The new Paus PFL 8 Z LHD was launched in 2013 and since then, the company says that the vehicle has established a important niche for itself in difficult mining conditions and small scale mining. The fully revised model incorporates many years of experience gained in hard rock mining at altitude “to adapt the vehicle perfectly to the extreme conditions.”
The new PFL 8 Z, with an unladen weight of 5,300 kg and a maximum bucket volume of 0.8 m3 was developed for extremely difficult working conditions in ultra-small-scale mining and has a maximum payload of 1.8 t. The LHD is equipped with a modern 69 kW air-cooled Deutz diesel engine, available with different emission stages, and stands out thanks to its high torque, excellent exhaust emission values and its low fuel consumption. The new efficient Paus power drive unit automatically adjusts traction power and speed to the respective mining requirements. Tyre and brake wear is minimised thanks to the innovative drive concept, significantly reducing operating and maintenance costs.
Since late 2013, the PFL 8 Z, along with other vehicles, has been used in the Ukrainian NN ore mine. Since 1998, ZZhRK has been using highly productive, self-driven mining machines underground. However, the company was still using outdated mining machines from the Soviet era with a pneumatic drive for some work – particularly work in remote tunnels or tunnels with a small cross-section. These machines, built over half a century ago, are inadequate to meet today’s requirements in terms of safety, technical development and cost-effectiveness.
As part of the expansion of its mining operations, the company therefore had to procure new and innovative machines. Following research to identify the availability of equipment, they company ultimately decided to purchase machines from Paus and opted for the “extremely agile and high-performance” PFL 8 Z LHD. Compared with the machines previously used, the Paus PFL 8 Z loader provides much improved safety during transport and loading. The vehicle’s extremely compact dimensions means that it can be transported through the tunnels without having to be dismantled into its individual modules. Only the bucket and swing arms had to be removed for use in the Ukrainian ore mine, making travel to the underground site much simpler.
Operating and maintenance personnel also highlight the excellent ergonomics inside the driver’s cabin as well as the good visibility. The machine can be easily and comfortably operated, a positive benefit especially in narrow tunnels with a small cross-section. Ease of access to all components and units during inspections and maintenance is another key feature offered by the PFL 8 Z, according to senior personnel. Overall, the Ukrainian customer is sufficiently well satisfied with the German machine that, after trials, it has now ordered further machines.
Alongside the standard version, the loader is also available with a range of different bucket versions for the most diverse uses. Thanks to the optional quick-change system, diverse add-on equipment, like fork arms, crane hooks or even a cage, can be accommodated. The investment cost of expanding a fleet can be minimised thanks to this multifunctionality.
