Komatsu Australia has introduced the HM400-3M0 articulated dump truck (ADT), incorporating it says “a number of improvements to increase productivity, including an advanced traction and transmission system, and higher dump body capacity.” The HM400-3M0 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D140E-6 engine rated at 350 kW, allowing it to haul a 40 t payload at speeds up to 55.9 km/h. According to Richard Feehely, Komatsu Australia’s National Business Manager, Quarries, improvements over the HM400-3M0’s predecessor – the HM400-2 – include significantly higher payload capacity, better operating performance, lower fuel consumption, increased operator comfort and enhanced serviceability – maximising productivity and reducing operating costs.
“The HM400-3M0 incorporates a number of groundbreaking improvements in articulated dump truck technology, leveraging on our many years’ of experience in traction control and transmission systems with our dozers and large mining rigid dump trucks,” he said. “As a result, we have developed an articulated dump truck that offers unprecedented levels of control and efficiency when operating in the most challenging underfoot conditions, while delivering the highest levels of reliability and efficiency.” A major feature of the HM400-3M0 is the new Komatsu Traction Control System (K-TCS), which automatically provides optimum traction when operating in soft ground conditions. As ground conditions worsen, speed sensors located on four wheels detect tyre slippage, and automatic application of the inter-axle differential lock occurs. If tyre slippage continues to be detected, any of the four independently operated brakes can be applied to the slipping wheels to regain traction. “This technology behind our K-TCS, which is unique to articulated dump trucks, comes directly from our experiences in optimising traction control with our dozers and rigid mining trucks,” Feehely said.
The new truck also incorporates Komatsu Advanced Transmission with Optimum Modulation Control System (K-ATOMiCS), which has long been a feature of Komatsu’s large mining trucks. This is a six-speed, fully automatic transmission that uses an advanced electronic system to eliminate shift shock and torque cut-off to improve operator and engine efficiency, and maximise powertrain life. “The electronic system automatically selects the ideal gear based on vehicle speed, engine speed and the shift position chosen, resulting in powerful acceleration, smooth down shifting and synchronised engine speed when climbing slopes,” said Feehely. “Key advantages of K-ATOMiCS include minimised operator fatigue, ensuring the load remains in the truck body and increased productivity.”
A 510 kW capacity retarder fitted to the HM400-3M0 allows the operator to select the optimum operating speed for downhill travel and fully loaded hauls, eliminating acceleration generated by the grade of the slope and minimising wear and tear on the braking system. Feehely said an optimised body design on the HM400-3M0 had seen a significant increase in payload and body capacity. “The HM400-3M0 is now a true 40 t capacity truck, with its payload increasing by 3.5 t compared with the previous HM400-2. It’s gone from 36.5 t on the earlier model to 40 t, while heaped capacity has gone from 22.3 m3 to 24 m3,” he said. The HM400-3M0’s loading height of 3,164 mm allows it to be easily matched with 36 to 55 t excavators, or 4.2 m3 to 5.7 m3 wheel loaders.
In addition, the Komatsu HM400-3M0 is equipped with a factory-fitted Payload meter (PLM), allowing production volume and working conditions of the dump truck to be analysed directly via a personal computer. The truck’s payload is also displayed for the operator on a 7 in LCD monitor in the cab, while an external display signals to the loading tool as the truck reaches payload capacity. PLM data can be downloaded directly to a PC via a PLM cable, and is also transmitted via KOMTRAX. This allows wide range of payload data, including Carried Load, Cycle Count, and Overload Count to be monitored and filtered for daily, weekly or monthly reports and analyses. Komatsu has also significantly improved the cab design on the new truck, providing a comfortable and quiet work environment designed to maximise operator productivity, as well as improving visibility and site safety. Improved operator comfort features include interior noise levels of 72 dBA, and a high-back heated air-ride seat with a three-point safety belt.
“We have now located the operator’s seat right in the centre of the cab,” Feehely said. “This, combined with a short nose design and rounded engine hood significantly improve visibility out the front, while a colour rearview camera, linked to its own 7 inch monitor, ensures greater safety when operating around other equipment and personnel. “The ROPS/FOPS Level 2 certified cab features a new designed rounded front dash panel with easy-to-reach switches,” he said. “In addition, the dashboard has been redesigned, incorporating a new high resolution 7 in LCD monitor giving enhanced capabilities and detailed information display. “It allows the operator to easily modify settings for a wide range of items such as auto idle shutdown or the auto-reversing fan; to check operational records, such as driving history or fuel consumption; or to see when the next maintenance interval is required.” The monitor also offers the operator the option of using Komatsu’s ECO guidance function, which provides operational tips to reduce fuel consumption.
Feehely said Komatsu has also worked to minimise the time required for daily checks and service access. This includes a newly designed engine hood for easy access, increased cooling capacity, and two standard hydraulically driven auto-reversing fans to help keep the radiator and charge air cooler clean. In addition, the HM400-3M0 is fitted with Komatsu’s exclusive EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System) incorporating enhanced diagnostic features to give the operator and technicians greater monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. EMMS continuously monitors all critical systems, preventative maintenance requirements, and provides troubleshooting assistance to minimise diagnosis and repair time. It is integrated with Komatsu’s KOMTRAX remote monitoring system.