New Elphinstone E15 Fuel & Lube for BHP Olympic Dam
The new Elphinstone E15 Fuel & Lube, sold through Cavpower to BHP Olympic Dam, has arrived at the world-class polymetallic mine in South Australia.
Located 560 kilometres north of Adelaide, Olympic Dam is home to one of the world’s most significant deposits of copper, gold, uranium, and silver. The site operates both underground and surface mining operations, supported by a fully integrated processing facility.
The new E15 Fuel & Lube will play a crucial on-site role delivering bulk fuel and lubricant supplies to underground refuelling bays, with the capability to offer in-situ top-up servicing for machinery operating in remote areas of the mine.
The E15 replaces an on-road truck with a purpose-built solution that complies with all standards and guidelines required in underground mining.
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 machine, purchased by BHP, features 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 as 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.
Engine Options and Operator Experience
The E15 is available with either a Tier 4 Final or Tier 3 Cat C7.1 ACERT engine. Both are paired with a Cat five-speed transmission and lock-up torque converter. A partial-flow DPF is available for Tier 3 models.
The low-profile ROPS/FOPS-certified cab stands just 2.4 m high and accommodates three occupants. Standard features include air conditioning, air-ride seats, ergonomic controls, 180-degree field of view, smartphone charging ports and storage compartments.
A three-seat layout enables operators and maintenance personnel to travel together, reducing the need for additional personnel transport vehicles.