9 hours ago
Mining Truck Configuration and Powertrain
In the rugged terrain of Alaska’s surface mines, the hauling fleet is built around Western Star trucks—a brand known for its durability and customization. These trucks are equipped with either Caterpillar 3406 engines paired with 18-speed manual transmissions or Detroit Diesel D-deck engines mated to Allison automatics. All units feature planetary drive axles, which distribute torque more evenly under extreme loads, reducing stress on driveline components.
The trucks are designed to haul 50-ton payloads across uneven ground, often in sub-zero conditions. The use of planetary drives and retarders ensures controlled descent on steep grades, while Jake brakes provide engine-assisted braking to reduce wear on service brakes.
Terminology Notes
The trailers used in this mine are custom-built by Knight and Aspen, tailored to the specific demands of concentrate hauling. Each trailer weighs approximately 38,000 pounds empty and is designed to carry 35 cubic yards or up to 47 tons of material. The trailers run on 14.00 x 24 tires and are equipped with 20-inch brake drums for enhanced stopping power.
To prevent material from sticking, the trailers are lined with UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene), a slick, abrasion-resistant plastic. Additionally, air-powered vibrators mounted on the landing gear help dislodge stubborn concentrate during unloading. The lids are constructed from aluminum and operated by hydraulic cylinders, while the gates are also hydraulically actuated for precise control.
Material Types and Hauling Operations
The mine hauls three primary types of concentrate:
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Juneau, a surface supervisor described how the fleet evolved over time. Early trailers were prone to clogging, especially in winter. The introduction of UHMW liners and vibrators significantly reduced unloading time and improved safety. One operator joked that without the vibrators, “you’d need a pickaxe and a prayer to get the load out.”
In British Columbia, a similar fleet adopted the same trailer design after seeing its success in Alaska. The hydraulic lids proved especially useful during snowstorms, allowing operators to open and close the trailers without leaving the cab.
Recommendations for Fleet Managers
The mine’s hauling fleet showcases the power of customization in extreme environments. With Western Star trucks, planetary drives, and purpose-built trailers, the operation moves thousands of tons of concentrate and tailings efficiently. Innovations like UHMW liners and hydraulic lids reflect a deep understanding of material behavior and operator needs, turning a harsh landscape into a well-oiled logistics system.
In the rugged terrain of Alaska’s surface mines, the hauling fleet is built around Western Star trucks—a brand known for its durability and customization. These trucks are equipped with either Caterpillar 3406 engines paired with 18-speed manual transmissions or Detroit Diesel D-deck engines mated to Allison automatics. All units feature planetary drive axles, which distribute torque more evenly under extreme loads, reducing stress on driveline components.
The trucks are designed to haul 50-ton payloads across uneven ground, often in sub-zero conditions. The use of planetary drives and retarders ensures controlled descent on steep grades, while Jake brakes provide engine-assisted braking to reduce wear on service brakes.
Terminology Notes
- Planetary Drive: A gear system that multiplies torque and distributes load across multiple gears, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Jake Brake: A compression release engine brake that slows the vehicle by releasing compressed air from the cylinders.
- Retarder: A secondary braking system that uses hydraulic or electric resistance to slow the vehicle without friction.
The trailers used in this mine are custom-built by Knight and Aspen, tailored to the specific demands of concentrate hauling. Each trailer weighs approximately 38,000 pounds empty and is designed to carry 35 cubic yards or up to 47 tons of material. The trailers run on 14.00 x 24 tires and are equipped with 20-inch brake drums for enhanced stopping power.
To prevent material from sticking, the trailers are lined with UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene), a slick, abrasion-resistant plastic. Additionally, air-powered vibrators mounted on the landing gear help dislodge stubborn concentrate during unloading. The lids are constructed from aluminum and operated by hydraulic cylinders, while the gates are also hydraulically actuated for precise control.
Material Types and Hauling Operations
The mine hauls three primary types of concentrate:
- Lead concentrate: Dense and powdery, requiring careful containment.
- Zinc concentrate: Similar in texture but lighter in weight.
- Bulk concentrate: A mix of minerals with variable moisture content.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Juneau, a surface supervisor described how the fleet evolved over time. Early trailers were prone to clogging, especially in winter. The introduction of UHMW liners and vibrators significantly reduced unloading time and improved safety. One operator joked that without the vibrators, “you’d need a pickaxe and a prayer to get the load out.”
In British Columbia, a similar fleet adopted the same trailer design after seeing its success in Alaska. The hydraulic lids proved especially useful during snowstorms, allowing operators to open and close the trailers without leaving the cab.
Recommendations for Fleet Managers
- Use UHMW Liners for Sticky Materials: Reduces unloading time and wear.
- Install Air-Powered Vibrators: Essential for winter operations and fine powders.
- Specify Planetary Drives for Heavy Loads: Improves torque distribution and longevity.
- Choose Hydraulic Lids and Gates: Enhances operator safety and efficiency.
- Monitor Brake Wear on 20-Inch Drums: Larger brakes require consistent inspection.
The mine’s hauling fleet showcases the power of customization in extreme environments. With Western Star trucks, planetary drives, and purpose-built trailers, the operation moves thousands of tons of concentrate and tailings efficiently. Innovations like UHMW liners and hydraulic lids reflect a deep understanding of material behavior and operator needs, turning a harsh landscape into a well-oiled logistics system.
