Resources arm of haulage firm looks to Mercedes-Benz heavy hitter
McAleese Resources has taken a step in a new haulage equipment direction after announcing the purchase of four Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT 8×8 trucks.
The trucks are being purchased to service a new Norton Goldfields contract in the Western Australian goldfields region near Kalgoorlie.
The 250 tonne rated SLT relies on a 16-litre 653 horsepower V8 engine for power and uses a 16-speed Mercedes Benz automated transmission.
The SLT also uses a VIAB turbo clutch which forms a fluid coupling between the engine and transmission for taking off at and manourvreing under heavy load.
This allows the SLT’s 3,000Nm (2,212lb/ft) of torque to be applied to the wheels from a virtual standstill.
The oil level within the clutch unit varies according to load and force needed, however the oil drains out of the unit once out of first gear or when running empty and a standard dry clutch takes over.
The VIAB unit also provides 3,000Nm of retardation force.
“The McAleese Resources team is committed to delivering safe and innovate solutions for our customers and we are excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz as part of a broader program to increase our haulage capacity and efficiency,” McAleese resources divisional general manager Andrew Simpson says.
According to parent Daimler this is the first time that the heavy haulage SLT has been sold into a heavy gold mining application.
“My team have worked very hard with McAleese to ensure we can deliver a product that would not only deliver results for the Resources team but do it to with the precision, safety, efficiency and comfort a Mercedes-Benz is renowned for,” Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus general manager Justin Whitford says.
“The SLT is a very unique model and well suited to the heaviest tasks in the Australian transport industry.
“We are confident the four 8×8’s will be a great asset to the McAleese Resources fleet and we will provide them with our full and ongoing support.”