by Kerry Clines, Senior Editor

Dozer for mining, heavy construction

Komatsu America Corp. says its new D375A-6 crawler dozer for use in mining and heavy construction was designed following customer input and feedback, and includes technological enhancements for increased productivity. The dozer is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D170E-5 engine with an operating weight of 157,940 pounds.

According to the company, new features and upgrades include:

• A net engine output increase to 636 horsepower at 1,800 revolutions per minute while meeting all EPA Tier 3 emissions requirements, yet a reduction in fuel consumption due to the automatic transmission with lockup torque converter.
• An updated Full-U 28.8-cubic-yard blade for increased production without increasing blade width or reducing digging force; an overall dozing capacity increase without compromising visibility and balance.
• A large multi-lingual user-friendly LCD color multi-monitor to allow the operator to perform work efficiently and accurately; the use of TFT (thin film transistor) for great visibility from various angles and in various lighting conditions; meters, gauges, and warning functions centrally arranged for simple start-up, inspection, and prompt warning of any abnormalities.
• An easy-to-read “cco gauge” (what is this – an abbreviation for something else?) on the right side of the multi-monitor screen so the operator can keep the gauge in the green zone for energy-saving operation.
• Sixteen new, standard mining specifications that include high-mounted headlights, battery, and starter isolator box; centralized grease points; manual engine stop switches; and more. Optional mining specifications include right- and left-hand platforms with handrails and HID work lights
• A variable piston pump that replaces the previous tandem gear pump for efficiency and reliability.

Affordable, aftermarket hydraulic system

FLSmidth Excel LLC says it new Sentinel Advanced Hydraulic System is an affordable, aftermarket solution for aggregate producers who want to automate their cone crusher’s clearing capabilities without the purchase of a new crusher. The system provides constant clamping force between the adjustment ring and the mainframe, reducing “ring-bounce” and the related maintenance and repair costs. A remote power unit provides cavity clearing with the turn of a switch and the push of a button. The company says the system’s tramp release cylinders require little or no modification to the existing cone frame during installation, and feature protective boots to minimize potential damage and dust contamination.

Flicker-free lighting

Atlas Copco says its new lightweight, QLT 4 light tower has four 1,000-watt metal halide lamps and enhanced flicker-free lighting with 15 to 20 percent more efficiency. The mast extends up vertically to 31 feet and rotates 360 degrees. Other features include a runtime hour indicator, lockable enclosure, shutdown protection for low oil and high temperature, and a starting battery.

Dust collector

Aerodyne’s “S” Series Dust Collector uses centrifugal force to separate out fine particles beginning at 20 microns. The collector can handle dry particles such as fly ash and sand, as well as fibrous, sticky, hygroscopic, and high-temperature materials that tend to clog or damage filter bags or cartridges. According to the company, the unit’s design ensures that a minimal amount of dust particulate will come in contact with the collector walls. The dust collector can be installed vertically or horizontally.

Engine meets Interim Tier 4 regs

John Deere says it plans to use cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) engines with exhaust filters consisting of a diesel oxidation catalyst/diesel particulate filter in its construction equipment to meet the 2011 Interim Tier 4/Stage III B emissions regulation mandated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for diesel engines 174 horsepower and above. The company says the use of EGR will make compliance more operator friendly and less complex to maintain compared to selective catalytic reduction systems, which require liquid urea to achieve emissions compliance.

Noise-reduction software

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed new software to analyze and reduce hazardous noise exposure. The Determination of Sound Exposures software (DOSES) program is designed specifically for use by mine management and safety personnel to simplify recordkeeping and analysis associated with time-motion studies and to make it easier to identify and solve noise exposure problems. The DOSES software program is available on the NIOSH Mining Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/products/.