The Elphinstone E15 Agitator 7m3 is making operations smoother, safer and more efficient for Jetcrete’s Western Australian clients.
With underground mining operations covering large swathes of subterranean land and involving hundreds – sometimes thousands – of personnel, Australian mining companies need a steady hand when it comes to operational support.
Ground support specialist Jetcrete has more than 40 years of experience servicing all stages of underground contract mining, including underground shotcreting, remote shaft lining, and concrete manufacturing. The company also supports key industry players with mining consultancy, project management and health and safety training.
When it comes to selecting equipment to support its clients, Jetcrete is committed to using machinery that enhances productivity in the often-harsh and changeable conditions of underground mining.
This commitment has been a driving force behind the company’s longstanding relationship with Elphinstone, an Australian manufacturer renowned for its purpose-built underground support vehicles.
“Elphinstone develops and builds machinery that suits a wide spectrum of needs of our customers on various sites,” Jetcrete asset manager Andrew Purchase told Mining.
“Throughout the years, we have been collaborating with them to build machines that meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.
“Elphinstone products are built in Australia. The fact that they are locally produced, reliable and purpose-built, combined with a long history of support, makes them a supplier of choice in most cases.”
The companies began their collaboration in 2018, when Jetcrete was looking for machinery that could help effectively grow operations at a zinc-copper-lead mine in Tasmania.
Elphinstone developed its WR820 Agitators for the site, which were implemented with such success the company has been a main port of call for Jetcrete ever since. In fact, Jetcrete recently purchased four Elphinstone E15 Agitators 7m3 for its clients’ operations in Western Australia.
The decision to introduce the E15 into Jetcrete’s fleet was influenced by a range of factors.
While another equipment manufacturer had previously been the preferred supplier of the site, Purchase said introducing a new supplier could provide benefits in terms of competition and innovation.
“From a business perspective, healthy competition is always a positive, hence the introduction of the Elphinstone E15 Agitators,” he said.
The air-conditioned three-person cab has been particularly beneficial for Jetcrete’s operations. Efficiency is critical in underground mining, so reducing the number of trips required to transport personnel can have a direct impact on productivity.
Ease of operation is another area where the E15 Agitator has performed well. Jetcrete has received positive feedback from operators regarding the machine’s manoeuvrability and handling underground.
“Operators have mentioned that it drives and steers well, with specific mention of how well it goes around the corners underground,” Purchase said.
Such precision is a crucial factor when underground, where tight spaces and challenging terrain demand equipment that is responsive and easy to control.
“The A-frame front-axle suspension, combined with the oscillating hitch and air-suspended seats, delivers a high level of machine comfort to the operator and passengers,” Elphinstone regional sales and support manager Jonathan Van der Schyff said.
“The oscillating hitch ensures all wheels remain in contact with the ground, offering traction in rough or wet conditions.”
Safety and visibility are also key considerations, with operators finding the side and rearview cameras fitted to the machine provide good visibility, compensating for any limitations in the operator’s direct line of sight. The operator has 180° visibility from the central driving position with or without passengers.
Other safety features include intelligent electronic speed control that combines the function of the heavy-duty electromagnetic driveline retarder, engine speed and the correct transmission gear to control the maximum speed while descending into the mine, reducing wear and tear on the service brakes and improving machine control.
Operator presence, onboard brake testing and advanced machine diagnostics ensure the operator is in control and has the correct information to diagnose any issue via the 12-inch touchscreen dashboard.
An optional safety feature of the E15 is the front and rear hydraulic jacks.
The front jacks operate with a ‘park’ function to allow the operator to exit the cabin safely while the engine is operating. The rear jacks level and lift the machine for discharge and, combined with the front jacks, lift the machine off the ground for changing tyres.
The effectiveness of the E15’s lighting arrangement has also been noted as a strong point, key in environments with no natural light – like an underground mine.
“Feedback has been that the lighting arrangement is effective and that no additional lighting is required,” Purchase said.
Maintenance efficiency is a priority for Jetcrete, and the ability to access key service points from ground level has been a significant advantage.
“Service and maintenance downtime is reduced markedly on the E15 due to clever engineering and design features, incorporated with service personnel in mind,” Van der Schyff said.
All service points such as tanks, filters, lubrication points and compartment drains are located at ground level for servicing.
Quick-change air filters and 500-hour oil service intervals reduce downtime and keep the E15 operating longer for greater productivity. A centralised onboard service centre includes fast fill, evacuation and fluid sample points for analysis.
“The feedback from site on the serviceability and maintenance of the E15 has been positive; if you have ground-level access to everything it’s a big plus,” Purchase said.
Elphinstone takes customer feedback seriously. The company’s development of its equipment is reliant on user experience, with key feedback supplied by operators fuelling Elphinstone’s drive to implement changes to optimise its offering.
According to Jetcrete, product support is another area in which Elphinstone has stood out. The company has consistently received prompt responses to any concerns or queries regarding its machines.
This has been critical for Jetcrete, with Purchase highlighting how Elphinstone prioritises the company’s needs.
“Elphinstone has always been quick to respond to any issues, concerns or queries we have,” he said.
Looking ahead, sustainability and efficiency are continuing to become increasingly important in mining and Jetcrete has expressed interest in incorporating battery electric options into its operations.
“We are very excited to see what Elphinstone has planned in the electrification space,” Purchase said.
“This is something we would include in our tenders as an option as soon as it becomes available.”
Jetcrete is also keen to contribute to the continued refinement of the E15.
While Elphinstone welcomes positive feedback, the company also seeks constructive feedback from its end users with the aim of continually improving its equipment.
The feedback on the E15 has been overwhelmingly positive; however, Jetcrete has identified a few areas where refinements could enhance the machine further.
This feedback is invaluable in helping Elphinstone continue to refine its designs based on real-world use.
Purchase believes the suggested enhancements would further improve the machine’s functionality and ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of underground mining operations; all of which is feedback Elphinstone appreciates and welcomes.
Jetcrete’s experience with the E15 Agitator has served to reinforce its confidence in Elphinstone as a manufacturer of high-quality underground support vehicles.
The combination of reliability, operator comfort and practical design features has made the E15 a valuable addition to the Jetcrete fleet.
With such a strong foundation in place, as well as an ongoing commitment to refinement and innovation, the partnership between Jetcrete and Elphinstone is set to continue for many years to come, ensuring that underground mining operations right across Australia have access to machinery that meets the highest standards of performance and efficiency.
