HITACHI says that its latest AC-drive mining dump trucks, with a GMW of more than 500 tonnes, are to be trailed and site tested in the Hunter Valley.
The AC-drive haulers will be run alongside similar size conventionally-driven trucks to assess efficiency and productivity in the Australian open cut coal sector.
Developed in conjunction with Siemens, the AC-drive system – which will handle up to 6,000 hp when connected to a trolley-assist system – is said to give the truck outstanding starting rimpull, smoother running and the ability to come to a full stop without using its service brakes.
Hitachi says that the rigid-frame haul truck, the largest model in the Hitachi truck range, provides payload capacities ranging from 286 to 315 tonnes, depending on body size and weight, material density and application.
With the standard body, capacity is 286 tonnes based on a GMW of 528.2 tonnes.
The truck is powered by a Detroit Diesel Series 16V-4000 developing 2014 kW (2700hp) at 1900 rpm, emission certified to US EPA Tier 1.
According to Hitachi, the truck has a top speed of 67 kph fully loaded.