Lubrication skids have become a popular feature for mechanic trucks. (Photo: Stellar)
Custom Fuel and Lubrication
Systems Keep Heavy Equipment Operating
Stellar Industries is a leader in this area. In a recent blog post, the company discussed how the need for dependable onsite support has surged to unprecedented levels, saying that robust and adaptable mechanic and service trucks have emerged as indispensable assets for many mining operations.
Mechanic trucks play a crucial role in maintaining haul trucks, hydraulic shovels, drills, graders, dozers, crushers and feeders. All these machines encounter significant wear in day-to-day operations, and frequently require maintenance and repair activities. Stellar said its specialized mechanic trucks bring the functionality of a shop directly to the pit, offering prompt maintenance and repairs that minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency.
Tailored Solutions
for Mining Needs
Stelllar said its mechanic trucks are meticulously
configured to meet the rigorous
requirements of mining operations. The
company described a tailored approach
to design that provides a level of onsite
support that can profoundly influence the
profitability and productivity of mining operations.
When a mine selects a mechanic
truck, they should look at some of the key
features that make these trucks special.
As an example, the design of the mechanic truck’s body should offer efficient storage and the ability to organize tools and equipment. Factors such as compartment height, material composition and specialized features like stabilizers and load bed covers significantly influence the vehicle’s overall functionality. When choosing a material for the truck body it’s essential to consider operational needs and environmental conditions specific to mining settings.
An aluminum body offers an obvious weight advantage. In situations where maximizing payload capacity is important, an aluminum body presents a significant advantage over steel. In addition to improved payload, aluminum bodies also offer better fuel efficiency.
Conditions in certain mining environments can be harsh. The trucks could encounter abrasive materials and corrosive substances. Aluminum bodies offer superior corrosion resistance compared to steel, providing long-lasting durability and protection against rust and deterioration. This resilience ensures prolonged service life, reducing maintenance costs and downtime associated with corrosionrelated issues.
Some aluminum body designs include integrated mounting rails that offer innovative solutions for attaching accessories and equipment without the need for drilling holes. This streamlined installation process allows for seamless customization and reconfiguration of truck bodies, optimizing functionality and workflow efficiency.
Hydraulic telescopic service cranes are integral to the functionality of mechanic trucks, particularly in mining, where they handle heavy equipment, expedite servicing tasks by lifting hefty parts and enable precise material placement or removal in confined spaces. Known for their robust performance and versatility, Stellar said its hydraulic cranes deliver unparalleled lifting capacities and duty cycles, making them indispensable for heavy-duty mining applications. Equipped with proportional control and advanced remote functionalities, hydraulic cranes excel in scenarios where maximum lifting capacity and precise control are imperative for operational success in a demanding environment.
A host of equipment options allows the mechanic trucks to be customized to suit the unique needs of mining operations. These options include toolbox systems, single-stage, two-stage and rotary screw air compressors, lube skids and auxiliary power units (APUs). A well-organized toolbox system is critical for maximizing efficiency in a mechanic truck, ensuring that tools are readily accessible, and workflow is streamlined. Stellar suggests selecting toolbox systems constructed from durable materials such as aluminum or steel, which better withstands the rigors of the mining environments. Manufacturers often offer options with steel internal components and aluminum faces to balance strength and longevity, ensuring the toolbox system can endure heavy loads and the harsh conditions encountered in mining operations.
Equipping a mechanic truck with an on-board air compressor provides essential power for operating pneumatic tools, cleaning debris and offering inflation services. Selecting the right air compressor ensures reliable operation of essential air tools, enhancing productivity and efficiency in mining environments.
Permanent mounted and mobile lube skids are popular additions to mechanic trucks for mining applications, offering centralized solutions for dispensing and storing lubricants. These skids transform the mechanic truck into a mobile hub for equipment needs, providing convenience and efficiency in onsite maintenance. Choosing lube skids with customizable options for liquids and capacity ensures readiness for diverse mining scenarios.
Building an effective mechanic truck for mining requires careful consideration of factors influencing performance and durability. By leveraging these suggestions, mine operators can quickly navigate the range of options available to tailor mechanic trucks to their operations.
Stellar Acquires Elliott
Machine Works
Stellar recently acquired Elliot Machine
Works, saying it was a strategic investment
that is aimed at expanding its product
offerings and providing greater opportunities
for its distributors and customers.
