Metso Outotec’s unique Truck Body is designed to maximise the availability and performance of haul trucks while reducing the costs for service and maintenance. The groundbreaking innovation that combines the benefits of rubber and a high-strength steel structure was launched in 2019 and is well-received by customers, says the company. Recently, one of the world’s largest copper mines decided to invest in a Metso Outotec Truck Body. It is the first order globally for a truck with loading capacity of 360 t and the first in Americas. The customer is looking to increase payload of its trucks while also reducing maintenance.
“We will supply a Truck Body with lower weight and major volume capacity compared to the OEM body. We can prove with objective calculation the benefits the customer is going to receive, such as fuel savings, less maintenance, more uptime, the possibility to increase payload on each hauling, as well as improving the truck body’s life. All these benefits are answering to growing demand for environmental efficiency,” says Alfredo Rios, Business Support Manager, Loading and Hauling, Americas, Metso Outotec.
The Truck Body is part of Metso Outotec’s Planet Positive offering. Cited key benefits include being up to 30% lighter than a conventional steel-lined truck body and lower fuel consumption per hauled tonne, less CO2 emissions. The rubber lining lasts up to 300% longer than conventional steel lining, drastically reducing the need for maintenance. A modular design also makes the lining easier to install and maintain. Noise is cut in half; and vibrations reduced by up to 97%, which significantly improves the working environment for truck drivers. Metso Outotec says it is available for all common truck models.
The order adds to references including Terrafame’s nickel mine in Finland; Boliden’s Aitik copper mine in Sweden plus mining applications, including coal, in Australia as well as bodies working with a number of quarry operators. Truck models fitted with the bodies include Cat 795F AC, Hitachi EH3500, Cat 793, Cat 777, Komatsu HD605-8 and 930E.
