The German manufacturer, GHH Fahrzeuge, has launched its new LF14 model which it says “is the world’s strongest Load Haul Dumper (LHD) in the 14 t payload category. Thanks to substantial progress also in other areas, for instance the operating ergonomics, the LF14 is easily setting standards in this product field.” GHH is part of the Schmidt Kranz Group, to which the drilling specialist MineMaster also belongs.
And once again, GHH believes it has raised the bar in the market: “There is no other LHD in this category that offers more performance and drive, more cabin space and so many options,” says Managing Director Dr Jan Petzold. This “powerhouse” is driven by a water-cooled Volvo TAD1351 diesel engine with 285 kW that meets the exhaust gas norm EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA. Alternatively, there is the TAD1371VE for EPA Tier 4f/EU Stage IV to further reduce the impact mine air quality. The bucket of the 38.5 t vehicle with the 14 t payload can lift up volumes of max. 9 m³ to almost 5.5 m (upper edge). The special forward kinematics of the lifting arm are optimised for high breakout forces, long operating times and fast loading of dump trucks. For instance, the LF14 lifts its full bucket in seven seconds, moves at a speed of more than 26 km/h and empties it in about two seconds. A semi-automatic loading mode facilitates work and ensures fast one-pass loading. The Dana TE32 4-gear transmission shifts quickly and softly up and down.
“Short loading cycles for a maximum transport output per hour were our primary development objective,” says Petzold. Productivity has always been one of the manufacturer’s greatest strengths, while always being absolutely reliability. This is why this LHD has been designed to be highly durable. “This guarantees high machine availability with no sudden failures. Long operating hours, short maintenance periods: the LF14 aims to be a worthwhile investment for customers. Further advantages are the driver assistance systems that monitor operations, the bucket, payload limits and much more. Cameras ensure that there are no blind spots, whilst sensors warn about collisions.”
An extensive amount of cabin space has been constructed into the LF14, making it much more comfortable for the driver to operate the vehicle. Petzold says: “The cabin size and its ergonomics are in a class of their own”. The LF14 also offers an excellent all-round view, and all operating elements are within easy reach for intuitive operation. Even tall drivers have enough room to move. The cabin can be accessed through a wide door and there is plenty of leg space. Ergonomics is a safety factor.”
The LF14 also has the advantage of being one of the most compact of its kind. In its loading configuration, it only measures 11 m in total, and 2.4 m up to the top of the cabin roof. With the LF14 GHH says that is servicing a tonnage segment that is in high demand across the globe. “This is a further enhancement of the extensive GHH product range comprising diesel or electrically driven LHDs.”