A custom-engineered approach to lightweight mining bodies

Philippi-Hagenbuch increase payload capacity with lightweight mining-class bodies manufactured using durable steel

PHILIPPI-Hagenbuch Inc., a global leader in off-highway truck customization, have introduced a unique custom-engineered approach to manufacturing lightweight mining bodies for maximized capacity and durability.

Previously manufactured with Hardox 450 steel, Philippi-Hagenbuch have now successfully designed and engineered bodies with Hardox 500 Tuf steel. This decreases weight while increasing abrasion resistance, meaning a 10–20% higher payload capacity and extended body life. 

‘The fact that lightweight bodies are often classified as ‘throwaway’ really frustrates me,’ said Josh Swank, chief growth officer for Philippi-Hagenbuch. ‘Historically, I didn’t like the idea of offering a lightweight haul truck body. While I understood customers’ desire to maximize payload, the drive to reduce weight often resulted in a body that simply didn’t last as long as our traditionally weighted bodies and certainly didn’t live up to our standards for longevity.

‘We and our clients wanted the best of both worlds, so our team successfully engineered these bodies with a new abrasion-resistant steel that has increased hardness, allowing us to use less steel and achieve a similar life. This means our clients can maximize their payload with a body that will last longer than the three years (20,000h) typically seen with other lightweight mining-class truck bodies.’

Making the switch from 450 to 500 Brinell steel lightens the mining body – decreasing body weight by up to 20%, which translates directly into added payload capacity. For a 50-ton mining body, the new steel brings that number down to 37.5–40 tons, boosting payload capacity by up to 12.5 tons. The switch to Hardox 500 Tuf also boosts abrasion resistance by three times compared with the previously used Hardox 450. 

Philippi-Hagenbuch say their lightweight bodies were always the top of their class compared with other options on the market manufactured with a variety of steels, and now, with the switch to Hardox 500 Tuf, the benefit is compounded. 

HiVol lightweight bodies can be engineered for all sizes of off-highway haul trucks. Philippi-Hagenbuch custom engineer them for truck sizes ranging from 40 tons to more than 400 tons and can engineer them for any OEM brand truck. In addition to maximizing payload, Philippi-Hagenbuch work with clients to optimize loading, hauling, environmental factors, and more with their custom haul truck equipment.