New Elphinstone E15 Agitator

Gross Vehicle Mass

37,000 kg

GVM dependent on configuration

Engine

Cat C7.1 ACERT

Tier 3 - Standard / Tier 4 Final - Optional

Gross Power SAE J1995

168kW / 228hp

Tier 3. Tier 4 Final 151kW / 202hp

Drum Volume

7m3 Capacity

Nominal Capacity

Outstanding ride and handling with excellent manoeuvrability

Elphinstone's new E15 Agitator is a welcome addition to the existing range of Elphinstone E10 Underground Hard Rock Support Vehicles (formerly WR810). The significance of the E15 model number is 'E' represents Elphinstone, and '15' indicates the nominal capacity in metric tonnes (depending on the configuration).

Built to thrive in the harsh underground environment, the first E15 models to be released include the E15 Agitator 7m3 (pictured), E15 Delivery (nominal 15-tonne capacity and 8.8tm crane), E15 Flat Deck (nominal 16-tonne capacity), E15 Water Tank (nominal 13,000L capacity), and E15 Fuel & Lube (Diesel, Lubricants, Grease, Coolant, DEF, Water & Air). Additional models will be released in the future.

Headlining the E15 series is the Agitator 7m3, built to thrive in harsh underground hard rock mining conditions, providing outstanding ride and handling with excellent manoeuvrability and turning circle.

Front-mounted cab with 180-degree view

At 2.4m high, the front-mounted operator cabin features 3-person seating, climate-controlled air conditioning, ergonomic central driving position with a clear 180-degree view, and a dial controller for the retarder, speed and implement controls. Operator comfort and convenience are further enhanced with an air-cooled compartment for lunch box storage, cupholders and smartphone charging ports.

High level of operator comfort

The A-frame front axle suspension, oscillating hitch and air-suspended seats deliver a high level of machine comfort to the operator and passengers.  The oscillating hitch ensures 4-wheel ground contact and reduced wear on the hitch and steering components. Nitrogen-charged hydraulic suspension cylinders and A-frame provide superior front axle ride quality over rough terrain.

Shared engine front frame

Common to the E15 and E10 range, the engine front frame can accommodate optional Cat C7.1 Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final engine arrangements featuring Caterpillar’s breakthrough ACERT™ Technology to meet exhaust emission reduction standards.

The engine’s efficient fuel delivery combined with air management and electronic control leads to high productivity and exceptional service life. An optional full-flow DPF may be fitted in place of the standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models.

All engine and machine isolation functions are conveniently located on one panel accessible from ground level on the left-hand side.

Common rear frame

All the application modules pin and or bolt to the common rear frame, including the 7m3 agitator bowl. The frame is adaptable for multiple applications With 16.00R20 tyres, heavy-duty axles and different weight distribution, the machine has greater carrying capacity.

High-capacity electromagnetic retarder

Fitted as standard to the rear frame is a high-capacity electromagnetic retarder which provides superior braking performance on grade, and diagnostic capabilities with alarm and fault conditions reported back to the 12-inch touch screen operator display.

The integrated Retarder Control System (iRCS) combines both the control and power functions into a single unit. The innovative electronic design significantly reduces the retarder’s energy consumption, preserving electric circuits.

Speed control

The E15 also features ‘speed control’ whereby the operator can set the maximum speed on grade and the machine uses the retarder and the inertia of the powertrain to maintain the speed. When on flat ground the operator can accelerate over the maximum set speed, but when the accelerator pedal is released, the machine speed will revert back to the original maximum speed setting.

Front and rear hydraulic jacks

An optional feature of the E15 is the front and rear hydraulic jacks. The front jacks operate with a “park” function to enable the operator to safely exit the cabin with the engine operating. The rear jacks are used to level or lift the machine for discharge. All jacks can lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres.

Ground-level access for servicing

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 includes fast fill, evacuation, and fluid sample points for analysis.

