KOMATSU’S NEW XT-5 TRACKED HARVESTERS PROVIDE MANEUVERABILITY AND POWER IN DEMANDING CONDITIONS

When harvesting trees in tight, dense, and rugged-terrain, operators need machines with maneuverability, power, versatility, and reliability. Komatsu’s new XT-5 tracked harvesters are designed for operators to harvest closer to the carrier and maneuver confidently, thanks to a lower center of gravity and off-set boom.

Komatsu’s XT-5 closed-loop tracked harvesters enable operators to simultaneously travel, cut, delimb, harvest, and swing timber. Engineered with hydraulic lines for each function, operators can use tracks, boom, arm, and tools at the same time. The XT-5 Tracked Harvesters boast a significantly greater lift capacity, 10% more horsepower, 16% more torque, 5% lower fuel consumption, and excellent uptime and serviceability.

The short-tail swing of Komatsu’s 331 HP harvesters lets operators work through dense forests and clear-cutting environments. Handling trees with the arm fully extended is now easier than ever before. With an excellent balance between boom lift and arm holding capacity, the XT-5 harvesters can be equipped with a wide selection of harvesting saw heads.

The harvesters can also adapt to two different working ranges. Use the short reach and larger-scaled head to harvest larger trees or switch to a longer reach and more compact head to grab trees further from the carrier.

The XT455L-5 model, in particular, promises that operators can work with confidence even on sloped terrains, with a heavy-duty, four-way levelling system that promotes front/rear/side levelling for exceptional stability. The fuel tank placement lowers the center of gravity for enhanced stability.

The XT-5 harvester requires 55% less hydraulic oil, meaning the machine promises lower maintenance costs and makes servicing easier. Pumps are equipped with hydro-nucleation to help prevent pump cavitation and are 17% larger to help extend component life by operating 500 rpms slower. The design offers quick and easy access to all engine service points and key components.

Even better, the XT-5 harvester prioritizes operator comfort, by providing a roomy, comfortable work environment, with excellent visibility and powerful heating, cooling, and defrosting systems so operators can be at the top of their game. The controls can be adjusted to each operator’s preferences, with up to three saved settings for the joystick, boom, stick, tool tilt, swing, cab levelling, and more.

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry markets. To learn more, visit www.komatsu.com.

JOHN DEERE DEBUTS NEW PHASE OF PERFORMANCE-TIER EXCAVATORS

In December 2022, John Deere debuted its latest P-Tier and G-Tier excavator models to its portfolio of mid-size machines

As part of its Performance Tiering Strategy, John Deere has added the 135, 210, 245, 250, 300 and 345 models to its lineup of P-Tier excavators. John Deere also introduced a brand-new model to its family of G-Tier excavators: the 200 G-Tier.

“Every job site is different, and our customers want excavator options that can be personalized by performance, price, and operator experience,” said Justin Steger, Solutions Marketing Manager at John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Our newly expanded lineup of P- and G-Tier excavators, including the brand-new 200 G-Tier, provides machine solutions built for various applications and jobs to enhance profitability and efficiency.”

For customers looking to enhance their job site productivity, the P-Tier excavator models can produce at high levels while delivering exceptional performance, efficiency, and comfort. The P-Tier mid-size models, including the 135, 210, 245, 250, 300, and 345, offer improved front-joint durability and promote better performance and operator stability.

The new P-Tier models were designed for optimal performance and easier serviceability, with grease points at the arm-tip for easy greasing, as well as extended uptime, and better torque retention at the clamp. The redesigned boom-foot bushings offer enhanced durability for an extended machine lifespan.

