Tag Archives: Earthtrack

RCT leverages ControlMaster remote-controlled tech on Amphiroll Mud Scroller

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RCT has found a new application for its ControlMaster® remote-controlled technology package after successfully deploying the solution on an Amphiroll Mud Scroller working on tailings ponds.

Operations are now more efficient and safer for the Western Australia-based earthmoving team using this equipment, according to RCT, now owned by Epiroc.

The mud scroller, used to aerate the caustic mud of the tailings pond to dry it out, was previously a manual operation requiring two machines operating at one time for personnel safety reasons.

The ControlMaster Line-of-Sight solution has removed the operator from the cabin and allows them to control the machine from up to 200 m line of sight, according to the company. This custom one-off kit was designed, supplied and installed by both the Perth Customer Service and RCT Custom team, the company’s designated bespoke solutions department.

“This solution removes operators from any potential danger that could arise from them physically being out on a tailings pond and allows them to instead carry out the task from the safety of a light vehicle located nearby,” RCT’s Account Manager, Phill Dean, said.

The introduction of this technology has also dramatically changed how the Mud Scroller is transported to various sites, according to RCT.

“Previously amphirolls were twice the size requiring oversize movement permits and weighed about 18 t, so moving this piece of machinery required large multi-lift crane operation,” Dean said. “Now, the logistics of moving the small unit is easier and only requires a large tile tray and this in itself reduces mobilisation costs substantially.”

As well as deploying the ControlMaster technology, RCT designed, manufactured and installed the EarthTrack® custom dashboard.

“This dashboard was designed to display all the integral information in an easy-to-read format,” Dean said. “It will let the operator know the pump pressures, engine temps, fuel level and an overall live health report.”

The new and improved mud scroller remote solution was deployed at the beginning of the year in trials and is being used today with great success, according to the company.

RCT’s EarthTrack tool to improve efficiency, productivity at Silver Lake’s Mount Monger

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Silver Lake Resources has upped the efficiency of its earthmoving fleet at Mount Monger in Western Australia following the implementation of RCT’s EarthTrack® information monitoring tool.

RCT recently commissioned the EarthTrack Payload Management System on Silver Lake Resource’s mixed fleet consisting of five Cat 777F dump trucks, one Hitachi 1200-6 excavator and one Hitachi 1900-6 excavator.

The solution provides Silver Lake’s machine operators with real-time information about payload distribution and optimal load weights at the Mount Monger gold operation in Western Australia’s Goldfields region, RCT says.

Site managers can now closely monitor machine and operator productivity, prevent truck strut damage from over loading, reduce tyre wear and achieve better fuel consumption to significantly reduce overall running costs, according to the company.

The system transmits payload data from the truck being loaded to the loading tool – in this case the excavator – which enables the loader operator to fill the truck trays to the optimal weight.

One of the EarthTrack system’s key features is that it monitors payload distribution in real time and alerts the operator of an uneven distribution, allowing them to take action to avoid strut damage. At the same time, the system’s external LED Payload Display relays the load weight to any personnel in visual range of the display.

RCT Account Manager, Scott Phillips, said the system will maximise efficiency and productivity of Silver Lake’s mining fleet.

“This solution enhances the excavator operator’s ability to load dirt in an effective manner that ensures optimal loading conditions with every bucket,” he said. “Ineffective loading can lead to strut damage and wear and tear to machines which results in costly maintenance downtime to the mining fleet.

“This tool will enable site personnel to make better decisions to ensure smooth and consistent operations while allowing site management to monitor the operation closely.”