LATEST KOMATSU 40 TONNE ADT INCORPORATES MAJOR PRODUCTIVITY ADVANCES

"The HM400-3M0 incorporates a number of groundbreaking improvements in articulated dump truck technology"

Komatsu Australia has introduced the HM400-3M0 articulated dump truck, incorporating a number of improvements to increase productivity, including an advanced traction and transmission system, and higher dump body capacity.

The HM400-3M0 is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D140E-6 engine rated at 350 kW, allowing it to haul a 40 tonne payload at speeds up to 55.9 km/h.

According to Richard Feehely, Komatsu Australia's National Business Manager, Quarries, improvements over the HM400-3M0's predecessor - the HM400-2, include significantly higher payload capacity, better operating performance, lower fuel consumption, increased operator comfort and enhanced serviceability maximising productivity and reducing operating costs.

"The HM400-3M0 incorporates a number of groundbreaking improvements in articulated dump truck technology, leveraging on our many years' of experience in traction control and transmission systems with our dozers and large mining rigid dump trucks.

"As a result, we have developed an articulated dump truck that offers unprecedented levels of control and efficiency when operating in the most challenging underfoot conditions, while delivering the highest levels of reliability and efficiency," he said.

A major feature of the HM400-3M0 is the new Komatsu Traction Control System (K-TCS), which automatically provides optimum traction when operating in soft ground conditions.

As ground conditions worsen, speed sensors located on four wheels detect tyre slippage, and automatic application of the inter-axle differential lock occurs.

If tyre slippage continues to be detected, any of the four independently operated brakes can be applied to the slipping wheels to regain traction.

"This technology behind our K-TCS, which is unique to articulated dump trucks, comes directly from our experiences in optimising traction control with our dozers and rigid mining trucks,"

Feehely said.

The new truck also incorporates Komatsu Advanced Transmission with Optimum Modulation Control System (K-ATOMiCS), which has long been a feature of Komatsu's large mining trucks.

This is a six-speed, fully automatic transmission that uses an advanced electronic system to eliminate shift shock and torque cut-off to improve operator and engine efficiency, and maximise powertrain life.

"The electronic system automatically selects the ideal gear based on vehicle speed, engine speed and the shift position chosen, resulting in powerful acceleration, smooth down shifting and synchronised engine speed when climbing slopes," said Feehely.

"Key advantages of K-ATOMiCS include minimised operator fatigue, ensuring the load remains in the truck body and increased productivity."

A 510 kW capacity retarder fitted to the HM400-3M0 allows the operator to select the optimum operating speed for downhill travel and fully loaded hauls, eliminating acceleration generated by the grade of the slope and minimising wear and tear on the braking system.

Feehely said an optimised body design on the HM400-3M0 had seen a significant increase in payload and body capacity.

"The HM400-3M0 is now a true 40 metric tonne capacity truck, with its payload increasing by 3.5 tonnes compared with the previous HM400-2.

"It's gone from 36.5 tonnes on the earlier model to 40 tonnes, while heaped capacity has gone from 22.3 cu m to 24 cu m," he said.

The HM400-3M0's loading height of 3164 mm allows it to be easily matched with 36 to 55 tonne excavators, or 4.2 cu m to 5.7 cu m wheel loaders.

In addition, the Komatsu HM400-3M0 is also equipped with a factory fitted Payload meter (PLM). The PLM allows production volume and working conditions of the dump truck to be analysed directly via a personal computer. The trucks payload is also displayed for the operator on the 7inch LCD monitor, and an external display signals to the loading tool, as the truck reaches payload capacity. PLM data can be downloaded directly to a PC via a PLM Cable. The data is also transmitted via KOMTRAX allowing you to monitor all of the above on the web. Carried Load, Cycle count, and over load count can also be monitored and filtered for daily and monthly reports.

Komatsu has also significantly improved the cab design on the new truck, providing a comfortable and quiet work environment designed to maximise operator productivity, as well as improving visibility and site safety.

Improved operator comfort features include interior noise levels of 72 dBA, and a high-back heated air-ride seat with a three-point safety belt.

"We have now located the operator's seat right in the centre of the cab," Feehely said.

"This, combined with a short nose design and rounded engine hood significantly improve visibility out the front, while a colour rearview camera, linked to its own 7 inch monitor, ensures greater safety when operating around other equipment and personnel.

"The ROPS/FOPS Level 2 certified cab features a new designed rounded front dash panel with easy-to-reach switches," he said.

"In addition, the dashboard has been redesigned, incorporating a new high resolution 7 inch LCD monitor giving enhanced capabilities and displays detailed information.

"It allows the operator to easily modify settings for a wide range of items such as auto idle shutdown or the auto-reversing fan; to check operational records, such as driving history or fuel consumption; or to see when the next maintenance interval is required."

The monitor also offers the operator the option of using Komatsu's ECO guidance function, which provides operational tips to reduce fuel consumption.

Feehely said Komatsu has also worked to minimise the time required for daily checks and service access.

"This includes such features as a newly designed engine hood for easy access, increased cooling capacity, and two standard hydraulically driven auto-reversing fans to help keep the radiator and charge air cooler clean.

In addition, the HM400-3M0 is fitted with Komatsu's exclusive EMMS (Equipment Management Monitoring System) incorporating enhanced diagnostic features to give the operator and technicians greater monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.

EMMS also continuously monitors all critical systems, preventative maintenance requirements, and provides troubleshooting assistance to minimise diagnosis and repair time. It is integrated with Komatsu's KOMTRAX remote monitoring system.

"The HM400-3M0 is the most advanced articulated dump truck on the market," said Feehely.

"By combining the latest transmission and traction technology with a higher payload and increased operator comfort and safety features, while enhancing uptime and reliability through continuous monitoring, the HM400-3M0 delivers the optimum combination of productivity and lower cost moving of material," he said.

Brief specs of the HM400-3M0 are: Payload capacity, 40,000 kg; heaped capacity, 24 cu m; maximum GVW, 73,470 kg; engine, Komatsu SAA6D140E-6 engine rated at 350 kW; transmission, 6F/2R fully auto power shift; maximum speed, 55.9 km/h.