Leighton orders innovative loaders for HK tunnels

The compact digging arm wheel loader, has been designed for tunnels with a minimum cross section of 7m2. That means tunnels as narrow and as vertically challenged as 2.7m in each direction.
Made by Sweden’s GIA Industri AB, the 7HR and 7HR-B loaders, were launched at Bauma in Munich late last month. They are for use in construction and mining tunnels and drifts, to load spoil from a tunnel face, directly onto a conveyor at a rate of about 2.5m3/m.
The 7HR features two unique digging arm systems. It can have either special digging arms (see picture) or a backhoe fitted. The backhoe version can also be equipped with a hammer for trenching or for scaling down rock from a blasted profile. A built-in sprinkler system effectively controls dust.
Units can be fitted with electric or diesel engines: a 45kW electric motor or a stage III Deutz 58kW diesel engine, including a silencer and catalytic converter. Front and rear axle steering provides excellent agility including the ability to travel sideways.
The Haggloader’s chassis and an associated conveyor, are made of heavy duty plate, joined with continuous welds for maximum strength. The digging system can be repaired with standard sheet steel.
The loader is easy and smooth to operate and manoeuvre, even in narrow or cramped spaces or passages. Control is by PLC via an LCD panel and joysticks, from a compartment with a roof and gate, to protect the operator from falling rock. It offers clear overall visibility of the loading sequence.