Mining’s largest battery-electric loader on display at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2021
Sandvik is showcasing the industry’s largest battery-electric loader at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2021 in Las Vegas. The 18-tonne Sandvik LH518B is the combination of Sandvik’s decades of engineering expertise and Artisan’s innovative powertrain technology and battery system proficiency.
Rethink the machine, not the mine
Launched in September 2020, Sandvik LH518B has been designed, ground-up, entirely around the loader’s Artisan battery system and electric driveline to best utilize the possibilities that the battery technology brings. It was not enough to replace some components or redesign only a part of the equipment: by the designers rethinking the whole machine, a mine doesn’t need to rethink its infrastructure. In practice, changing the loader battery does not require any cranes or forklifts, thanks to the patented AutoSwap feature.
Unmatched productivity
Sandvik LH518B delivers impressive capacity for its size: its design solutions allow the loader to fit in a 4.5 x 4.5 meter tunnel and carry 18-tonne loads. In addition to an innovative boom and bucket system, Sandvik LH518B features independent front and rear drivetrains, allowing high payload capacity while keeping a low overall height. For superior productivity, Sandvik LH518B is equipped with three 2000 Nm permanent magnet motors. With no torque converter, transmission or engine to rev up, the loader is fast and agile. There are no emission restrictions based on installed power to limit the electric motor selection, which enables the use of the most powerful motors available that are suited for the underground conditions.
Fast and easy battery AutoSwap and AutoConnect
Sandvik LH518B is equipped with AutoSwap, a patented self-swapping system for the Artisan battery pack. Battery swapping is fast and easy with minimal manual handling: changing the battery only takes about six minutes, and it can be done in a passing bay or old re-muck bay with no overhead cranes or external infrastructure needed. The new AutoConnect feature available for the first time on Sandvik LH518B is making swapping even easier and faster by automatically connecting and disconnecting the battery pack. Aside from unplugging and plugging in the charger, the operator doesn’t need to leave the cabin, which saves minutes on the swapping procedure and reduces effort and risk in the swapping process. The purely battery-powered loader reduces heat and emissions underground, helping mines reach their sustainability targets and reduce ventilation costs. The robust battery pack uses Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry (LiFePO4) and is purpose-designed for use in underground mining.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 13, 2021
For more information, please contact:
Katja Rivilä
Marketing Manager, Load and Haul
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
tel. +358445357738
email: katja.rivila@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a high-tech and global engineering group offering products and services that enhance customer productivity, profitability and safety. We hold world-leading positions in selected areas – tools and tooling systems for metal cutting; equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining industry and rock excavation within the construction industry; products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as products for industrial heating. In 2020 the Group had approximately 37,000 employees and revenues of about 86 billion SEK in more than 160 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service and digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2020, sales were approximately 33.6 billion SEK with about 12,500 employees within continuing operations.