Tailored for a need

The Variomec XS 025 Crane was developed in collaboration with Redpath to address the specific needs of their cable bolt process at BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, where they install over 4000 meters of cable weekly. Understanding the demands of handling extensive cable bolt services and navigating challenging mine environment, Normet and Redpath worked together to design a machine that excels in manoeuvrability and reliability. This collaboration focused on creating a machine that could efficiently manage tasks such as cable bolt reel cassette changeouts and bulker bag cement deliveries. The result is a highly adaptable and robust machine that seamlessly integrates into Redpath’s operations, enhancing both productivity and safety.

The Variomec XS 025 features a robust 48 kNm crane that is stable and equipped with advanced safety features. With a cable and reel weight of 1.1 tonnes, the crane prevents the load from swinging past 180 degrees, ensuring the operator's safety. “The crane will not allow it to go past 180 degrees. So, me as the operator, when I'm standing to the side at the crane controls, I know that if I ever have a mishap, that the crane with the load will never come in the vicinity of where I'm operating," says Bradley Lawton, Service Crew Leading Hand for Redpath.

Variomec XS 025 Crane enables safe cable reel change in Olympic Dam mine.

The cabin of the Variomec XS 025 is designed with operator comfort in mind. With ample legroom and storage space, it accommodates operators of all sizes, plus their equipment. The vehicle offers excellent visibility in all directions, ensuring safe navigation in the challenging mining environment. According to Lawton, the ergonomics and agility of the machine are among its best features: "There's plenty of leg room for tall people like myself, and there is a lot of space for our tools and toolbags. The machine’s visibility and agility are great, and it allows us to get around those tight corners, all the way back into the back of the cable bolter, without any safety concerns.

Watch the video for a closer look at the Variomec XS 025 Crane and how it works. Normet continues to deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and safety in the mining industry.

About the Variomec XS carrier

Variomec XS is a purpose-built and agile carrier suitable for tunnels that are 3.5 meters by 3.5 meters or larger. The XS-series has a larger payload capacity compared to current light vehicles commonly used in underground mines. The XS-series offers a completely new level of safety, ergonomics, and total cost of ownership while retaining the high performance and mobility of the existing fleet.

The versatile XS-carrier features a unique fast-connecting load-end structure, which enables the utilization of one carrier for multiple processes, such as personnel, material or fluid transportation. The basic carrier is equipped with readiness for all load-end applications, and changing the application takes only a few hours.

See all the Variomec XS applications here.