Nivek Industries’ Beast of Burden – BOB – heavy-load carriers can be adapted to meet mining customers’ specific requirements.
Since the release of its Tracked Elevated Device (TED) in 2011, Nivek Industries’ has significantly grown its product portfolio.
“The TED alone has over 40 different attachments, and we have a bigger version of the TED, the Big TED, for heavier loads,” Nivek general manager Derrick Cant told Safe to Work.
“We have two lift assist arms, the LA-40 and the LA-80, with a lifting capacity of 40kg and 80kg, respectively.”
To take its range to the next level, Nivek has spent the last 12 months developing a new range of low-profile heavy-load carriers named the Beast of Burden (BOB). Designed to carry heavy loads for long distances, BOB is a mobile, remote-controlled and all-terrain tracked carrier.
Currently available in 500kg (the 0.5T model), 1500kg (the 1.5T model) and 5000kg (the 5T model), each BOB carrier has been built to comply with three key Australian standards: AS1170.0, AS1170.1 and AS4100.
The 0.5T and 1.5T models are powered by dual 48-volt lithium batteries that provide 4.6 kilowatt hours (kWh) of power to the 3.5kW electric motor power unit, in turn driving the two independent hydraulic drive motors.
The 5T model is fully electric, incorporating dual electric drive motors and a battery supply of up to 14kWh.
“Besides the working load limits, the main differences between the 0.5T and 1.5T machines are the type of tracks it utilises, rubber and steel, respectively,” Cant said.
“The 0.5T BOB with rubber tracks is designed to carry loads that are too heavy or awkward to lift manually and to areas where a forklift is unable to reach. The rubber tracks also allow the 0.5T to climb a staircase.
“The 1.5T BOB with its increased carrying capacity is designed to carry heavier loads to areas a forklift is unable to reach. Its increased capacity and small footprint make it a useful carrier.
“The 5T BOB is designed to carry extremely heavy components around the worksite. With its manoeuvrability and large battery system, operators can transport those large components around the workshop safely.”
Wireless remote control allows BOB operators to stand clear of the load being carried, helping to ensure safety and visibility as they move around to obtain the best view.
Known for the durability, both electric motors in the BOB machine allow it to produce enough torque to ensure heavy loads can be carried across various types of tough terrain.
“The BOB was developed to compliment the TED range to provide a long-distance carrying option, something the TED is unable to provide,” Cant said.
“BOB is more than just a carrier.”
BOB machines are fitted with an auxiliary (AUX) power outlet, which allows the carrier to be modified with custom-made smart attachments to suit a variety of tasks and requirements, demonstrating versatility and flexibility. BOB is essentially a mobile, adaptable, powerhouse, capable of undertaking a wide variety of jobs.
BOB 5T has been successfully utilised at a Chilean mine site to transport a four-tonne valve during a regular maintenance changeout.
The task usually requires a full team and three shifts to complete. However, the customer was able to complete the task in half the time when using BOB 5T.
To further enhance the BOB range for its customers, Nivek is developing several new multi-purpose attachments for the 0.5T, 1.5T and 5T models.
The company is even looking to create BOB models that can carry 10,000kg and 20,000kg.
“Nivek designs and builds products that can be adapted to suit customer requirements,” Cant said.
“This has been done deliberately to allow us to develop specific attachments to meet individual customer needs without having to fully develop an entirely new machine.”
This feature also appears in the September-October issue of Safe to Work.