Sandvik is reintroducing its earlier, renowned Toro\u2122 family name for its underground hard rock loaders and trucks, model by model, starting later this year. The Toro\u2122 family name has been recognized by Sandvik underground mining customers for decades and now Sandvik is bringing back the bull, firstly with the large intelligent loaders Toro\u2122 LH517i and Toro\u2122 LH621i (Figure 1).<\/p>\n
Toro\u2122, \u201cthe bull\u201d, has traditionally symbolized the strength of Sandvik underground hard rock loaders and trucks since the first model was introduced in the early 1970s. Even though the family name has not been used for 15 years, it has never disappeared from the thoughts of the company and many of its customers.<\/p>\n
For the new generation of Sandvik loaders and trucks, the Toro\u2122 stands for safer, stronger and smarter. \u201cSafety is at the forefront of our product design and crucial for those who work in or around our loaders and trucks. We also believe that environmentally-sound solutions and sustainability principles firmly belong with safety. Being strong and powerful is at the very heart of the old Toro\u2122. To be robust, reliable and productive in the most demanding of conditions is part of our heritage, and we will keep that with us going forward. Being smart involves seamless integration with Sandvik\u2019s AutoMine\u00ae and OptiMine\u00ae offering, but it is also about innovation and smart design, e.\u2009g., how we arrange maintenance access, improve efficiency and reduce waste. Developing intelligence on all frontiers is, and will be, one of the key elements of the Toro\u2122 going forward\u201d, says Wayne Scrivens, VP Product Line, Load and Haul.<\/p>\n
The large intelligent loaders Toro\u2122 LH517i and Toro\u2122 LH621i now come with several design upgrades aimed to further boost productivity, reduce total cost of ownership and improve operator experience. Both loaders can now be equipped with a Stage\u00a0V state-of-the-art engine, meeting the most stringent current emission regulations. Operator speed assist, a new feature that will be available with the Stage V engine option, specifically supports downhill tramming and preserves the equipment brakes as the Sandvik Intelligent Control System can be set to limit maximum speed. A new traction control system, available as an option, reduces wheel spin and slippage when penetrating to the muck pile, extending tyre lifetime. Finally, a training simulator, Digital Trainer, has been added to the load and haul equipment range, offering a compact and flexible solution for the safe training of operators, with authentic controls and real loader control system.<\/p>\n
As matching pairs for the large loaders, the 51 and 63 t trucks will acquire the Toro\u2122 family name amongst the first equipment models. Both trucks have recently been benefitting from several significant design upgrades including, e.\u2009g., a new transmission, heavy-duty cooler, AutoMine\u00ae for trucks with on-surface navigation possibility and an ongoing Stage V engine trial. \u201cCustomer feedback on the i-series trucks indicates that overall maintenance costs have decreased compared to their predecessors, the Sandvik TH551 and Sandvik TH663. We have also received the same customer feedback on LH517i and LH621i loaders. Reducing costs in addition to the already-reported positive operator feedback clearly shows we are on the right track, which befits the Toro\u2122 family\u201d, says Scrivens.
\nThe fifth model acquiring the Toro\u2122 family name is the world\u2019s largest payload capacity underground loader, Toro\u2122 LH625iE. The giant features a 25,000 kg payload capacity and is electrically powered by a trailing cable. The Toro\u2122 LH625iE loader builds on well-proven technology, but also features the i-series intelligence needed for connectivity and digital solutions.<\/p>\n