Estimating Haul Truck Dutymeters Using Operational Data

Modern mobile mining equipment is becoming increasingly more instrumented in an effort to reduce operating costs through production and operation monitoring. This provides access to large amounts of data, primarily related to machine operation, not previously available. This work examines applicable operational loading parameters, and their relationship to haul truck component reliability. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine which parameters were strongly related to hoist cylinder and final drive reliability. These “dutymeters” can then be used to optimize particular aspects of the maintenance program, specifically to indicate the feasibility of component utilization beyond current replacement benchmarks. Components that have been lightly loaded throughout their operational life, as indicated by the defined dutymeters, could qualify for extended use with a greater chance of reliability.