The FBL 10 is a multifunctional vehicle built to maximize speed, power and carrying capability in a compact design.

Paul Mulley, DBT Australia general manager development and diesel products, said showing the FBL at the show gave the U.S. market the opportunity to see alternatives to other OEM equipment.

“The machine received a very warm welcome from those who saw it and excellent reviews. It is seen as state of the art and what people are looking for. Several companies commented that particularly in the Western U.S. there was little competition from other suppliers for this type of gear,” Mulley said.

He added at least three companies expressed interest in testing the loader in non-permissible areas of their mines. DBT America is progressing opportunities for companies to hire the machine to let the industry get a closer look at its performance. This is expected to happen in the next couple of months.

In April DBT submitted an application to MSHA for approval on the new CAT 3126 Engine package utilising the latest state of the art dry scrubber system with diesel particulate filter.

Transport and material handling machines also debuted at MINExpo - the Versatrac(r) 650 shield hauler is a specially engineered ultra-heavy-duty machine capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 tons to make longwall face moves simpler and more economical.