E15 Series goes full tilt
Choosing the right support vehicle for an underground mining operation can significantly increase the productivity of the production fleet and reduce operational costs.
The Elphinstone E15 underground support vehicle platform has been work-hardened and proven in the harshest of underground hard rock mining conditions.
The new Elphinstone E15 Tilt Tray is the fourth model in the series, adding another application to the highly configurable E15 underground support fleet comprising an agitator (7m3 ), delivery with crane, flat deck and a fuel and lube truck with several other applications still in development.
“The E15 has been well-received within Australia and overseas. Our customers talk highly of the operator experience, safety features, single common platform, ground-level operation and accessibility for servicing. Now we are introducing a new variant, the E15 Tilt Tray which will allow our customer to replace on road highway trucks with a purpose-built solution” said Global Sales & Marketing Manager, Tim Mitchell.
With a maximum payload of 13,000 kilograms, the purpose built E15 Tilt Tray is compliant to all relevant ISO and Australian standards, including AS5400 for Tow Trucks and offers a flexible and safe transport solution with tilt and sliding tray.
The 6.785 mm x 2500 mm tray has a 15° loading approach angle and features a class-leading 12.5-tonne planetary drive winch, a robust steel plate floor bordered by multiple tie-down points, four container locks (ISO 10’ pattern), lashing rail, and the provision for optional ratchet load binders.
Other features include storage compartments and a hand wash dispenser.
Safe and effective load handling
Using a Wi-Fi remote control, the operator can operate the tilt tray at a safe distance from the machine and position the tray close to the load for safe and effective load handling.
“Clever inbuilt dampening on the tilt cylinders at closed and extended positions provides optimal control,” Mitchell says.
Emergency stops are located at ground level on both sides of the machine. The Wi-Fi remote control features 2-speed functions for all tray and winch movement, including a Deadman switch and dropped remotes detection system.
Three-point contact access ladders and handrails, all coloured high-visibility green are located at the front and rear of the tray on both sides to enable access when in the full forward or rearward positions. Optional removable handrails can be added to enclose the tray fully.
Ride, handling and jacks
The 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 also provides four-wheel ground contact and reduced wear on the hitch and steering components. The hitch features a heavy duty 600mm (1ft 11in) deep frame section through the oscillating hitch area with +/- 42.5° steering articulation and +/- 10° oscillation.
“The E15’s oscillating platform prevents the transfer of rough conditions from the rear frame into the front frame. The benefit is a far superior ride by allowing the rear frame to oscillate and reduce stress on the hitch and frames,” Mitchell says.
An optional feature of the E15 is the front hydraulic jacks. The front jacks operate with a “park” function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating. Rear hydraulic stabilizer jacks provide ability to level and stabilize the machine in position during the loading and unloading processes. All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres.
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 onboard service centre fluid sample points for analysis, and optional features such as auto-lube, fast fill, and fast evac. Systems.
“Product support, parts and components are readily available through our authorised Caterpillar dealers. The E15 has a high percentage of Caterpillar parts that are sourced from common construction sized equipment,” says Tim.
Safety is priority at Elphinstone
Safety is a critical aspect for any piece of machinery used in the mining industry.
E15 safety features include firewalls and heatshields, machine interlocks, centralised isolation points (engine disconnect switch, starter isolation switch, jump-start receptacle and fire system activation, if fitted).
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.
Emergency stops are fitted as standard, one inside the cabin, and two at ground level on both sides of the transmission. Optional features include a factory fit integrated fire suppression system and metallic fuel water separators made from a non-flammable material.
The E15 intelligent electronic speed control utilises a heavy-duty electromagnetic driveline retarder, engine speed and the correct transmission gear to safely control speed while descending into the mine, reducing wear and tear on the service breaks, including parts and components.
The E15 can detect neutral coasting and automatically apply the electromagnetic driveline retarder to slow the machine to an acceptable speed and apply the park brake.
The operator cabin is ROPS/FOPS certified to ISO and Australian standards.
The tilt and slide mechanisms can be isolated and locked in position for maintenance.
Optional transmission isolator can be fitted to disable the transmission selector in the cabin and leave the engine running for maintenance purposes. “The majority of key safety items on the E15 are mandatory base machine options,” Mitchell says.
Tier 3 and Tier 4 Final engine arrangements
The C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 final engine arrangement is optional, offering 151 kilowatts of power and adheres to EU Stage V exhaust emission standards.
The C7.1 ACERT Tier 3 engine arrangement rated at 168 kilowatts (225 horsepower) is the standard option for less stringent emission regulations. Matched to the engine is a Cat five-speed (three-speed reverse) transmission fitted with a lock-up torque converter.
Optional partial flow DPF can be fitted in place of standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models.
Operator Experience
At 2.4m high, the low-profile front-mounted operator cabin features 3-person seating, air conditioning, ergonomic central driving position with a clear 180-degree view, and a dial controller for the retarder, speed and implement controls.
Ergonomically designed machine controls are located for the operator to control the machine functions with minimal effort. The result is greater concentration on vehicle operation, with reduced operator fatigue.
Operator comfort and convenience are further enhanced with an air-cooled compartment for lunch box storage, cupholders and smartphone charging ports.
The driver’s seat is a ‘T’ seat with air suspension, and the crew seats are a standard ‘T’ seat or optional ‘T’ seat with air suspension. Ideal for training purposes, the 3-position seating arrangement allows a complete crew to travel collectively rather than deploying an additional light vehicle for personnel transport.
Parts, service and support
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.