BEML’s largest hydraulic diesel driven mining excavator to date, the 180 t class BE1800D, is now finally in operation after successful commissioning at Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL). BEML launched and handed over the much-awaited machine in April 2021 at its Earth Movers Division (EMD) located at its Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) factory site about 100 km from Bangalore; with the equipment received by Binay Dayal, Director (Technical), Coal India. The machine development began in 2017 and follows the BE1800E tethered electric shovel which was launched back in 2014.
The BE1800D hydraulic excavator is designed, developed and produced in-house at the BEML’s state-of-the-art KGF manufacturing complex. The equipment is driven by a powerful and BEML BSA6D140EG diesel engine, which delivers an output of 2 x 354 kW. The first unit is fitted with a 10.2 m3 face shovel bucket. For increased productivity a four pump hydraulic system with independent closed loop swing function not only assures smooth compound work equipment movements and travel but also shortens the cycle time. BEML says work equipment controls are simple and light touch due to the hydraulically assisted control system. The equipment is also fitted with a spacious, FOPS integrated cabin with AC, mounted on a high rise frame with a clear and unrestricted view of the operating area.
A centralised monitoring system within the operator’s cab allows fast daily checks and also keeps the operator constantly informed of any abnormality during operation. The equipment is fitted with an automatic lubrication system, which reduces failures and downtime and automatic fire detection and suppression system which prevents fire accidents and hence minimises loss of valuable resources. The BE1800D hydraulic excavator is packed with leading technologies and offer post of advantages including superior durability, maintainability and operators’ comfort. The hydraulic excavator is offered with proven system/assemblies to enhance the availability and incorporated with all safety features. It will help to increase the productivity in large opencast mining projects.
