Jetcrete trials E15 Agitator 7m3 at Renison Mine, Tasmania
When Elphinstone introduced the new low-profile E15 series to the market in January, it was a welcome addition to the existing range of E10 (formerly WR810) underground support vehicles.
Models in the E15 range include the 7m3 agitator, the E15 delivery (with wireless remote crane), the E15 flat deck, the E15 water tank for dust suppression, and the E15 fuel and lube service truck, with various other configurations presently in development.
Headlining the series, the new E15 agitator 7m3 specialises in the transport of shotcrete or concrete for backfilling voids, featuring outstanding ride and handling at full capacity, improving cycle times and increasing productivity.
These features quickly captured the attention of Australia’s leading ground support specialist, Jetcrete Oz Pty Ltd and Evolution Mining’s Ernest Henry copper-gold mine in Queensland.
Mixing with the best
The relationship between Elphinstone and Jetcrete Oz originated in 2018, resulting in the purchase of a fleet of Elphinstone WR820 10m3 agitators still in operation across Australia today.
Jetcrete has extensive experience in all areas of ground support, providing complete service for each stage, including manufacturing, supply, delivery, and application.
The repeat orders were a testament to the success of the WR820 machines; however, on review, Jetcrete identified a need for a smaller machine with greater manoeuvrability to access and deliver the right amount of shotcrete to the headings.
Additionally, Jetcrete wanted more seating, greater comfort and safety, machine diagnostics and monitoring features.
“Operator comfort in the E15 was a key consideration for Jetcrete throughout the machine review process,” Elphinstone regional sales and support manager Kyle Allen said.
Jetcrete’s considerable experience in underground and surface applications has provided “work hardening” and valued feedback, which allowed Elphinstone to improve the E15 7m3 agitator even further.
After an extensive design and review process, Jetcrete took delivery of a new E15 7m3 Agitator in March of this year.
“Since arriving at Bluestone’s Renison mine in Tasmania, the machine has been working around the clock, which is encouraging from a new product introduction viewpoint,”