Mining excavator and haul truck major Liebherr has provided a market update on its existing ultraclass model, the T282C, as well as the TI274 which is in its final testing stages, and the all new T264.

Based on the latest product launch, the T282C mining truck, Liebherr states that its sales forecast projection through 2015 looks solid. The group anticipates growth next year with demand for some 60 units in 2011. Going  forward through 2015, a consistent demand level of 75 units per year for  the T282C is expected.

The key recent order is from Peabody Energy in Wyoming, and involves the delivery of 32 units by December 2011 with the potential for more thereafter. Growth markets include the high altitude copper projects emerging in South America. The Canadian oil sands market is also extremely strong for ultra-class trucks, and the first T282C will head there in 2011. In Brazil, Vale is now also an important customer.

The company has also given an update on the TI274, first unveiled at Bauma in 2007. At present, Liebherr states that it is testing and validating design changes and updates to the concept truck. The TI design concept utilises the dump body as a structural member of the truck and thus has a significantly reduced frame weight. The dump body, unlike conventional style mining trucks, does not rest on the frame but on the hoist cylinders and rear suspensions only. By comparison, the TI274 is only 10 short tons heavier yet hauls 60 short tons greater payload than the leading competitor in the 240 short ton class of mining trucks. The next step in the development process which will involve moving the proof of concept truck from the Liebherr proving grounds to an actual mine site where its performance can be monitored in an actual production environment.

A prototype of the latest truck development, the T264 truck, rated at 220t, will be sent to the proving ground as well. The T264 will have a standard 2,700hp Tier 2 engine and will be a good match for the Liebherr excavator product line.