Machine dimensions

E15 Agitator Machine Dimensions
(Select image to enlarge)

Summary of key features:

  • Front-mounted 3-person operator cabin (Height of 2445mm).
  • Climate-controlled air conditioning.
  • Centre driving position with a clear 180-degree view.
  • Dial controller located on operator's armrest for retarder and implement control.
  • Air-cooled compartment for lunch box storage, cupholders and phone charging ports.
  • Caterpillar C7.1 Tier 3 or Caterpillar C7.1 Tier 4 Final engine.
  • 7m3 Agitator Bowl Carrying Capacity
  • Excellent manoeuvrability and turning circle.
  • Outstanding ride and handling.
  • Common front frame, engine, and transmission, with the E10 model.
  • A-frame front suspension with nitrogen-filled suspension cylinders.
  • Oscillating hitch to ensure all wheels maintain contact with the road surface.
  • High-capacity electromagnetic retarder is standard on all E15 configurations.
  • Speed control for maximum speed on grade.
  • Common rear frame for multiple applications.
  • 16.00R20 tyres and heavy-duty axles are standard.
  • Optional full-flow DPF can be fitted in place of standard muffler and catalytic converter on Tier 3 models.
  • Front and rear hydraulic jacks are optional.
  • Air-ride seats for the operator are standard and optional for passengers.
  • 12-inch touch screen with onboard advanced diagnostics is a standard feature.
  • Optional in-cabin filtration complying with ISO23875.

Battery Electric

Leveraging its existing portfolio of underground support vehicles, Elphinstone is developing Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in collaboration with its customers and supply chain partners.

The vision is to provide a Battery Electric Vehicle solution at the forefront of technology whilst maintaining a reputation for high quality, premium and reliable products, well-positioned and recognised globally in the underground hard-rock mining industry.

Please contact your Elphinstone Regional Sales & Support Manager or your local Cat dealer for more information.


Elphinstone acquires the Beltor Mine Extraction Device (MED)

Elphinstone recently acquired the proven Beltor ‘Puller’ – an underground Mine Extraction Device (MED) designed to safely recover buried equipment.

While attending Austmine 2023, Dale Elphinstone was awarded the Champion of Innovation award, recognising his significant contribution to innovation in the METS sector.

The award celebrates an individual who has pioneered and championed innovation and has changed the course of the mining industry through their outstanding vision, inspirational leadership, passion for innovation and advancement of mining equipment, safety, technology and services.

Read more

Mine Extraction Device (MED)

Eliminate unsafe extractions with the proven Elphinstone Mine Extraction Device (MED)

The Elphinstone Mine Extraction Device (MED) has been designed, manufactured and engineer certified with a pulling capacity of up to 360 Tonnes. Developed for the extraction of bogged or buried underground equipment. Elphinstone is the OEM and owns the intellectual property. The Elphinstone MED has performed hundreds of safe, efficient and successful extractions at a number of underground mining operations (both coal and hard rock) across Australia.

Available in three pulling capacities

The MED is available in 150-tonne, 210-tonne, and 360-tonne capacities. The MED150, MED210, and MED360 were developed in line with industry growth. In addition to the retrieval of buried equipment, the higher capacity models are also capable of extracting drill rods embedded in the rock face.

MED150

150 Tonnes

*Machine Total Mass* 6000 kg

MED210

210 Tonnes

*Machine Total Mass* 7355 kg

MED360

360 Tonnes

*Machine Total Mass* 13,000 kg

Minimises disruptions to mining operations

Mining operations can continue relatively uninterrupted during the extraction process with the Elphinstone MED.

The Elphinstone MED eliminates traditional recovery methods that result in production disruptions when other mining equipment (LHDs and or trucks) is used to conduct the recovery.

By using the MED, production equipment does not experience any damage, wear and tear plus the hazards associated with personnel working around mobile equipment in close quarters are reduced significantly.

Insurance support for proven system

The unique retrieval system has the support of numerous insurance companies with the recognition that if this system cannot retrieve a buried loader then the loader is not retrievable.

'Puller' Capabilities and Specifications

Features Include:

  • Pulling capacity of up to 360 Tonnes.
  • The extendable boom allows use in a range of underground operations.
  • Easy to tow into place and set up.
  • Operating pressure 140 Bar, flow rate of 6-70 litres per minute.
  • Control pedestal and pilot valve.
  • Optional remote control.
  • Winch to assist rack positioning.
  • Cranes to assist in positioning racks (MED360 only).

