Dump truck is a standard equipment employed by as varied a list of industries as construction and mining for several decades. When it comes to businesses that have mines, particularly underground mines, having the right underground dump truck makes a large amount of difference when it comes to the operational costs and efficacy of the ventures. Probably one of the most frequently asked questions by companies is, “How much weight will a dump truck carry? While this sounds like an easy question, the answer is based on a thousand different variables such as the make-up of the truck, how it will be utilized, and in what type of environment.
What Determines How Much a Dump Truck Can Carry?
Factors That Affect Load Capacity
A dump truck’s dimensions and weight, i.e., how much, is generally how its capacity is measured. But the load of a dump truck depends on some serious factors:
- Truck Design and Specifications:The suspension, body style, engine size, and tires of a dump truck all play a role in the amount of weight it will be rated to carry. Trucks with larger sizes, frames, and engines, for instance, carry more weight.
- Terrain and Operating Conditions: Underground mine trucks must operate up steep grades and through narrow tunnels. The ground itself is a limitation on the increased load capacity because the trucks not only must pull material but must also operate through difficult conditions. Construction or waste hauling on-road dump trucks, however, are designed to operate over paved surfaces and can carry more.
- Material Density: The second variable which is also important is the material being shipped in terms of its density. It is different, for instance, to ship sand or rocks as it is to ship metal ore or coal by cubic meters for each weight unit. Denser material like ore will limit the amount of material that can be hauled in a truck but can stay in spec since it is measured relative to the truck capacity for weight.
Average Dump Truck Load Capacities
For typical dump trucks, their payloads will be between 5 and 50 tons depending on the truck size and type. Off-road heavy haul mine trucks will have payloads of 50 to 400 tons. Underground dump trucks are smaller as they will have to drive along narrow roads like tunnels or mine shafts. These trucks carry much lighter loads than road trucks.
Individual Load Capacities of Underground Dump Trucks
The tonnage of payload of a dump truck can be answered more precisely if we take into account the specific models that are used in current underground mining activities. Underground dump trucks are operationally heavy-duty but compact in nature to suit the confined spaces within a mine. Their payload is an important factor in how effectively and productively they can function on the task.
For instance,Qingdao Zongda Machinery Co., Ltd.manufactures several underground mining dump trucks with different load capacities. One of them is the 70 Ton Underground Mining Dump Truck HOWO 6X4. It has a rated load capacity of 20 tons and can be applied in tunnels with a minimum size of 4.5 x 4.5 meters, making it suitable for normal underground mining conditions.
Key Specifications of the HOWO 6X4 Underground Dump Truck
It features a full hydraulic control system for security, toughness, and easy use. The 20-ton payload capacity enables it to haul humongous quantities of excavated material, and the 10m³ bucket makes it easy to handle the material. It is also designed to provide the operators with a smooth and comfortable ride through the center articulated frame and double-cylinder dump bed rising.
It is fitted with a DEUTZ F12L413FW 204 kW power engine (optional VOLVO TAD853VE 235 kW power engine) that provides it with the energy to force ahead under heavy loads on difficult ground. Its KESSLER drive axle (imported from Germany) is a factor in its strength and overall load-carrying ability, making it resilient against the harsh underground mining environment. For larger mining operations, Zongda Machinery also provides diesel-powered underground dump trucks that can deliver up to 20 tons of material. The equipment is built for rugged use with enhancements to increase their productivity, reliability, and safety for underground mines.
Load Capacity in Reality: How Does it Influence Your Mining Operation?
Your dump truck’s load capacity will have a direct impact on your mine’s productivity. The greater the load capacity of the truck, the fewer trips required to haul material, lowering fuel use, operator hours, and maintenance. A balance must, however, be found between capacity and the needs of your particular underground mine.
The 70-ton payload haulage of a truck like the HOWO 6X4 enables the mining process to be maintained at the best level without any compromise on maneuverability and safety. If the mining process is carried out in narrow tunnels and difficult mining conditions, then 20-ton payload trucks may be suitable because they can traverse steeply inclined and narrow areas more conveniently compared to other trucks.
Choosing the Proper Underground Dump Truck: A Buyer’s Guide
Purchasing an underground dump truck for your mine involves more than payload. Ensuring the truck is properly matched to the mine environment will maximize its performance and lifespan.
1. Tunnel and Mine Dimensions
Ensure the truck capacity will fit your mine’s tunnel capacity. For example, Zongda Machinery’s underground dump trucks such as the 70 Ton Underground Mining Dump Truck will fit tunnels of a 4.5 meters x 4.5 meters and above capacity. You may need to search for lower payload trucks or smaller truck models if you have smaller tunnels in your mine.
2. Engine Power and Efficiency
Power and fuel consumption is a deciding factor, especially for underground mining whose work conditions may be harsh on the trucks. Zongda trucks come with different engines like DEUTZ F12L413FW engine and VOLVO TAD853VE engine, which have high performance capabilities and strong fuel efficiency to provide long working hours in adverse underground mining environments.
3. Durability and Maintenance
Because underground mining is a tough environment, your dump truck must be capable of withstanding tough conditions in the form of dust, humidity, high humidity, and rugged terrain. Trucks with KESSLER drive axles and DANA C5000 torque converters, such as those produced by Zongda, are durable and need less maintenance.
4. Safety and Comfort
Safety is the number one consideration when mining underground, where space is limited and hazardous conditions are present that could be highly dangerous to operators. Zongda Machinery combines safety considerations such as multi-disc wet brakes, spring brakes, hydraulic release braking systems, and high-pressure filtration systems in order to maximize safety. The cabins on their trucks are also ergonomically and comfortably designed, minimizing the chance for operator fatigue with prolonged operation.
Conclusion
In underground mining, choosing the right dump truck is a crucial decision that will impact your bottom line and productivity. How much load it can carry, how powerful its engine is, and how long it can work are just a few among many factors that should be taken into account. As the mining industry developed, Qingdao Zongda Machinery Co., Ltd. stays ahead of the most advanced mining machinery, offering good-quality underground dump trucks that are designed to meet the special needs of modern mining activities.
