Wirtgen Debuts Its 130-Ton Class 280 SM(i) Surface Miner For High Efficiency With A Low Environmental Impact

    Posted On: June 24, 2022

    Wirtgen’s new 280 SM(i) is a 130-ton class surface miner with a cutting width of 9 feet and a cutting depth of up to 26 inches. (Photo courtesy of Wirtgen.)

    Wirtgen has announced the world premiere of its new 280 SM(i), a surface miner in the 130-ton (120-metric-ton) class. The machine has a cutting width of 9 feet (2,750 millimeters) with a cutting depth of up to 26 inches (650 mm).

    The new 280 SM(i) extracts raw materials, then crushes them in situ before offloading them via conveyor. The miner supports direct loading, sidecasting, and cut-to-ground operations. Wirtgen says that with no drilling or blasting required, and with minimal dust pollution and fuel consumption, the 280 SM(i) mitigates the impact of resource extraction on the environment.

    Adaptable

    The Wirtgen 280 SM(i) can use different reinforced cutting drum units for soft and hard rocks. The soft rock unit minimizes the resistance in the drum housing and optimizes the flow of the material. The drum for hard rocks has components designed for durability under demanding conditions. The drum unit uses long-wearing picks and wear-resistant HT6, HT14, and HT15 toolholder systems.

    The manufacturer says it’s a simple matter to adapt the adjustable 280 SM(i) to the application. The surface miner has six cutting speeds and can work at up to 1.6 mph (2.6 km/h). It is engineered to provide high throughput with excellent purity of the extracted material.

    Wirtgen’s LEVEL PRO ACTIVE automatic levelling system maintains the user’s desired cutting depth. It adjusts the height, depth, and pitch of the machine and keeps it working parallel to the ground. Other automatic systems make ramps when entering or exiting the cut.

    Maneuverable

    The Wirtgen 280 SM(i) has four steerable and height-adjustable B8 crawler units. Using an Ackermann hydraulic steering system, the crawlers make it easy to turn the machine around at the end of the cut. The miner has four steering modes and a separately steerable rear axle.


    The Wirtgen 280 SM(i) can crush and offload hard or soft rock to a truck, a dumper, or the ground. (Photo courtesy of Wirtgen.)

    The machine’s rear discharge conveyor is a slewing unit that is also hydraulically height-adjustable. Its counterweight can slew 90 degrees to the right or left. The operator can continuously vary the belt speed independently of the engine rpm. Wirtgen says the surface miner is capable of loading dumpers and mining trucks with up to 110 t (100 mt) of payload capacity.

    Dust-Free Cab

    Wirtgen designed the cabin of the 280 SM(i) to stave off operator fatigue and facilitate productivity. The cab is swivel-mounted and can rotate 90 degrees in either direction. The manufacturer surrounds the user with large windows and supplies up to six cameras for visibility.

    The 280 SM(i)’s pressurized cabin is sealed dust-tight. It has fresh air filtration, sound proofing, and air conditioning. There is an extra seat for a trainer. Various automatic functions assist the operator so the focus can be on the task at hand.

    LED Lighting

    The Wirtgen 280 SM(i) has an operating weight of 256,949 pounds (116,550 kilograms). Its 1,050-horsepower (783-kilowatt) diesel engine meets EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards. The motor is configured to operate at low rpms to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust fumes, and noise.

    The 280 SM(i) comes with large fuel and water tanks to reduce interruptions to the working shift. An automatic central lubrication system keeps the monitored lubricant circuit supplied. LED lighting illuminates the working area, discharge conveyor, access ladders, and walkways.

    Source: Wirtgen Group

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