Since the model’s introduction four years ago, about 50 of the units have been purchased throughout the mining community. Now with the launch of the 650AC, users will have the capabilities of the Bucyrus HiPAC10 control system, a variable frequency inverter drive that replaces DC motors with higher power and more efficient AC motors.

“Traction power is increased by 100 per cent and hydraulic power by nearly 300 per cent,” Bucyrus said.

“These increases, in turn, nearly double loaded traction speed and gradeability, and improve hydraulic performance.”

The drive also adds regenerative braking abilities because the energy needed to decelerate the unit is supplementing the battery, a design which also increases brake life because the duty cycle is lessened.

The 50-ton-rated 650AC from Bucyrus also features an upgraded operator’s compartment.

“All machine operating parameters are visible at a glance on the large display which is also capable of providing fault analysis and data logging,” Bucyrus said, adding that key functions will now be more intuitively controlled through its ergonomically designed control stick.

The newest addition to the Bucyrus lines will be the largest-capacity battery-powered roof support carrier in the sector and will feature enhancements to its tractive effort capability with the terrain following tri-section rear frame.

Bucyrus said the increase in traction speed and heavy lift-and-carry capabilities would keep longwall system move times short.