In 2001, a giant arrived on the shores of Australia, forever changing the landscape of mining operations. The Komatsu 930E electric drive dump truck established itself as a market leader in ultra class trucks above 290 tonnes – serving leading mining customers across Australia and around the globe.
The 930E-2 was Komatsu’s response to market demand for a high-capacity vehicle that could handle the vast and varied terrain of the Australian landscape. Jason Arthur, National Manager - Mining Products for Komatsu Australia, says its introduction was considered ‘disruptive technology’ 20 years ago when it arrived on our shores.
“Australia’s mining industry has always been at the forefront of embracing innovative solutions, and our customers were looking for flexibility and agility in mine planning. The 930E-2 model provided that in spades. It allowed contractors to move beyond the 240 tonne class trucks and compete effectively in a market where cost per tonne and labour costs are critical factors.”
Immediate impact
The 930E-2’s simple layout, low maintenance requirements and unmatched reliability made it a favourite among operators. But it was the truck’s ability to match multiple excavator and shovel classes that set it apart.
“The 930E-2 services the coal and iron ore markets, initially offering a solution for bulk overburden material movement. Its compatibility with large 600-tonne excavators made it a perfect match for Australia’s open-cut mining operations, which has a strong preference for high-capacity vehicles,” Jason says.
Jason says the benefits to mine sites have been significant. The 930E-2 was initially introduced with 16 units split across two fleets in the Bowen Basin region of QLD. An additional fleet arrived in the Hunter Valley mining region about four years later.
“Operators and maintenance staff had to adapt to the electric drive, as it was a departure from the mechanical drive trucks they were used to. It required a significant change management process on many mine sites, but the simple hydraulic system made it easier to maintain and operate, and eventually won operators over.”
Still the leader of the pack
Today, there are over 500 active units in Australia, including some of the first introduced models. Jason says the most recent model, the 930E-5, continues to offer the flexibility and lowest cost per tonne that customers have come to rely on.
“We’ve reduced base truck sound emissions, improved operator comfort, and significantly cut engine particulate matter emissions. Our robust frame design and Tier 4 emission engine options ensure that we stay ahead of the curve, providing our customers with the tools they need to keep their sites productive and efficient,” he says.
“The model also delivers low fluid consumption and reduced lubricant waste costs, which is a testament to Komatsu’s ongoing commitment to sustainability without impacting productivity.”
The truck also features a factory-engineered and supported sound kit option targeting less than 113dBA levels, ensuring a quieter operation. Maintenance has been simplified with advancements in AC drive technology. “The reduced maintenance needs, coupled with remote diagnostic and asset health monitoring packages available through Komatsu, ensure that our trucks are always ready for the task at hand,” Jason says.
The current 930E-5 model offers 5% more fuel efficiency than the previous model and a 3% gain in the drive system efficiency due to less parasitic loads, plus a higher target payload.
“The 930E set the standard for ultra class trucks in the mining sector. It paved the way for the next generation of mining equipment, and Komatsu is proud to have been at the helm of this transformation, and continuing now to deliver reliable, productive machines for our mining customers.”
Click here to read more about the 930E-5.