The mix of underground haulage systems varies from mine to mine, typically made up of a combination of trucks and loaders, conveyor belts and bucket elevators, suspended and ground rail locomotives, and trolleys, for example.

Here, we detail the range of ground rail systems by Czech mining machinery manufacturer Ferrit s.r.o, a company that has been providing custom-designed transport solutions for all types of mining works in coal and ore mines, together with specialists in underground engineering in the construction of tunnels, subways, or collectors.

Ground rail products and accessories

Ferrit’s range of ground rail products includes diesel, electric, and battery power locomotives, rack and pinion systems, tracks, and conveyor belt changing equipment.

Ferrit is experienced with designing complete transportation solutions for mines using a mix of suspended monorail, ground rail, and other wheeled vehicles. These are available as standard models, or versions that are compliant with EU directive ATEX 95 (94/9/EC), which covers the supply and use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The company’s design engineers regularly travel the globe to mine sites to lend their expertise in solving unique transport challenges.

A major advantage of Ferrit transport equipment is the possibility to share containers among the different types of transport e.g. Ground rail locomotive can take over containers with load from a suspended monorail transport system and vice versa.

Below is a selection of Ferrit ground rail locomotives. The stated technical data is only informative and can be modified according to the customer’s requirements.

Electric power

TLP120F  – Trolley locomotive

With the flexibility of 2×75 kW motors, the TLP120F locomotive can move material, equipment, or personnel in and around headings. It is designed for running on railway tracks with a maximum inclination of 35‰.

TLP120F

It can be disassembled into two units to facilitate initial installation, and subsequent relocation if necessary. The driver’s cab is equipped with control, monitoring and safety features, and has good viewing angles of the track and tunnel, and can be equipped with additional directional cameras. Other features are bi-directional operation to shift loads of up to 300t, and the system is ready for fully autonomous operation.

Technical parameters:

  • Engine power: 2 x 75 kW
  • Max. traction force: 55 kN
  • Gauge: 750, 900mm
  • Total weight: 20t

TLP90F

This locomotive has the same features as the TLP120F, but these units are designed to operate on tracks with a maximum inclination of 50‰.

Technical parameters:

  • Engine power: 2 x 55 kW
  • Max. traction force: 40 kN
  • Gauge: 750mm
  • Total weight: 14.5t

PLP450F

The most powerful of Ferrit’s electric-powered units, PLP450F locomotives are designed to operate on 750 – 1000 mm gauge tracks at gradients of up to 50‰, making it suitable for tunnelling projects. It can be disassembled into two main assembly units (cabin and engine part of the locomotive) to facilitate its transport to the workplace, and moved around the mine if needed.

Technical parameters:

  • Engine power: 360 kW
  • Max. traction force: 100 kN
  • Gauge: 750 – 1000mm
  • Total weight: 38t

Other electric locomotives

PLP130F

PLP50F-R

PLP50F-II-M

PLP50F

DLP50F

Battery powered systems

DLPA90F

DLPA90F battery-powered locomotives are designed to operate on 1067 mm (42 in) gauge rail tracks at gradients of up to ± 50‰. It can be disassembled into three main sections in order to facilitate initial installation at the mine site, and subsequent repurposing if needed.

Their cabin facilities are similar to the electric-powered units.

Technical parameters:

  • Engine power: 2 x 45 kW
  • Max. traction force: 48 kN
  • Gauge: 1067mm
  • Total weight: 19t

DLPA2x44F-K

DLPA2x44F-K locomotives are designed to operate on 550 – 900 mm gauge rail tracks at gradients of up to ± 35‰. It has two sections which are interconnected by a rod, which enables the engine and trolleys to move around curves with a 10m turning radius.

Technical parameters:

  • Engine power: 4 x 22 kW
  • Max. traction force: 44 kN
  • Gauge: 750mm
  • Total weight: 18t

Other battery locomotives

DLPA44F

Diesel powered locomotives

DLP140F

DLP140F locomotives operate on 550-900 mm gauge rail tracks with a gradient of up to 35‰. It consists of three main sections for ease of transportation and assembly at the mine site, and features two driver cabins

Technical parameters:

  • Engine power: 104 kW
  • Max. traction force: 40 kN
  • Gauge: 550, 600, 620, 630, 750, 900mm
  • Total weight: 15.5t

Further details:

For more details and sales information, please visit Ferrit’s ground rail page.