Haul roads are a key consideration for most surface mine sites in the world when seeking to increase productivity and reduce maintenance costs. Poor road conditions impact truck cycle times, unscheduled maintenance and fuel costs making the effectiveness of motor grader operators crucial to a mine site’s bottom line. Immersive Technologies has recently launched the world’s most advanced motor grader simulator allowing for maximum effectiveness and efficiency in the training of motor grader operators. The release of the grader simulator ensures operators are trained at the highest level to produce quality mining roads allowing optimal loads at higher speeds equating to more tons per hour.

The motor grader simulator from Immersive Technologies trains for proper operator behaviour directly impacting haul road quality. Operators are trained and assessed on correct technique with the ability for continual benchmarking to ensure performance stays at an optimal level. The motor grader simulator is now available as an interchangeable module, compatible with Immersive Technologies’ industry leading range of Advanced Equipment Simulators.

“The grader is one of the most prominent ancillary machines having a direct and measurable impact on site efficiency. Our support for a broad range of equipment types allows our customers to utilize simulation training for the largest range of machines in the industry,” says Tim Radbone, Immersive Technologies Surface Mining Product Manager.

The level of training effectiveness and realism is achieved in part through Immersive Technologies’ VirtualGround™ 3.0 which was designed to provide the most realistic material response and visual appearance. These elements are crucial details in support of effective training, up skilling and assessment of grader operators.

The effectiveness of grader operations is evident as haul truck operators slow down to avoid damage to tires and machines. Through simulation, trainers are able to observe grader operators and ensure they are using correct practices in relation to a number of grading techniques, including:

• Moldboard placement, angle and cutting depth
• Correct articulation of machine
• Correct wheel lean use
• Differential Locking
• Avoiding blade collisions
• Engine overspeed events

The awareness provided to operators by Immersive Technologies simulation based training ensures they are working at maximum efficiency while minimizing equipment damage. It also ensures operators are able to avoid or respond correctly to hazards and potentially life threatening scenarios.

“Improving the skill of grader operators results in less machine maintenance and tire wear as well as allowing higher haulage speeds, increasing loads per day,” says Radbone.

Immersive Technologies offers the only fully supported simulation training solution including scheduled system upgrades, a dedicated mining training consultant network, an active simulator user community and regional support offices.