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Rock-Tech unveils new generation of utility trucks

Vale acquires state-of-the-art crane truck Rock-Tech, a Sudbury-based mining equipment manufacturer, has unveiled a new generation of underground utility vehicles and made its first sale of a Titanium Gen 2 crane truck to Vale.
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Rock-Tech crane truck optimizes operator comfort and safety, facilitates maintenance and allows for the monitoring of vehicle performance.

Vale acquires state-of-the-art crane truck

Rock-Tech, a Sudbury-based mining equipment manufacturer, has unveiled a new generation of underground utility vehicles and made its first sale of a Titanium Gen 2 crane truck to Vale.

The Gen 2 series of articulated trucks have been totally redesigned to optimize operator comfort and safety, facilitate maintenance and allow for the monitoring of vehicle performance.

The trucks can also be configured with scissor lifts for the installation of mine services, as personnel carriers, fuel/lube trucks, anfo or emulsion loaders, or flatbeds, depending on client requirements.

Ease of maintenance was a key consideration, according to Ricky Lemieux, president of Rock-Tech.

“For example, there’s a compartment for hydraulics, with all of the components centralized in one location. Everything was designed and planned to be in a location for ease of servicing.

“Within five feet of the driver’s door, an operator can inspect his fuel and oil levels for transmission and hydraulics, and perform all of the other required inspections. It’s all on the same side – not all over the machine.”

Customer input was key.

“We’re always asking our customers to tell us about their challenges and what we can do to bring a better level of product to market,” said Lemieux.

“We spent a lot of time on the little details, but it’s the little details that make up the whole package,” added Dan Lemieux, general manager, sales.

To maximize safety, another key objective, Rock-Tech designed the Gen 2 series with a hot and cold side, and eliminated sharp edges and tripping hazards that could result in operator injuries.

The upgraded utility vehicles also feature advanced diagnostics allowing the operator to monitor all the pressures and faults.

“If the client chooses, operating data can be uploaded via WiFi, or retrieved on a memory stick to monitor performance and schedule maintenance,” said Ricky. “We also made sure to communicate the fault information in plain English, so the operator knows exactly what the problem is.”

The diagnostics will record how long a vehicle was operated with a fault, providing an incentive to report and address mechanical issues in a timely manner.

The Gen 2 Titanium Series is designed using Solid Works software and manufactured in Rock-Tech’s state-of-the-art 31,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. Using advanced design software, Rock-Tech is able to ensure precise assembly and consistency with the documentation and manuals.

The utility trucks are currently diesel-powered, but a transition to battery power won’t be an issue as demand picks up.
The crane truck sold to Vale has been delivered to the company’s Copper Cliff Complex, site of a C$760 million mine refurbishment project currently underway.