Terex Trucks cope at 45 below zero in Russian coal mine

Four TA400 ADTs clock up 48,000h in extreme conditions at remote coal mine in Siberia

FOUR Terex Trucks TA400 articulated haulers have clocked up around 48,000 hours in a remote coal mine in Russia, where they are braving extreme conditions and sub-zero temperatures.

Situated in eastern Siberia, the Arpatsky coal mine is a tough workplace for operators and machines. The long winter – when temperatures can get as low as –45 degrees Celsius – puts mining equipment to the test.

For the last eight years, four Terex Trucks TA400 articulated haulers have been working at the coal mine, delivering reliable work shifts despite the adverse conditions. 

The dumptrucks – offering a maximum payload of 38 tonnes – are transporting coal and overburden, working up to 22h a day. During winter, the ground is covered with snow for many months, meaning the haulers have to operate on slippery surfaces and navigate steep, icy slopes.

‘The robustness of the TA400 and its ability to deliver a reliable performance in tough conditions was a big part of the reason why we chose Terex Trucks haulers over other brands,’ said Dmitry Dulin, chief engineer at the Arpatsky coal mine.

‘Since 2012, our haulers have already clocked up around 48,000 hours and they’re still going strong.’

The truck operators appreciate the TA400’s ability to climb and descend the slopes at the coal mine. ‘The hauler handles the downhill slopes smoothly and safely,’ said Oleg Likhodumov, director of mining operations at the Arpatsky coal mine. ‘With the exhaust brake, we don’t even need to use the brakes when going down steep hills.’

The TA400’s modulating transmission retarder is coupled with an efficient exhaust brake and fully enclosed oil-cooled multidisc brakes, for optimum control and increased safety on steep slopes.

‘In mines, you need powerful, robust machines that can perform in extreme environments,’ said John Rotherford, global key accounts director at Terex Trucks. ‘The drivetrain of the TA400 is perfectly matched to the engine and designed to maintain traction and speed on the toughest jobsites for outstanding productivity at all times.’

‘The TA400 offers the complete package,’ said Dmitry Glazunov, deputy director at the Arpatsky coal mine. ‘It’s simple to operate, reliable and delivers low total cost of ownership.

‘Another benefit is that the machines are easy to service – the axle, gears and engine are all easy to access, so service and maintenance work is straightforward, without needing special diagnostic equipment.’

Terex Trucks offer dedicated on-site maintenance and support services, which is especially important in Russia given the vastness of the country – often dealers’ branches are based hundreds of miles away.

‘Our dealer, Mining Eurasia, handles all the maintenance of our trucks,’ said Mr Glazunov. ‘There’s a workshop with spare parts at the coal mine, so we can get round-the-clock servicing.’

The TA400, the largest articulated hauler on offer from Terex Trucks, has a heaped capacity of 23.3 cubic metres. Powered by a high-performance, fuel-efficient engine that develops a gross power of 331kW (444hp), the TA400 is designed to meet the demands of the most extreme operations such as quarries, mines and large-scale construction projects.

The planetary gear transmission provides smooth, efficient gear shifting for optimized fuel consumption and reduced cost of operation, whilst ground-level test points and a fully tilting cab, combined with an electronically raised hood, ensure ease of service and maximum uptime.