Defence

Elphinstone Defence Partnerships

Elphinstone Defence Partnerships

Building on our extensive history of quality, reliability and dependability in underground mining, Elphinstone is partnering with Defence OEMs on large-scale machine and structure fabrication and assembly projects.

Elphinstone is wholly Australian-owned.  We have operated in Burnie, Tasmania, since 1975 and are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and manufacturing equipment.  With a highly skilled and qualified workforce, a well-established supply chain, and daily direct freight routes to mainland Australia via Melbourne and Geelong, Elphinstone has the ability to meet the most stringent customer requirements.

Defence Projects

  • LAND400 Phase 2
    Elphinstone were an integral part of Team Sentinel as the potential manufacturer of the ST Kinetics Terrex 3 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.  While Team Sentinel was unable to proceed to RMA, our participation in this project demonstrated Elphinstone’s capability to meet the needs of the defence force and provide sovereign manufacturing capability.
  • LAND8116
    In February 2022 Elphinstone entered a contract with Hanwha Defence Australia for the manufacturing of turret and hull structures for the Huntsman AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzers and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles. Main image: An RoK K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer, the parent platform for the improved Australian AS9 Huntsman.
  • LAND400 Phase 3
    Elphinstone is teaming with Hanwha Defence Australia for the manufacture of hull structures for the Redback vehicle, which has been down selected for the Australian Army’s Infantry Fighting Vehicle requirement.

Global Presence

Elphinstone has serviced the global mining market for many years and has extensive working experience with international companies.  Being wholly Australian-owned, we can contribute significantly to AIC and ACE objectives.  We are able to compete on a global scale for cost and quality.  And due to our location in Tasmania, we use 100% net renewable energy.

Our Capabilities

Elphinstone has significant manufacturing capabilities including:

  • Large-scale complex metal fabrication– heavy, medium and light gauge, mild steel, hardened steel armoured plate, stainless steel.
  • 5 axis machining of workpieces up to 4.0m(H) x 4.5m(W) x 10.0m(L) and 50MT.
  • Plasma cutting and pressing (up to 1,000 MT).
  • Abrasive blasting and painting.
  • Non-destructive testing.
  • Machine assembly – powertrain, hydraulic and electrical systems.
  • Cab and vehicle body fit-out.
  • Electrical harness manufacture.

Jigs and fixtures are designed in-house and are extensively used to facilitate efficient, accurate and repeatable manufacturing processes.  We are certified to ISO9001:2015 and are able to meet all customer, Australian and International standards for fabrication processes.  Elphinstone also holds a DISP membership (entry-level).

The team at Elphinstone pride itself on maintaining direct and open communications with all of our stakeholders, and providing the highest levels of quality and reliability to our customers.


New WR810 front cab launched at UGOP2023 in Brisbane

Elphinstone recently released its new WR810 front-mounted cab at the 2023 Underground Operator’s Conference in Brisbane. The low-profile option increases the versatility of the company’s existing range of underground support applications.

All WR810 models can now be optioned with either a centre-mounted 3m high cabin or a low-profile front-mounted 2.4m high cabin, unveiled for the first time at the Underground Operators Conference in March.

Positioned at the entrance to the conference, the front cab was quick to draw the attention of onlookers as they made their way into the exhibition.

Read more
WR810 Tier 3 Underground Water Cannon

WR810 Underground Water Cannon dispatched to Westrac

Elphinstone are very pleased to be delivering a WR810 Underground Water Cannon to WesTrac in Western Australia which will be introduced to the Goldfields.

The Elphinstone WR810 Water Cannon is a dual application machine. A wireless controller and base station allows the operator to position the 8m telescopic boom for washing down valuable ore fines or high-pressure blasting of material blockages from a safe remote location. The side and rear water sprays are for dust suppression of haul roads and are controlled from the operators cabin.

This machine features some impressive options including a proven Caterpillar power train, all-wheel drive, hydraulic front suspension, oscillating hitch, heavy-duty axles, automatic lubrication, mine water supply connection, automatic boom pack up and much more. The fire suppression system is cleverly hidden away and protected inside the rear tank.