Brookville Equipment expanded its mining product portfolio in 2013, offering custom haulage and transportation solutions for mining customers in the US market and abroad, including the production of its largest underground mining locomotive since the company was founded in 1918. Designed to be operated on a dedicated haulage loop in a Mexican copper mine, the 45.4 t underground mining locomotives feature a 335 hp diesel engine, car brakes and remote control capabilities. The units will operate in tandem, with the lead locomotive remotely controlling the trailing unit on a dedicated radio frequency, allowing the two units to work together without conflict.

The combined size and power coupled with the remote communication system of the mining locomotives will provide the means necessary to haul 998 t of ore cars. A power gearing setup will prevent the locomotives, which operate on standard 1,435 mm track gauge, from exceeding 19.3 km/h, allowing for the highest adhesion and maximum tractive effort while in operation.

Also in 2013, Brookville collaborated with Costa Rica’s Grupo ICE to introduce a newly-designed 23.5-t battery locomotive ideal for operation in warm, moist environments. The locomotives feature an enclosed, air-conditioned cab, air brakes, a separate cooling package for the electronic drive system and 75 hp drive motors. The locomotives will be utilised for the construction and operation of the Cachi Dam expansion, which will provide additional capacity to Costa Rica’s Cachi hydroelectric power plant. The Cachi power plant is responsible for providing power to 330,000 Costa Rican citizens and marks a continued partnership between Grupo ICE and Brookville that began in 1976.

The year 2013 also saw the production of two 18 t diesel yard locomotives for two separate US underground mining customers. The units feature a 170 hp engine and feature optional remote control functionality – eliminating the need for a spotter and second worker for common daily tasks such as car coupling.

“In addition to supporting customers with the delivery of low-height locomotives, personnel carriers and specialty vehicles, Brookville was fortunate to be able expand its custom portfolio to meet the needs of global customers with unique vehicles for custom mining applications,” said Michael White, Marketing Manager and Mining/Tunneling sales specialist. “In 2014, we look forward to continuing to allow our customers’ needs to drive our innovations as we evolve our products across the board to meet any and all industry needs.”