ELPHINSTONE’S HIGHLY CONFIGURABLE E15 SERIES

Having long been established as a Caterpillar OEM Solutions customer, Elphinstone is recognised as a leading manufacturer of quality products for the global underground and surface mining industries.

Since the founder, Dale Elphinstone, started modifying Cat surface mining equipment to suit underground applications on his father’s farm in 1975, the Elphinstone name has been synonymous with underground mining.

ELPHINSTONE

Combining practical design, the latest technology and quality manufacturing, Elphinstone’s three base platforms; the WR820 Series (20-tonne), the E10 Series (10-tonne), and the E15 Series (15-tonne), feature numerous specialised underground attachments for each application.

All three platforms have been designed and built to work in some of the harshest underground environments on Earth. Maximising the comfort and safety of the miners who operate in these conditions is vitally important.

The E15 series is the latest edition to the range incorporating many improvements to the common E10 platform introduced in 2017. The most significant is the lower profile of the E15 compared to the existing E10 (2.45m versus 3m height), which is a key consideration for mining operations with smaller tunnel size.

Models in the E15 series include the Agitator 7m 3 , Delivery, and Tilt Tray with additional models to be released soon.

“We are expanding the range of applications to meet the underground support equipment requirements of our customers,” Elphinstone global sales and marketing manager Tim Mitchell said.

Machine productivity is directly related to speed, capacity and reliability, all features considered by Elphinstone in the design of the E15 Agitator 7m 3 .

The first model to be released in the series, the E15 Agitator 7m 3 specialises in the bulk transport of concrete to back fill voids and deliver shotcrete to the shotcreter.

The combination of an excellent top speed and 7m 3 capacity improves cycle times and allows the machine to travel at the same speed as the production fleet resulting in increased production.

Other features include electrohydraulic control for mixing and unloading via a dial controller located on the operator’s armrest which also controls the breaking retarder. The same dial controller is positioned at ground level to the rear of the machine with an emergency stop for bowl control. The bowl is protected with standard guarding and removable inspection covers for cleaning.

The E15 Delivery, the second in the series to be released, provides the ability to transport parts, components, equipment, and maintenance personnel safely and securely throughout the mine.

Featuring a fully integrated Hiab X-HiDuo 092 loader crane with a rated lift capacity of 8.8tm, and 7.7m outreach, the E15 Delivery provides impressive load and unload ability.

“Operated by manual lever control or wireless joystick remote, the operator can manoeuvre loads from a distance on and off the machine but never over the cabin due to built-in intelligence and speed control – an excellent safety feature,” Mitchell said.

Multiple configurations are possible; deck (4.5m x 2.5m) with crane, 2-piece deck (5.2m x 2.5m) where the front section can be removed to fit a crane, or 1-piece full-length deck (5.2m x 2.5m) with a maximum payload of 16,620kg (with crane) or 17,200kg (without crane).

The deck features a steel tread plate floor bordered by multiple tie-down points and provision for ratchet load binders. Dual sided access is enhanced with a cleverly designed removable guard rail system (optional) with onboard storage.

Cabin comfort

At a height of 2.4m, the front-mounted operator cabin on the E15 features three-person air suspended seating, air conditioning pressurisation, an ergonomic central driving position with a clear 180° view, and a dial controller for the retarder, speed and implement controls.

There are also some thoughtful smaller details, such as an air-cooled compartment for lunchbox storage, cupholders and smartphone charging ports.

Improved ride and manoeuvrability

An A-frame front axle suspension, combined with the oscillating hitch and air-suspended seats, delivers a high level of machine comfort to the operator and passengers.

The oscillating hitch means all wheels are constantly on the ground offering superior traction in rough or wet conditions.

Although the E15 machines are typically longer than the E10s, the common rear frame and axle position mean that the machine has a better turning circle improving manoeuvrability.

Shared engine front frame

Common to the E15 and E10 range, the engine front frame can accommodate either Cat C7.1 Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final engine arrangements featuring Caterpillar’s breakthrough ACERT™ Technology to meet exhaust emission reduction standards.

The engine’s efficient fuel delivery, air management, and electronic control lead to high productivity and exceptional service life. An optional full-flow DPF may be fitted in place of the standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models.

All engine and machine isolation functions are conveniently located on one panel accessible at ground level.

“OPERATOR COMFORT IN THE E15 WAS A KEY CONSIDERATION FOR OUR CUSTOMERS THROUGHOUT THE MACHINE REVIEW PROCESS”

Safety features

An optional safety feature of the E15 is the front and rear hydraulic jacks. The front jacks operate with a “park” function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating. The rear jacks are used to level or lift the machine for discharge. All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres.

Other safety features include intelligent electronic speed control that combines the functions of the heavy-duty electromagnetic driveline retarder, engine speed and the correct transmission gear to control the maximum speed while descending into the mine, reducing wear and tear on the service breaks, and improving machine control.

Operator presence, onboard brake testing and advanced machine diagnostics ensure that the operator is in control of the machine and has the right information to diagnose any issue via the 12inch touch screen dashboard.

Ground-level serviceability

All service points such as tanks, filters, lubrication points and compartment drains are conveniently located at ground level for servicing.

Downtime during service and maintenance is reduced markedly on the E15 due to clever engineering and design features, incorporated with service personnel in mind.

Quick-change air filters and 500-hour oil service intervals reduce downtime and keep machines in operation longer for greater productivity. A centralised on-board service centre includes fast fill, evacuation, and fluid sample points for analysis.

All Elphinstone® products, technical assistance, support, and access to spare parts are available through the global Cat® dealer network with additional support from the Elphinstone regional sales and support team.