Having already referred to the new P&H 4800XPC rope shovel, Atlas Copco MT85 underground truck, BELAZ 75603 surface truck, as well as two new Unit Rig models, the 4400D AC and 5300D AC, along with a new hard rock cutting concept from Caterpillar – there are still a number of other new machines on the MINExpo 2012 floor, many of which were similarly not mentioned in pre-show press releases or previews. This includes the latest ultra class offering from Hitachi – the EH5000AC3, which is equipped with the company’s newly developed AC3 HDCS (Hitachi Drive Control System). The AC3 drive is the next generation in Hitachi’s drive development, following on from the ACII drive that features on the EH3500ACII, EH4000ACII and EH5000ACII trucks.

Also at the event is Sandvik’s new TH663 underground truck; details on Joy Global’s new hybrid shovel and underground hard rock cutting concept; the Cubex Centaur underground ITH drill; Komatsu’s trolley capable 960E-2K surface truck along with the AC drive 730E; as well as Liebherr’s T284 and T264 mining trucks and its R9400 hydraulic excavcator. But some of the more specialised manufacturers are also launching new machines and technologies, from a new Dart Rimpull 100 short ton truck to a new revolutionary water tank design from Westech, to a new underground grader from Ground Force, which forms part of its new UGF range. IM will give more details on these and other new offerings to the global market as the week progresses and in our in-depth features going forward in 2012/2013.