Sandvik has upgraded its Sandvik MT721 and Sandvik MT521 tunneling roadheaders with several new features, designed to, it says, further boost excavation performance and customer profitability.
Sandvik’s MT series roadheaders are used in a wide range of rock formations, with several applications in mining. They are equipped with geometrically optimised transverse cutter heads, making them robust, flexible and heavy-duty machines.
The Sandvik MT721 (pictured) and Sandvik MT521 have now been future-proofed with new digitalisation and automation features. One of the major upgrades is the new machine control system, which has more power and is designed for future applications, according to Sandvik. The software code has been simplified and harmonised for stable and reliable operation. The new SafePLC improves machine safety and is extendable for additional developments. The new machine control system will fully integrate all future digital services, including tele-remote operation as well as Racoon for machine telemetry data collection and digital customer services platform SmartMate.
The Sandvik MT721 remains the only roadheader on the market that uses the proven and unique ICUTROC® technology for seamless cutting in challenging hard-rock conditions. Another key feature in both roadheader models is the CUTRONIC® automated cutting technology for reliable and fast rock excavation with the highest profile accuracy, and now also made suitable for geometrically complex tunneling applications, Sandvik said.
The new Sandvik boom control includes new optimised machine control software and upgraded machine hydraulics for fast tunnel excavation and accurate tunnel profiling.
“We are extremely proud of these new tunneling roadheaders, which will set the standard for reliable, productive and sustainable mechanical rock excavation, and continue our journey towards being able to deliver our customers fully autonomous mechanical rock excavation machines,” Uwe Restner, Product Manager Roadheaders and Digitalisation, Mechanical Cutting Division, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, said.