The latest addition to the John Deere lineup of mid-size excavators is the brand-new 200 G-Tier, which boasts a PowerTech 4.5-litre engine, enhancing efficiency and reliability without sacrificing power or torque. The new model also has easy-to-maintain, high-uptime exhaust filters, which will help decrease downtime for service. The in-monitor adjustable flow and pressure auxiliary hydraulics can be easily controlled using the auxiliary function lever. The Powerwise Plus hydraulic-management system in the 200 G-Tier combines extra ability with smooth control and pinpoint finesse. With the push of a button, operators can boost power and toggle on automatic boom-up and lifting functions. Additionally, the optional hydraulic single pedal propel system moves the machine when and where you need it to without having to articulate both hand levers and both foot pedals, making for easier operation.

To learn more about the full lineup of excavators within the John Deere Performance Tiering Strategy, visit www.johndeere.com. 

SPOT THE ROBOTIC DOG ATTENDS PDAC 2022

PDAC 2022 had one attendee who had people turning heads as he passed. That’s because Spot the Robotic Dog, a device created by Boston Dynamics and – in this case – operated by Matt MacKinnon, owner of Sudbury-based Unmanned Aerial Service Inc. (UAS Inc.), is a kind of tech many have never seen before (at least, not outside of sci-fi movies). And its attendance at PDAC is just the beginning: UAS Inc. has been working on how Spot can thrive in the mining industry. 

Spot the Robotic Dog was designed to be efficient, safe, and predictable. The robot is controlled remotely through teleoperation, which allows the user to remotely follow along on Spot’s mission, operate the robot manually, and review data in real time. Alternatively, Spot’s settings allow the operator to program repeatable autonomous missions to gather consistent data on a predetermined schedule or with the push of a button. Another notable feature is Spot’s unmatched mobility, even on unstructured and dangerous environments – going where wheeled robots and drones cannot.

In an interview with www.sudbury.com, MacKinnon stated spot can go into spaces when there is too much dust or water vapour or not enough room to manoeuvre. MacKinnon said another possible application would be to assist a mine rescue operation or find the precise location of a fire or a cave-in. 

“I mean, with mine rescue, that’s what they’re truly interested in, because you have the grappler option that you can put on it,” said Mackinnon. “You could, in theory, potentially hook on to somebody and at least get a rope through if you can’t drag them out, okay. Or you can get a bottle of water or a radio or cap lamp out into that area.”

Spot the Robotic Dog can also be equipped with thermal sensing, visual, inspection, gauge reading, leak detection, and laser scanning. It can detect radiation, noise anomalies, gas leaks, and scan hazardous environments to prevent injuries to workers. When it comes to charging, Spot has autonomous self-charging capabilities, which allow the robot to operate remotely for extended periods of time and perform lengthy inspection missions. Spot the Robotic Dog may very well be the next big thing for safe, responsible, and productive mining operations. 

Boston Dynamics’ mission is to imagine and create exceptional robots that enrich people’s lives. The company currently has three specialized robots: Spot the Robotic Dog, an automated data capture and inspection device; Stretch, a mobile automated case-handling robot for warehouse operations; and Atlas, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot. Learn more about Boston Dynamics at www.bostondynamics.com. 

Unmanned Aerial Service Inc. (www.uasinc.ca) specializes in drones and their ever-expanding complex applications. UAS Inc. staff use their expertise and know-how to implement that cutting-edge technology. 

EPIROC TRIALS FIRST-EVER BATTERY-ELECTRIC SURFACE DRILL RIG

Epiroc, a leading productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, in partnership with Swedish construction company Skanska, has begun to field-test the world’s first battery-electric drill rig for surface operations. The trial is a milestone in the journey towards zero-emission drilling in surface mines and quarries around the world.

The design of the rig is based on Epiroc’s well-proven SmartROC T35 surface drill rig. Using Epiroc’s vast experience from the development of the underground battery rigs, the SmartROC T35 E is designed to enhance the environmental standards of quarries and larger construction sites. In addition to zero emissions in operations, the rig comes with a range of smart features, options, and enhanced automation solutions for optimal safety, reliability, and performance. Epiroc is already a leading provider of battery-electric machines and solutions for underground mines.

