Category: Elphinstone Underground Support Solutions

Diesel Tank Capacity

10,000 L

Tailored for bulk transport or in-field servicing

Engine

Cat C7.1 ACERT

Tier 3 - Standard/Tier 4 Final - Optional

Gross Power Tier 3

168kW/228hp

Tier 4 Final 151kW/202hp

Gross Vehicle Mass

35,860 kg

Tare Weight 23,340 kg

E15 fuel and lubricant bulk transport or in situ servicing

Elphinstone has expanded its E15 underground support fleet with the new E15 Fuel & Lube, delivering enhanced bulk fuel transport and fluid dispensing capability.

The E15 Fuel & Lube provides our customers with a purpose-built, highly configurable underground fuel and lubricant transport solution, conforming to all relevant ISO, Australian and local standards.

Tank Configurations and Capacities

Purpose-built for underground mining applications, the Fuel & Lube module is available in configurations tailored to bulk fuel and lubricant transport or in-field servicing of equipment.

The module incorporates a robust tank structure with independent compartments designed for strength and durability. The first fuel and lube module to be released features a tank arrangement comprising a 10,000 L diesel tank, two 500 L oil tanks, a 245 L DEF or coolant tank, a 500 kg grease tank and a 180 L water tank equipped with a high-pressure cleaner.

Fully enclosed rear cabinets with polyethylene sliding doors provide secure access to onboard systems. A fluid filling and dispensing cabinet is located on the right-hand side, while the pump and filter cabinet is positioned on the left, both accessible from ground level.

The filling and dispensing cabinet is fitted with powered and spring-rewind 15 m hose reel arrangements, featuring high-flow and low-flow diesel and grease, DEF (or Adblue), hydraulic and engine oil, and a high-pressure water hose fitted with spray lance.

Additional onboard storage accommodates filters, spill response equipment, eyewash and handwash stations.

Ride, Handling and Stability

Operator comfort and machine stability are enhanced through front axle suspension, an oscillating hitch and air-suspended seating.

The heavy-duty oscillating hitch maintains four-wheel ground contact, improves ride quality and reduces stress on steering and hitch components. It incorporates a 600 mm deep frame section, ±42.5 degrees steering articulation and ±10 degrees oscillation.

“The oscillating platform prevents rough terrain impacts from being transferred between the front and rear frames,” Mitchell explains. “This enhances ride comfort and helps reduce stress on the hitch and frame structure.”

Optional hydraulic jacks allow safe egress with engine running, while rear stabilisers level the machine for loading, unloading and maintenance.

Ground-level serviceability

Designed for easy maintenance, the E15 provides ground-level access to tanks, filters, lubrication points and drains.

Quick-change air filters and extended 500-hour oil service intervals help minimise downtime. A centralised onboard service centre provides convenient fluid sampling points for condition monitoring, while optional auto-lube, fast-fill and fast-evac systems further streamline servicing.

The machine incorporates a high percentage of Caterpillar components commonly used in construction equipment, simplifying maintenance and parts availability through the global Cat dealer network.

Safety is a Priority

Most key safety features on the E15 platform are included as standard rather than optional extras. Standard safety features include illuminated emergency stop switches, fire suppression systems and controls, firewalls, heat shields, machine interlocks and centralised isolation points for batteries and starters

An emergency spill kit, fire extinguishers, reversing camera, warning beacons and work lights promote safe operation, with additional lighting illuminating service areas.

Optional wireless remote controls allow operators to manage hose reels, pumps, fluid dispensing and hydraulic jacks from a safe distance. The remote includes a ‘Deadman’ function and dropped-remote detection for additional protection.

Advanced diagnostics with optional datalogging and Cat Product Link systems provide real-time machine information through the in-cab 12-inch touchscreen display. Illuminated emergency stop switches are fitted in the cab and at ground level on both sides of the machine.

The E15’s intelligent speed control manages underground decline speeds while reducing brake wear and extending component life.

Tier 3 and Tier 4 Final engine arrangements

The C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 final engine arrangement is optional, offering 151 kilowatts of power and adhering to EU Stage V exhaust emission standards.

The C7.1 ACERT Tier 3 engine arrangement rated at 168 kilowatts (225 horsepower) is the standard option for less stringent emission regulations. Matched to the engine is a Cat five-speed (three-speed reverse) transmission fitted with a lock-up torque converter.

An optional partial-flow DPF can be fitted in place of the standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models.

Operator Experience

At 2.4m high, the low-profile front-mounted operator cabin features 3-person seating, air conditioning, ergonomic central driving position with a clear 180-degree view, and a dial controller for the retarder, speed and implement controls.

Ergonomically designed machine controls are located for the operator to control the machine functions with minimal effort. The result is greater concentration on vehicle operation, with reduced operator fatigue.

Operator comfort and convenience are further enhanced with an air-cooled compartment for lunch box storage, cupholders and smartphone charging ports.

