The 980E-4 AC electric-drive haul truck weighs nearly 1.4 million lb.
“For several years, many of our customers have been asking Komatsu for a 400-ton electric-drive rear dump truck with the reliability of our flagship model, the 930E. With the release of the 980E-4, we now have a product to meet this market demand,” said Tom Stedman, product manager, Komatsu America Corp. “Building on the foundation of the 960E, Komatsu was able to expedite the development of this new truck, while maintaining our strict standards of design, testing and product quality. We have every confidence this new model will reliably deliver high productivity, considering Komatsu’s reputation for outstanding mechanical availability.”
The 980E-4 provides an optimal match in large-scale mining applications with big bucket shovels (55-99 yd3), such as Komatsu’s PC8000 and the P&H 4100XPC–4800XPC, loading out in three to five passes, depending on bucket size and material density. This new truck features expanded dump body capabilities designed to optimize payload capacity and mining production.
An 18-cylinder Komatsu SSDA18V170 diesel engine will maintain a high stall-torque capacity for those mines with soft underfoot conditions. The engine comes standard with a pre-lube system to help reduce wear during startup, a Cense on-board monitoring system and the Eliminator engine oil filtration system.
The AC electric-drive system, manufactured by GE Transportation Systems, enables efficient operations in both deep pit and soft underfoot operations. The Invertex II drive system incorporates the latest AC technology and advanced performance features.
The GDY108C traction motor was designed specifically for the 980E-4, with enhancements in both the mechanical and electrical portions of the motor. The 980E-4 uses the proven GTA-39 traction alternator, with millions of operating hours in both of Komatsu’s 930E-4SE and 960E-2 model trucks. An air-cooled Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) inverter system technology provides high performance and greater reliability than past inverter technology. The AC system features an alternator designed with a dual impeller in-line blower (12,000 cfm air capacity), for consistent electrical component cooling, and a high-capacity retarding package for longer brake life and improved horsepower for downhill descents.
An electric dynamic retardation force of 6,000 hp for continuous downhill hauling allows the 980E-4 to maintain constant downhill speed or decelerate without frequent use of brakes. This permits travel at higher speeds, even down longer, steep slopes. An advanced traction and slip/slide management system precisely controls the torque applied to each wheel independently. It is also engineered to reduce non-productive wheel spin in low-traction conditions. Similar logic is used during dynamic retarding for managing wheel lockup. These systems help provide exceptional vehicle control and handling, whether heading uphill or down.
To combat rugged conditions, the truck relies on a continuous horse collar and ladder-type frame. Fabricated steel modules that join with high-strength castings manage the dynamic forces generated by a machine weighing nearly 1.4 million lb and carrying 400 tons of payload. A new dump body, incorporates high-tensile strength and abrasion-resistant steel. A rugged-chassis construction gives the 980E-4 the ability to withstand the rigors of off-highway haulage.
The 980E-4’s climate-controlled cab features ergonomic updates, including an integral four-post ROPS/FOPS structure, adjustable air suspension seat with lumbar support and arm rests, a buddy seat, maximum R-value insulation, tilt, and telescoping steering wheel. The unit is equipped with electric windshield wipers with washer and power windows with tinted safety glass.
