin
• Load-sensing hydraulic system operating the bucket
• Wet scrubber system.
“The LS151’s modular design allows for a canopy height range from 1790 mm to 2150 mm, to suit different site requirements, as well as for alternate engine arrangements to be easily integrated,” said Osborn.
“Other modular elements include an engine module that is pinned to the main frame, bolt on hydraulic oil tank, fuel tank, hydraulic control module and a bolt-on operator’s canopy with choice of three height options.
“In addition, its compact profile allows it to work in wider variety of environments, and operate more effectively in confined spaces.”
Brief specs of the Sandvik LS151 are: Maximum payload, 6000 kg; bucket capacity, 2.2 cu m; powered by MWM 4.10 TCA turbocharged diesel rated at 107 kW; tractive effort, 14,582 kg; height 1800-2100 mm (depending on cab configuration); length, including bucket, 8532 mm; width (including cab), 2250 mm; operating weight, 20,480 kg.

For more information contact tel: +61 (0)2 4985 2780 or 61 (0)438 915 899