Komatsu has released the HD1500-8 mechanical drive dump truck, a 142 metric tonne capacity hauler designed to reduce cost per tonne through such features as highest payload in its class, faster cycle times, improved fuel efficiency, longer component life and enhanced maintainability.
It replaces Komatsu’s HD1500-7, introduced in 2008 and with more than 50 units operating in Australia working in mining applications across coal, gold and nickel.
“Our new HD1500-8 truck will further build on the success the HD1500-7 has had in Australia,” says Scott Harrington, Komatsu Australia’s National Product manager, Mining.
“It’s a completely new, redesigned truck, developed using principles developed by the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table to ensure high standards of safety and harm minimisation.
“This new truck builds on the performance and reliability characteristics of the HD1500-7, as well as incorporating technological advances from our proven HD785-7, such as the Komatsu Traction Control System.
“It will deliver our customers outstanding productivity due to its high payload and high engine power, enabling faster cycle times.
“We estimate it will provide a further six percent cost per tonne advantage compared with the HD1500-7, through reduced operating costs due to component life improvements, improved fuel efficiency and better maintainability.”
Power comes from a 16 cylinder Komatsu SDA16V159-3 engine, based on the Cummins QSK50 Tier 2 diesel (also available in fuel-optimised calibration), rated at 1175 kW gross – a six percent increase in power over the 12-cylinder Komatsu SDA12V160 powering the HD1500-7.
“While this engine is new to the Australian imported HD1500-8, it’s been used across other Komatsu mining products, and is well-proven in the industry,” Harrington adds.