Elliott Machine Works has made
mobile fuel and lube service equipment
since 1948 and is well-known for its innovative
and high-quality products. Their
portfolio includes fuel trucks, lube trucks,
water trucks, lube skids, vacuum tanks
and other mobile service equipment.
“This acquisition marks a significant
milestone for Stellar and we’re so grateful
for this incredible opportunity,” said
Dave Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “We
are excited to have Elliott’s products as
a part of the Stellar product offering. Elliott’s
great people and great products
are a natural fit for Stellar.”
Zrostlik emphasized the importance of the acquisition and its impact on Stellar’s offerings. “By incorporating fuel trucks and lube trucks into our existing line of service trucks, we can now serve a broader mission, reach more customers and meet their needs even better by filling gaps in our offerings,” he said. The Elliott manufacturing facility will continue to manufacture the full lineup of specialized service trucks in Galion, Ohio. “By maintaining operations in Ohio and integrating Elliott’s talented workforce, we are not only preserving jobs but also enhancing economic stability in the region,” noted Zrostlik. “This commitment reflects our dedication to supporting local economies and the communities we serve.”
Fueling Systems
FlowTech Fueling designs and builds fueling
stations for heavy equipment. They
understand mining and the refueling
needs of large, mining-class haul trucks.
Their systems offer flow rates up to 140
gallons per minute (gpm) per station. The
station is equipped with a digital flow meter,
breakaway valve, and fuel nozzle.
The company said anyone can pump
fuel fast. The skill is shutting the fuel down
when the tank is full. FlowTech uses a
patented Hydrau-Flo Overfill Prevention
System or an Electronic Shutdown/Alarm
System to eliminate tank overfills.
At a copper mine in Arizona, FlowTech constructed two Multi-Station Fuel Docks with 60,000 gallons of storage capacity each, 10 haul truck fueling stations, one fuel truck fast fueling station capable of refilling fuel trucks at 300 gpm and one Light Vehicle Fueling Station. All fuel is filtered down to 5 microns through a multi-stage high flow filtration system and tanks are equipped with an overfill prevention system, secondary tank alarms and fail close outlet valves. The company said the Flow- Tech Mobile Fueling Docks have dramatically improved productivity by enabling the mine to refuel 20 haul trucks at shift change in less than 15 minutes.
FuelPro Offers Custom
Lubrication Trailers
FuelPro Trailers, a leading manufacturer
of diesel fuel and service trailers, also
manufactures custom lubrication trailers
from 475 to 990 gallons in either trailer
mounted or skid mounted designs. Multitank
versions are available to accommodate
different grades and types of lubes
and hydraulic fluids needed for diverse
equipment fleets. These lube trailers feature
a rugged chassis constructed from
6-in. C-channel for a long service life.
Tank constructed of 7-gauge steel which
is double seam welded for strength and
durability, includes the longest tank warranty
in the industry at 5 years. Each tank
features internal surge baffles and cross
bracing, a shutoff valve, a lockable vented
fill cap, a tank pressure relief vent,
and an at-a-glance gauge. A self-priming
industrial grade pump rated at up to 25
gpm is standard and runs on a Deep Cycle
12-Volt Marine Battery. Lube delivery
system includes 1-in. hose with auto-trip
nozzle. Hose available in 18-, 30-, and
50-foot lengths, with auto retracting reel
option available for quick and efficient
servicing of equipment fleets of all sizes.
Custom lube trailers can be fitted with options and accessories including a self-priming industrial grade pump rated at 40 gpm powered by a Kohler gas engine, FuelPro 10-micron fuel filter, aluminum wheels, custom paint, 100-ft auto retracting air hose reel, hydraulic electric jack, digital dispense meters with swivel, solar charging panel, tool caddy, 6-drawer tool box, grounding cable, spare tire, safety kits, and work lights.
Safety and durability are designed into each FuelPro model, as heavy-duty safety chains and hooks, diamond plate rock guard fenders, reflective tape, roll over railing, and a 7,000-lb commercial jack are standard equipment. Coated with PPG Delfleet Essential polyurethane epoxy primer for protection against the elements. An adjustable 5 position vertical 2 5/16-in. ball hitch or pintle hitch for versatility in transport.
Each robust trailer is pressure tested and inspected at several points during their manufacture. In addition to standard features, numerous options are available, allowing customers to customize a trailer to their specific needs and operations. In addition to custom lube trailers, FuelPro manufactures a full lineup of standard and custom fuel trailers, which can be customized with additional compartments for storing tools, grease, DEF, and other service components.