In 2003 DBT’s longwall relocation equipment hire fleet was made up of two Gensets and four FBL15s. By the end of this year the fleet will feature two Gensets, four FBL15s, 10 FBL10’s, eight CHT50 shield trailers and four MH40 shield haulers.

 

“The catalyst for the expansion was a foreseen industry need to have modern longwall relocation equipment available to the Australian industry. Associated with this is we believe that the industry was actively looking for OEM participation in terms of maintenance and parts supply for the hire of this type of equipment,” DBT’s Australian Development and Diesel Engineering department said.

 

DBT’s latest addition to its hire fleet has been the MH40 shield hauler, meng hu or fearless tiger as it is known in the Chinese market. The MH40 is a smaller version of the FBL-40.

 

The MH40 was originally designed after a Chinese customer found the FBL-40 to be too large to suit its cramped conditions. DBT Australia's Development and Diesel Engineering department was given the job of designing a "little brother" – a shorter and narrower machine for better manoeuvrability in cramped conditions, and with a lower profile for enhanced operator visibility.

 

The MH40 was designed to carry 40 tonnes on standard forks. The design focuses on haulage of longwall shields and heavier ancillary components of the longwall.

 

“The MH40 has proven itself in the overseas marketplace, and with the growth of our business the time had come to add them to the Australian fleet. Their success, reputation as commented by the industry to date has been extremely positive,” DBT said.

 

To date DBT has sold one MH40 into the Australian market and said it had several enquiries pending.

 

In 2007 another new loader will be introduced into the Australian market and DBT’s diesel fleet.

 

“After an extensive market review with our customer base, the outcome of which sees us investing heavily into the design and introduction of a new smaller vehicle than our FBL10,” DBT said.

 

The project, nicknamed Compact Loader, kicked off at the start of 2006.

 

“We will be unveiling the machine in 2007 as part of our product rollout program. The vehicle will be more manoeuvrable, smaller, lower and powered to do the job.

 

“The market also realised that with a vehicle of this size the capacities also need to reflect the compactness of the machine, as they are not needed where the main driver is reduction in size.”

 

DBT’s diesel development division has also focused on meeting new emission requirements with its diesel engine.

 

“DBT has undertaken a major commitment to the industry with the launching of a research and development project to gain diesel engine system approval for a Tier III electronic controlled engine,” the company said.

 

This package is being developed as a replacement for the current mechanical engine, which becomes redundant in 2007 as part of the global emission reduction regulations.

 

“With some 14 field devices including pump solenoid, injector coils and engine management controller to make permissible, as well as the mechanical cooling of the inlet and exhaust system, it is one of the biggest undertakings the DBT Diesel and Development section has made to date.”