HAULMAX - Extended Distance Off-Highway Haulers

Haulmax is a specialised producer of extended haul off-highway trucks for the global mining industry, based in Tasmania, Australia. The product outperforms the majority of on-highway trucks used in mining applications and provides a more productive and cost-effective solution than OEM-produced off-highway haul trucks on such extended haulage applications.

Extended haulage for mining bulk-material transportation

Extended haulage does not limit the unit to just being a prime mover of bulk materials but it also lends itself to the variety of tasks often demanded by a highly productive mine site.

As an example, Rio Tinto's iron ore mine has seen advantages in the narrow width footprint and low centre of gravity design of the bare chassis unit, and is in the midst of taking delivery of two units for permanent tractor trailer combinations. Coupled to a 150t capacity lowbed / low loader trailer, the unit is capable of hauling dozers, drill rigs and shovels within the capacity, to and from remote ore body locations.

Bare chassis units for extended haulage

This year Haulmax released its 3900 series product line, which with larger 21.00 x R35 tyres allows the units to carry between 80t and 135t, depending on body configuration. The same bare chassis offers similar capacities for service and tow tractor combinations. The Haulmax product was developed to meet the needs of the mining market.

Extended-haul narrow trucks

Haulmax produces trucks with the capability to operate cycles up to 50km (30 miles), with a narrow design that allows for use on haul roads up to around 15m wide.

A significant benefit of the Haulmax narrow profile, nominally 4.2m (165in) over the body, equates to a haul road width requirement of some 13m (42ft) based on the normal 3:1 rule of thumb. When compared to a similar capacity ‘in-pit’ dump truck, which requires road widths of 18.3m (60ft), an immediate cost saving of haul road construction of 28%-30% can be expected.

When added to the savings of not having to maintain a wider road, Haulmax’s narrow trucks offer a significant cost saving to the operation, further driving down the cost per tonne. Simply put, narrower roads cost considerably less to build and maintain, and the longer the distance, the larger the saving.

Narrow trucks with dual rear-wheel drive

Further enhancements from the Haulmax truck design include dual rear-wheel drive, encompassed in all models. This allows for a massive braking surface area of some 100,568cm² (15,568in²), offering unsurpassed retardation, especially ideal for long downhill loaded hauls. Additionally it offers excellent traction and surefootedness in soft underfoot conditions and very wet operations. The combination of the narrow width, long wheel base and eight-wheel retardation allows for superior operator control in haulage applications, loaded and unloaded.

Standard options on Haulmax’s extended-haul vehicles include the following:

• Automatic lubrication system
• Reverse camera
• Onboard weighing system
• Rapid fluid evacuation
• Fast fill system

Caterpillar engine-powered trucks

Each Haulmax truck model features a complete Caterpillar® power train, including a high-torque Cat® C27 ACERT™ low emissions engine, a seven-speed power shift transmission, oil-cooled multiple wet disc brakes on both rear-drive axles and 21.00 x 35 radial tyres.

The new models also have an increased steering angle to 31° allowing for an improved turning circle. Nitrogen-over-oil suspension cylinders on each of the front wheels provide independent front suspension and dual cylinders to each of the rear axles allow excellent stability, traction and ride.

Extended-haul trucks with comfortable operator cabs

Operators are not only cared for in-ride comfort, further enhanced by an air-suspension seat, but the new 3900 series of trucks also offers a quieter cab with an interior sound level of only 73.9dB(A). A further improvement to the 3770 series is the Cat C27 engine and improved cab lining.

Operator cabs are roll over protective structures / falling objects protective structures (ROPS / FOPS) compliant, and incorporate a second passenger seat in a cab design not dissimilar to an on-highway truck. Haulmax’s operator cabs offer excellent visibility, roominess and safety, with three-point seat belts as standard, as well as creature comforts such as coffee mug holders.

Power train components / after-market support

Haulmax works closely with Caterpillar to ensure that the computer-matched powertrain components optimise longevity, reliability and mechanical availability. Haulmax trucks are supported by the global Caterpillar dealer network, which offers unparalleled after-market support for the some 95% of Cat serviceable parts used in the extended-haul vehicles.

Extended-haul technology research and development

Haulmax endeavours to provide the latest technology through their products. Design updates are made constantly to ensure we meet the industry expectations of reliability, safety and operator comfort.

The introduction of the Cat ACERT™ low-emission engine was a direct result of the company’s conscious efforts to meet the latest environmental standards. The company’s long-term plans include both larger and smaller capacity models for even longer haul distances.