Introducing the innovative Konecranes electric tyre handler. This new machine, recently purchased by Fortescue, is Australia’s first electric tyre handler, and potentially a world first.
Designed to meet the demanding needs of the mining industry, this purpose built 17-tonne E-VER electric forklift, featuring a tyre handling attachment with 8.5 tonne lift capacity, ensures the safe, precise, and efficient handling of 8,500kg tyres.
Safety & Innovation
Developed by United through direct collaboration with our mining customers, contractors and suppliers, the tyre handler has continued to evolve. This has led to the integration of many critical safety systems, which have been field tested, making this one of the safest tyre handlers in the industry.
A new wireless clamp pressure monitor displays real-time hydraulic pressure of the clamp to the receiver, which is displayed on a digital pressure gauge in the cabin. This provides the operator with the exact pressure of the clamp that they can reference to the correct pressure required, ensuring precise tyre handling and prevents over or under clamping.
A light sequence safety system provides clear visual signals to ground personnel. Red and green indicators show when it is safe to approach the tyre fitting area, minimising risk.
The Blaxtair pedestrian detection system further enhances safety through cutting-edge 3D stereo cameras that utilise AI to distinguish, in real-time, a person from an obstacle or object in the work environment. It utilises thermal imaging sensors to identify pedestrians in low light conditions, even multiple people simultaneously from surrounding site objects that approach from opposite directions. Once detected, the operator is immediately alerted who has enough time to avoid a potential collision.
Magnetic wireless cameras optimise operator visibility during tyre handling operations. Heavy-duty magnets allow cameras to be attached anywhere on the machine. The feed is then displayed on a cabin screen to give operators adaptable viewing angles for precise control and safer handling.
Sustainable Lifting
Traditionally tyre handlers have always run internal combustion diesel engines. However, as our customer needs change, and the world explores more sustainable and eco-efficient alternatives, United have always been ready to meet these industry demands.
Fortescue’s push toward net zero through a robust decarbonisation plan has led to the progressive replacement of their mining fleet with battery electric machines.
The Company aims for Real Zero, which means no fossil fuels and no offsets.
Their target to achieve Real Zero for Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions has been set across their Australian iron ore operations by 2030. Its decarbonisation plan includes the deployment of an additional 2-3 gigawatts of renewable energy generation and battery storage, in addition to the deployment of a green mining fleet and locomotives.
Key considerations for their pathway to decarbonise include the development of technology, future equipment acquisitions, and potential regulatory changes. Future changes to Fortescue’s decarbonisation strategy may impact key estimates and changes to asset carrying values in the Group’s financial statements.
As tyre handlers play an essential role in Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations for tyre maintenance, and keeping up with their net zero goals, it was essential for these machines to be phased to electric models.
Through our direct collaboration with Fortescue and manufacturing partner Konecranes, subsequent technology improvements, and the introduction of Konecranes’ new generation E-VER electric forklift, this has allowed us to develop the first full electric tyre handler for Fortescue.
Powered by lithium-ion technology, these electric tyre handlers deliver smooth, clean and quieter operation, with faster acceleration and lift speeds. The fast-charging, zero-emission lithium-Ion battery, also helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 70 percent. Regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by returning energy back into the battery. Operators also experience a truly enjoyable driving experience with one of the industry’s most spacious and comfortable cabins.
The new electric tyre handler delivers eco-efficient heavy-duty performance with a lower carbon footprint, while maintaining an advancing level of safety in a high critical risk work environment.