Powertrans - Mining Haulage Systems

Australian-owned Powertrans designs and manufactures a range of innovative haulage systems that offer the mining industry lower-cost, higher-productivity alternatives to conventional large mining trucks.

The Powertrans concept builds on its patented Powertrailer™ system, which, in addition to the prime mover, allows up to two powered trailers to be placed within a road train combination. This accommodates up to six un-powered trailers and two powered trailers, and is able to haul loads in excess of 500t.

The use of powered trailer units allows excellent power-to-weight ratios, relatively high haul speeds over long distances, and faster hauls up inclines out of underground mines or mining pits. Powertrans prides itself on efficient, flexible and cost-effective haulage systems that offer greater capacity and higher productivity, without compromising safety.

PT75 pit hauler

We have recently released the 3m wide wheel track PT75 pit hauler. This product has been designed primarily for hauling 200t payloads out of open cut pit ramps up to 10% grade, but its flexibility comes from the the easy addition of trailers for surface haulage with payloads greater than 350t.

This unit offers increased productivity in various configurations and consists of a Powertrailer with an all proven heavy duty drive line including a larger engine, typically a C16 Caterpillar at 600HP, or a Cummins QSK up to 760HP, a mining spec Allison automatic transmission and hub reduction drive axles.

T1250 tractor unit

Due to the large demand and subsequent delay with heavy duty prime movers / tractor units, we have released our own purpose-designed heavy duty T1250 tractor unit with a 40in rigid frame. This truck is suited for mining conditions and will allow us to supply the complete Powertrain as a total package. All major components are common between the tractor and Powertrailer.

Surface mining haulage

Powertrans produces a number of combinations for hauling material in surface mines. Currently, the products are side-tipping trailers of varying capacities to suit material densities and types. Larger bins with stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials are used for coal, and smaller bins (manufactured from high-quality steels) are offered where the hauled material is heavier and more abrasive.

Powertrans' surface mining haulage systems offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional large rear dump trucks. Owning and operating costs of a Powertrans road train are significantly lower than large off-highway mining trucks.

All Powertrans units use off-highway light earthmoving tyres. This means that the Powertrans road train system allows greater speeds than can generally be achieved or sustained over haul distances by conventional off-highway mining trucks. Loaded speeds in the order of 55km/h and unloaded speeds of 75km/h are possible, depending on road condition and grades.

In mining applications with haul distances between 10km and 50km, a Powertrans-based haulage operation offers a viable low-cost and flexible alternative to rail or conveyor-based transport, with lower infrastructure costs. In addition, the deployment time to set up operations for a Powertrans road train system is usually far less than for conveyors or rail lines.

Powertrans achieve low maintenance and operating costs through a number of methods. The Powertrailer uses off-the-shelf driveline and suspension components, while the unpowered trailers in the Powertrain™ use readily available axle, brake and suspension components. Wherever possible, parts are common across the trailers, minimising parts-holding requirements. No specialist skills are required to service and maintain the mechanical components.

Underground road trains

Haulage systems are available in capacities from 55t up to 100t. Powertrans’ underground haulage systems can haul from underground declines at significantly higher speeds than conventional underground haulers. Typical haul speeds up a 14% incline are 15km/h, compared with 8km/h by conventional haulers. On arrival at the surface, a Powertrans underground system can haul any distance, at a sustained speed of 50km/h.

T1244 mine development truck

Powertrans’ model T1244 underground mine development truck is a versatile truck initially intended for use in material removal and infrastructure development during an underground mine’s development phase. The T1244 is an economical alternative to underground dump trucks, offering higher haul speeds (both up inclines and on the surface), reduced up-front capital cost and lower operating costs. Once the development phase is complete, a T1244 can be simply converted into a Powertrans underground mine haulage system by adding one or more Powertrailers and tow trailers.

The convertible Powertrans system

Powertrans has made a considerable investment in in-house engineering, fabrication, assembly and field commissioning, allowing the company to bring new products to the market. By having the flexibility of adding trailers to an existing combination, fleet operators are now able to undertake multiple tasks with a single piece of equipment.

The use of off-the-shelf parts (where possible) minimises cost and allows easier maintenance.By using multi-combination road trains capable of achieving fast cycle times hauling up to 500t payloads with a single operator, mines require fewer vehicles to move material, reducing hazards on haul roads.