The driver’s seat is a high-back seat with air suspension, and the crew seats are a standard ‘T’ seat or an optional ‘T’ seat with air suspension. Ideal for training purposes, the 3-position seating arrangement allows a complete crew to travel collectively rather than deploying an additional light vehicle for personnel transport.

Maximum Payload

13,175 kg

8,275 kg Slide Function Payload

Engine

Cat C7.1 ACERT

Tier 3 - Standard/Tier 4 Final - Optional

Gross Power Tier 3

168kW/228hp

Tier 4 Final 151kW/202hp

Gross Vehicle Mass

35,860 kg

Tare Weight 22,685 kg

Elphinstone E15 Series goes full tilt

An exciting addition to the series, the E15 Tilt Tray offers another flexible transport solution with tilt and slide capability. The tilt tray features a nominal 12.5-tonne capacity heavy-duty winch and a hydraulic tilt and slide floor for safe load handling.

“The E15 has been well-received within Australia and overseas. Our customers talk highly of the operator experience, safety features, single common platform, ground-level operation and accessibility for servicing.  Now we are introducing a new variant, the E15 Tilt Tray, which will allow our customers to replace on-road highway trucks with a purpose-built solution,” said Global Sales & Marketing Manager, Tim Mitchell.

With a maximum payload of 13,000 kilograms, the purpose-built E15 Tilt Tray is compliant with all relevant ISO and Australian standards, including AS5400 for Tow Trucks and offers a flexible and safe transport solution with a tilt and sliding tray.

The 6785 mm long x 2500 mm wide tray has a 15° loading approach angle and features a class-leading 12.5-tonne planetary drive winch, a robust steel plate floor bordered by multiple tie-down points, four container locks (ISO 10’ pattern), lashing rail, and the provision for optional ratchet load binders.

Other features include storage compartments and a hand-wash dispenser.

Safe and effective load handling

Using a Wi-Fi remote control, the operator can operate the tilt tray at a safe distance from the machine and position the tray close to the load for safe and effective load handling.

“Clever inbuilt dampening on the tilt cylinders at closed and extended positions provides optimal control,” Mitchell says.

Emergency stops are located at ground level on both sides of the machine. The Wi-Fi remote control feature 2-speed functions for all tray and winch movement, including a Deadman switch and dropped remotes detection system.

Three-point contact access ladders and handrails, all coloured high-visibility green, are located at the front and rear, on both sides of the tray, to enable access to the tray when in the full forward or rearward positions.  Optional removable handrails can be optioned to enclose the tray fully.

Ride and handling

The front axle suspension, combined with the oscillating hitch and air-suspended seats, delivers a high level of machine comfort to the operator and passengers.

The oscillating hitch provides superior operator comfort, four-wheel ground contact and reduced wear on the hitch and steering components. The hitch features a heavy-duty 600mm (1ft 11in) deep frame section through the oscillating hitch area with +/- 42.5° steering articulation and +/- 10° oscillation.

“The E15’s oscillating platform prevents the transfer of rough conditions from the rear frame into the front frame. The benefit is a far superior ride by allowing the rear frame to oscillate and reduce stress on the hitch and frames,” Mitchell says.

An optional feature of the E15 is the front hydraulic jacks. The front jacks operate with a “park” function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating.  Rear hydraulic stabiliser jacks provide the ability to level and stabilise the machine in position during the loading and unloading processes. All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres.

Ground-level serviceability

All service points, such as tanks, filters, lubrication points and compartment drains, are conveniently located at ground level for servicing. Downtime during service and maintenance is reduced markedly on the E15 due to clever engineering and design features, incorporated with service personnel in mind.

Quick-change air filters and 500-hour oil service intervals reduce downtime and keep machines in operation longer for greater productivity. A centralised onboard service centre with fluid sample points for analysis, and optional features such as auto-lube, fast fill, and fast evac. Systems.

“Product support, parts and components are readily available through our authorised Caterpillar dealers.  The E15 has a high percentage of Caterpillar parts that are sourced from common construction-sized equipment,” says Tim.

Safety is a Priority

Safety is a critical aspect for any piece of machinery used in the mining industry.

E15 safety features include firewalls and heatshields, machine interlocks, centralised isolation points (engine disconnect switch, starter isolation switch, jump-start receptacle and fire system activation, if fitted).

Operator presence, onboard brake testing and advanced machine diagnostics ensure that the operator is in control of the machine and has the right information to diagnose any issue via the 12inch touch screen dashboard.

Emergency stops are fitted as standard, one inside the cabin, and two at ground level on both sides of the transmission. Optional features include a factory-fit integrated fire suppression system and metallic fuel water separators made from a non-flammable material.

The E15 intelligent electronic speed control utilises a heavy-duty electromagnetic driveline retarder, engine speed and the correct transmission gear to safely control speed while descending into the mine, reducing wear and tear on the service breaks, including parts and components.

The E15 can detect neutral coasting and automatically apply the electromagnetic driveline retarder to slow the machine to an acceptable speed and apply the park brake.

