Glen Swift, Komatsu general manager, Western region (right), hands over the keys of one of the first five Komatsu 830E-5 sold in Australia to Downer Group’s Andrew Haslam, general manager, open cut West, mining, with a COVID-safe elbow tap.

Leading Australian mining contractor Downer Group recently took delivery of five new-generation Komatsu 830E-5 dump trucks — the first fleet to be sold in Australia. The 830E-5 is a 230-metric-ton (209-ton) haul truck, which the most technologically advanced ultra-class haul truck, according to Komatsu.

The 830E-5 incorporates new engine and drive system features that deliver improved performance, intelligent parasitic load control on the engine, up to 80% lower particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions and better fuel efficiency.

Ryan Kirkwood, Downer general manager, plant, said the purchase of these new trucks was a result of the company’s long-standing operational history with Komatsu electric-drive haul trucks.

“For a number of years, we have successfully operated large fleets of Komatsu 830Es and 930Es — both internally and for clients,” he said. “It was an obvious decision to transition to the new 830E-5.”

“We are moving toward an optimized excavator-to-truck match capacity, which offers significantly more benefits, beyond just efficient operational productivity,” Kirkwood said. “Considering our long-standing relationship with Komatsu and the trucks we already have in operation, the new 830E-5’s provide synergies in operator training, as well as the ergonomic benefits that come with a new design.”

Key factors in Downer’s decision to purchase the first five 830E-5s in Australia included their improved reliability, low maintenance intensity — including extended service consumable hours, long-term mechanical availability, and proven extended frame lives beyond 80,000 hours.

According to Jason Arthur, Komatsu national product manager, mining, improvements over Komatsu’s proven 830E-1AC include improved levels of operator safety and comfort, increased speed on gradient through horsepower variations, and higher payload capacity.

“The 830E-5 model also has significantly increased parts commonality with our larger 930E-5 model, allowing for reduced stocking levels on sites running both models,” Arthur said. “Incorporating the latest technology engine and drive system technology, the 830E-5 provides significantly lower noise levels, an 80% reduction in particulate matter emissions, and reduced fuel consumption as part of our drive to achieve lower-energy mining operations.

“It’s also a highly flexible platform, offering future technology expansion capabilities including machine autonomy and trolley-assist options that provide alternatives to diesel fuel and reduce Scope 1 emissions,” Arthur said.

Standard payload, 230 mt; capacity (2:1 heaped), 158 m3; loading height, 6.26 m; engine, Komatsu SDA16V160 diesel rated at 2,500 hp (1,865 kW), a gross 2,700-hp option is available; Tier 4 Final option available; drive, AC current with AC torque control system; maximum speed, 64.5 km/h; continuous rated electric dynamic retarder, 3,207 kW; tires, 50/80 R57; overall length, 14.65 m; overall width, 8.95 m.

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