Hunter Trial for Hitachi Hauler
The latest variant of Hitachi's 500+ metric ton (mt) AC-drive haul truck is to be trialed and site tested in Australia's Hunter Valley. One of the world's leading ultra-class haulers, it will run alongside similar size conventionally-driven trucks to assess efficiency and productivity.
A rigid-frame haul truck, and the largest model in the Hitachi truck range, it provides payload capacities ranging from 286 mt to 315 mt, depending on body size and weight, material density, and application. With the standard body, capacity is 286 mt based on a GMW of 528.2 mt.
The flagship of the Hitachi hauler fleet, the truck is powered by a Detroit Diesel Series 16V-4000 developing 2,014 kW (2,700 hp) at 1,900 rpm, emission certified to U.S. EPA Tier 1.
"The EH5000 has been performing very well around the world, particularly in North America, and a number of sites in Australia have expressed an interest in its operation," said Peter Ross, general manager, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia-Mining. "The opportunity for a site assessment was made available and we put the process in place to get one of these super trucks to Australia." The trial will be monitored by engineers from both the company's truck plant in Japan and the Brisbane office.
It's not the largest truck in the so-called 'hauler ultra class'—a fact freely acknowledged by Hitachi—but the company argues the EH5000 leads the way in productivity and availability, thanks to its power/weight balance and AC-drive technology.
Developed in conjunction with Siemens, the AC-drive system, which will handle up to 6,000 hp when connected to a trolley-assist system, gives the big truck outstanding starting rimpull, smoother running and, at the other end of the scale, the ability to come to a full stop without using its service brakes.
The truck is relatively quick over the ground and has a top speed of 67 kph fully loaded. The combination of higher top speeds, better gradeability, and stronger retardation make for increased productivity and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Hitachi AC-drive system is some 2% to 3% more fuel efficient—a factor that will be assessed as part of the site trial.
"Our expectations for the trial are that the truck meets its performance and operational specifications," said Ross. "It has established a reputation for productivity and reliability which we will see continue in Australia." www.hitachiconstruction.com