Skanska will test the rig at a quarry near Stockholm. The machine, manufactured in Örebro, Sweden, will arrive at the quarry in September. Epiroc will announce later when the SmartROC T35 E will be available on the market. 

“Epiroc has bold sustainability targets in place for the year 2030,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO. “With the SmartROC T35 E we are taking a large step towards reaching our promise to offer a full range of emissions-free products for quarries and large construction applications.”

Epiroc’s battery-electric solutions are attracting strong interest from the market. The machines play a vital role in Epiroc’s ambitious sustainability goals for 2030. In 2021, the goals were validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as being in line with keeping global warming at a maximum 1.5°C, consistent with the latest climate science and the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Epiroc will offer its complete fleet of underground mining equipment as emission-free versions by 2025, and its full fleet for surface operations as emission-free versions by 2030. Customers will benefit with emissions-free operations, lower noise pollution and vibrations, and higher productivity.

Epiroc is a vital part of a sustainable society and a global productivity partner for mining and infrastructure customers. The company develops and provides innovative and safe equipment, rock excavation, and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications. Epiroc also offers service and other aftermarket support as well as solutions for automation, digitalization, and electrification. Learn more at www.epirocgroup.com.

VOLVO CE STARTS TESTING OF THE WORLD’S FIRST PROTOTYPE HYDROGEN   ARTICULATED HAULER

After the completion of a multi-stakeholder research project aimed at breaking new ground in hydrogen technology, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has started testing of the world’s first fuel cell articulated hauler prototype, the Volvo HX04. The results will provide important insights into the possibilities provided by hydrogen and fuel cells as Volvo CE continues research for its future product development programs.

 Acting on its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment of net-zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, Volvo CE has accelerated its work into sustainable power sources.

Now an important milestone has been reached as the company tests the first-ever emission free hydrogen fuel cell articulated hauler prototype: the Volvo HX04. 

“Being inventors of the world’s first articulated hauler more than 55 years ago, we are happy and proud to again drive change with this fuel cell hauler concept,” said Carolina Diez Ferrer, Head of Advanced Engineering Programs at Volvo CE. “While an early prototype, this innovation will give valuable insights into the opportunities of hydrogen in the energy transformation alongside battery-electric solutions. We believe that by exploring multiple technologies and working in partnership we can create the best path forward to decarbonize the construction industry.”

The Volvo HX04 is the result of a research project running between 2018 and 2022 to support sustainable vehicle strategic research, innovation, and development. Partners include Volvo CE, Research Institutes of Sweden (who provided specialist competence on driveline development and safety), and PowerCell Swede (a developer of fuel cell-based hydrogen-electric power solutions).

The development and building of the six-wheel prototype have been driving innovation at Volvo CE’s facility in Braås, Sweden. While not commercially available, valuable insights from the concept will inevitably inform future production.

Infrastructure for hydrogen is still in development, which means refueling the Volvo HX04 is a challenge the developers are working to overcome. Shell installed a hydrogen refueling station at the Volvo CE test track in Braås. Both Shell and Volvo Group are founding members of H2Accelerate, a collaboration of companies working to foster conditions for the mass market roll-out of hydrogen trucks in Europe.

The fueling process for hydrogen vehicles is fast – the Volvo HX04 is charged with 12 kg hydrogen in circa 7.5 minutes, enabling it to operate for approximately four hours. Fuel cells work by combining hydrogen with oxygen and the resulting chemical reaction produces electricity which powers the machine. In the process, fuel cells also produce heat that can be used for heating of the cab. Fuel cells only emit one thing – water vapor.

In principle, a fuel cell works much like a battery except that it generates its own electricity from the hydrogen onboard as needed rather than being charged from an external source. Vehicles with fuel cell electric powertrains have an uptime, range, and fueling time like combustion engine-powered vehicles.

Volvo CE is already offering the largest range of commercial products in battery-electric solutions. While battery-electric vehicles and biofuels are commercially available today as more sustainable alternatives to diesel, commercialization of hydrogen-powered machines is expected during the second half of this decade.