The operator cabin is ROPS/FOPS certified to ISO and Australian standards.

The tilt and slide mechanisms can be isolated and locked in position for maintenance.

An optional transmission isolator can be fitted to disable the transmission selector in the cabin and leave the engine running for maintenance purposes.

“The majority of key safety items on the E15 are mandatory base machine options,” Mitchell says.

Tier 3 and Tier 4 Final engine arrangements

The C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 final engine arrangement is optional, offering 151 kilowatts of power and adhering to EU Stage V exhaust emission standards.

The C7.1 ACERT Tier 3 engine arrangement rated at 168 kilowatts (225 horsepower) is the standard option for less stringent emission regulations. Matched to the engine is a Cat five-speed (three-speed reverse) transmission fitted with a lock-up torque converter.

An optional partial-flow DPF can be fitted in place of the standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models.

Operator Experience

At 2.4m high, the low-profile front-mounted operator cabin features 3-person seating, air conditioning, ergonomic central driving position with a clear 180-degree view, and a dial controller for the retarder, speed and implement controls.

Ergonomically designed machine controls are located for the operator to control the machine functions with minimal effort. The result is greater concentration on vehicle operation, with reduced operator fatigue.

Operator comfort and convenience are further enhanced with an air-cooled compartment for lunch box storage, cupholders and smartphone charging ports.

The driver’s seat is a high-back seat with air suspension, and the crew seats are a standard ‘T’ seat or an optional ‘T’ seat with air suspension. Ideal for training purposes, the 3-position seating arrangement allows a complete crew to travel collectively rather than deploying an additional light vehicle for personnel transport.

R1500: first fully designed and manufactured LHD loader

Built on a passion for mining and manufacturing, it’s no surprise Elphinstone has been leading the way in equipment innovation and design for half a century.

Following an economic downturn in the mid-1980s, mining companies wanted to reduce their tunnel sizes, which required smaller machines with equal capacity.

In 1986, Elphinstone accepted the challenge and, in just 7 months, they produced and sold their first fully designed and manufactured load haul dump loader (LHD), the R1500.

The following year, Elphinstone sold its first R1500 overseas to Henderson Mine in the US - now owned by Freeport McMoRan.

Dale recalls negotiating with the purchasing team at Henderson Mine: “The guy said to me quietly, you realise that your machine price is double your competition, and I said back to him quietly, I had no idea what the price of our competition was, because we sell the value of our product and what it will do for you”.

Elphinstone replaced 36 of the competition’s loaders at Henderson with just 10 Elphinstone R1500 LHD loaders.

Henderson Mine, Colorado

The Henderson mine is near the Urad mine, which produced molybdenum from 1914 to the 1960s, before exhausting its orebody. Owner Climax Molybdenum Co. recognised the potential for deeper orebodies in the area, and discovered the Henderson deposit in 1964. The mine was named after mining engineer Robert Henderson.

Production began in 1976; on Jan. 4, 2010, workers mined the billionth pound of molybdenum. In 2006, remaining ore reserves were estimated to be 500 million pounds of recoverable molybdenum.

The Henderson mine was considered by the National Science Foundation as one of the two final candidates for the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory, but lost to the Homestake Mine in South Dakota.

Tyre handler was safer and more efficient for operators

Manufactured in 1983 using a modified Caterpillar 920 wheel loader, the Elphinstone 923 Tyre Handler was a specialised piece of equipment designed to make changing tyres on underground equipment safer and more efficient for operators.

Elphinstone sold the 923 Tyre Handler to Renison Mine, located in Rosebery on the West Coast of Tasmania. Dale Elphinstone travelled to the mine to train the operators in person. The second owner was Dick Beckett, of Becketts, Exeter, Tasmania, where the machine presently resides.

The 923 Tyre Handler was one of 7 underground service units designed and manufactured by D.B. Elphinstone Pty Ltd in the 1980s. The range also included the 814 Underground Dozer, 980 Rock Bolter, 925 Scaling Unit, 925 Service Unit (with basket), 4000 Forklift Truck, and the AP20 Articulated Personnel Carrier.

Machine Record - 923 Tyre Handler

Machine history records show the following:

• Based on: Cat 920 Wheel Loader
• Machine serial #: 0507816
• Engine serial no: 48V58580
• Customer: Renison
• Elphinstone job#: 1344
• Delivery date: 31.10.1983

Renison Tin Operations

Tin was first discovered in the Renison Bell area in 1890 by George Renison Bell. In the 1930s, extensive exploration of the region led to a surge in mining activity.

In 1958, Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company Limited acquired the site, investing in considerable infrastructure to bring mining activities into line with modern production methods.

Expansion continued well into the 1990s with ownership changing hands several times, but each investing in the modernisation of mining operations.

In the early 2000s, Renison Tin Operations was born under the operation of Bluestone Mines Tasmania Joint Venture, a partnership between Metals X Limited and Yunnan Tin Group.