New generation Sandvik Mining trucks move into field evaluation phase

The new trucks are the 51-tonne capacity TH551, designed for 5x5 m declines and the 63-tonne capacity TH663, designed for 6x6 m declines.

Both trucks incorporate an innovative on-board jacking system which allows for rapid and safe tyre changing in the event of a flat tyre on a haulage ramp or other confined space – minimising production holdups for the rest of the mine.

Other key features of the new trucks include:

• Highest haulage capacity in their class and "envelope size"
• Higher ramp speeds for increased productivity
• More than 60 safety features, designed to protect the operator, maintenance crews and the trucks themselves
• Careful matching to Sandvik underground loaders, to ensure precise three-pass loading, for optimum loading speed and efficiency
• The option of a Tier 4i low-emission diesel on the TH551, eliminating the need for a diesel particulate filter.

The TH663 has been specifically matched to Sandvik Mining's LH621 underground loader, while the TH551 is matched to the LH517 loader.

Matched to these loaders, both offer fast three-bucket loading cycles, increasing load-and-haul cycle efficiency – and further boosting overall cycle productivity.

According to Mark Ryan, Sandvik Mining's Product Manager – Trucks, these trucks offer higher annual productivity rates and lower costs per tonne.

"Their larger capacities and higher speeds, combined with increased uptime, maximises productivity.

"While the TH551 comes standard with a Volvo TAD1642VE-B rated at 515 kW, it is also available with a low-emission Tier 4i-technology Volvo TAD1662VE, also rated at 515 kW, as an option.

"In addition to significantly reducing the costs caused by underground ventilation, this environmentally friendly engine option will markedly improve underground working conditions as well – while also combining outstanding torque characteristics with low fuel consumption," said Ryan.

The benefits of this Tier 4i engine option have been highlighted by Sandvik Mining customers during field evaluations, including Felix Gaul, of Wolfram Bergbau un Hütten AG, which has been trialling a TH551 at its tungsten mining operation at Mittersell, near Salzburg, Austria.

"All our heavy machines have to be equipped with diesel particulate filters for underground operations," he said. "With the Tier 4i engine of the truck, this is not necessary any more, resulting in savings of about €100,000 over the lifetime of the machine."

Brief specs of the new trucks are:

TH551: Payload, 51 tonnes; standard body capacity 28 cu m; standard engine, Volvo TAD1642VE-B rated at 515 kW (opt Tier 4i Volvo TAD1662VE, rated at 515 kW); maximum haul speed, 37.5 km/h; length, 11.35 m; width, 3.2 m; height, 3.15 m; outside turning circle radius, 9.35 m.

TH663: Payload, 63 tonnes; standard body capacity 36 cu m; standard engine, Cummins QSK19 rated at 567 kW; maximum haul speed, 42.5 km/h; length, 11.58 m; width, 3.48 m; height, 3.46 m; outside turning circle radius, 9.35 m.

Further information: please contact your local
Sandvik Mining branch/distributor.

For further media information please contact:

Tomi Pikala
Marketing Manager - Hard Rock Loading & Hauling
Sandvik Mining
Office Phone: +358205445240
Mobile: +358408387793