The latest addition to Bucyrus’ underground utility vehicle line is the diesel-powered 488LHD. This new machine is a modified version of the original 488D design – the most flexible scoop ever built for the mid-seam market, according to the company. It provides enhanced performance and flexibility, a wider application range, and the ability to be configured to tackle a variety of mine tasks. The Un-A-Trac® scoop can lift loads up to 1,651 mm high, while maintaining a low frame height and wide stance for stability.
The machine is also equipped with the Bucyrus Rapid Attach System (RAS), which allows vehicles to be fitted with a range of accessories from forks and buckets to jib cranes, without changing the backing plate, and, thus, enhancing the flexibility. This way, one machine can take on many roles, and one man can change the attachments.
It can do road work, haul supplies, tow trailers, and dump material onto the belt structure – all in one day. It can also be used to hang a water pipe, and can be equipped with a stable work platform for any kind of maintenance work. The addition of a diesel motor provides great capability for scoops. No spare battery or charging station is required in close proximity to the vehicle. With the appropriate gearing, the units are three times faster than battery vehicles, whilst offering the same pulling power. Grades that are difficult to handle for battery equipment are easily negotiated with diesel.
Bucyrus engineers redesigned the complete front frame to create a lifting frame. Jim Coe, Senior Engineer, Research & Development, reports: “One of the unique challenges was to include lift capacities of up to 65 inches (1,651 mm). To package the lift in a low frame, the overall machine length has to accommodate the mechanism. With different lengths and distances between the load and the axle, the centre of gravity shifts. This shift in the centre of gravity directly affects the weight of the load that can be safely manoeuvred with the vehicle. At the same time, we needed to minimise the impact and the overall height of the vehicle. We accomplished this while keeping the operator station almost identical to our 488D design.”
With over 40 years of experience and over 6,500 battery-powered units produced, Bucyrus Un-A-Trac scoops are the company’s most successful low-maintenance, high-productivity utility vehicles. The scoops, built by the Pittsburgh Product Group, are setting the pace for efficient and reliable underground utility vehicles.
Many customers are taking interest in the new 488LHD because of its enhanced performance, wider application range, and its ability to be configured to tackle a variety of mine tasks.