Dana gearboxes for MMD Atlas Transporter
Brevini Motion Systems gearbox technology helps ensure safe and efficient mine development in Thailand
DANA SAC UK have supplied critical parts for the Atlas Transporter, the latest technology from Mining Machinery Developments (MMD) which allows heavy semi-mobile structures to be relocated in a safe and controlled manner.
Two 500-tonne transporters using Brevini Motion Systems components have now been delivered to the Mae Moh opencast coal mine in Lampang, Thailand, which feeds the neighbouring Mae Moh power station.
At the mine, eight MMD semi-mobile sizing stations are fed by a small fleet of trucks that transport material a short distance from the mine face to the sizer units, which, in turn, reduce the material in preparation for efficient conveyor haulage out of the mine.
As the mine face progresses, the sizer units are relocated occasionally to minimize the truck haulage distance, and the two Atlas Transporters are key to the relocation of the massive machines and thus the efficient and safe development of the mine.
Each Atlas Transporter incorporates Dana Brevini Motion Systems’ renowned gearbox technology, with the track drives being driven by two S-Series right-angled planetary gearboxes complete with a Hydac airblast cooler.
Designed with fixed industrial equipment and self-propelled machines in mind, the S Series gearboxes are part of Dana’s suite of solutions for applications requiring high torque with minimum dimensions, with the planetary option offering substantial space and weight advantages.
These were key factors in the selection of Dana products, as the Atlas Transporter’s design is optimized to fit within compact space at low height, to provide the ideal foundation for lifting large, heavy structures.
The Atlas Transporter’s driven slew canopy allows the payload to be lifted and rotated to the optimum position for travel – a capability facilitated by two Dana Brevini Motion Systems in-line slew-drive gearboxes.
As with the track drives, weight and size issues were factors in the specification of the slew gearboxes. Manufactured by Dana, they can withstand very high torque values whilst offering reduced dimensions, reduced weight and high efficiency.
To date, Dana SAC UK have supplied units for three Atlas Transporter units and say they look forward to continuing their relationship with MMD. Charles Lambert, area sales manager for Dana SAC UK, commented: ‘We’ve been working with them since 2017 on this ambitious project which brings together the expertise of companies from around the world.’
