14 tonne capacity for muck removal 13 Sep 2018

For the safe and efficient removal of muck during underground construction, German manufacturer GHH, part of the Schmidt Kranz Group, has developed the LF14, the strongest load haul dumper (LHD) in the 14 tonne carrying capacity category in the world.

“No other LHD in this category offers more performance and drive, more cabin space and so many options,” said Dr Jan Petzold, GHH Managing Director.

The LF14 load haul dumper

The LF14 is driven by a water-cooled 285kW Volvo diesel engine that meets the exhaust gas norm EPA Tier 3 / EU Stage IIIA for low emissions.

The machine weighs 38.5 tonne and its 5.5m high bucket can lift up to 9m³ of muck. The special forward kinematics of the lifting arm allow high breakout forces, long operating times and fast loading of dump trucks. The LF14 lifts its full bucket in 7 seconds, moves at a speed of more than 26km/h and empties it in about 2 seconds.

It also has a semi-automatic loading mode and a 4-gear transmission that shifts quickly and softly up and down.

“Short loading cycles for a maximum transport output per hour was our primary development objective,” said Petzold.

The LF14 is highly durable and can handle long operating hours and short maintenance periods. Driver assistance systems monitor operations and to increase safety, cameras ensure that there are no blind spots, whilst sensors warn about collisions.

“The cabin size and its ergonomics are in a class of their own,” said Petzold. The driver has a good view all around the vehicle and all operating instruments are within easy reach. The cabin is accessed through a wide door and there is plenty of leg space for drivers of all heights. The LF14 is also very compact at only 11m long and 2.4m high.

GHH also manufactures dump trucks, scalers, mixers and drilling equipment for mining raw materials, for road construction, railway construction and construction of hydropower stations.