Atlas Copco’s new side dump bucket, which is offered as an option, enables Scooptram loaders to be used in an almost unlimited range of applications; from civil construction and hydropower tunnel projects to rail and road tunnels as well as for rapid tunnel development in mining.
Depending on the application, the side dump bucket can also speed up the work cycle. Loaders equipped with a conventional bucket normally travel between 100 and 300 meters from loading point to dumping point. With a side dump bucket, the time can be substantially reduced meaning shorter cycle times between rounds.
Ben Thompson, Product Manager at Atlas Copco explains: “Filling the bucket in the muck pile, reversing and positioning parallel to a truck, lifting the boom to prepare, and then dumping the material in a truck can all be done in one motion. Furthermore, lowering of the bucket and boom as well as going forward to fill the next bucket-load can also be done in one go.”
In addition to flexibility and fast loading, and shorter cycle times, the side dump bucket enables fewer loaders to serve multiple trucks and also eliminates the need for loading bays or cutouts. Both tire wear and fuel consumption is also reduced, which cuts running costs.
The side dump bucket is available for Scooptram ST7, ST1030 and ST14.
Atlas Copco Underground Rock Excavation is a division within Atlas Copco’s Mining and Rock Excavation Technique business area. It develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of tunneling and mining equipment for various underground applications worldwide. The division focuses strongly on innovative product design and aftermarket support systems, which give added customer value. The divisional headquarters and main production center is in Örebro, Sweden.