Articulated hauler manufacturer Rokbak is introducing two extreme cold weather protection kits for its RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers.
The Winter Kit protects articulated haulers working for prolonged periods in temperatures down to -25°C (-13°F), while the Arctic Kit is designed to enable safe operation in temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F).
“We have many customers operating in cold climates and despite the numerous challenges they face – from frostbite to fatigue failures – downtime is simply not an option,” said Thomas Schmitt, customer support manager for Europe, Russia and CIS countries at Scotland-based Rokbak. “That’s why we developed these kits to deliver industry-leading performance, productivity and reliability from our haulers, whatever the conditions they have to withstand.”
In both kits, haulers are fitted with a thermo-heater, which comes into action when the engine is shut down, circulating coolant around the machines’ critical components.
Rokbak says this engine-independent heater can keep a hauler’s vital organs at a set temperature for hours after the end of the working day, ensuring a fuss-free restart when it’s time to begin the next shift. It adds that the technology employs an environmentally friendly start-stop system that consumes only very small amounts of diesel, while contributing to lower non-productive fuel consumption, reduced engine wear and tear, and less downtime. This helps to minimise environmental impact and slash operating costs overall.
“Ensuring our haulers are always ready to work and can start up quickly in extreme cold is crucial to protecting customers’ productivity and profitability. The kits also make life more pleasant and comfortable for operators, who are likewise able to work more efficiently and productively,” said Schmitt.
In addition to an extreme cold weather protection kit, Schmitt also recommends Rokbak customers use arctic fuel with a maximum cloud point of 6°C (10°F) as standard diesel fuel is prone to gelling or waxing in cold weather. Users should carry out regular maintenance inspections too
