Following the last year launch of its new higher capacity low-profile mixer, Mixkret 6, which offers a mixing and concrete capacity of 6m3, and after several weeks in a jobsite, Mixkret 6 has completed a series of demanding tests at the Chuquicamata mine in Chile, the world’s largest open-pit copper mine now converted to underground.
Like the entire Mixkret family, this equipment is characterised by its robustness and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for mining projects where conditions are very tough. In addition, with 6 m3 of concrete capacity and its powerful engine that reaches 25 km/h, it completes the Mixkret range of equipment for those mining projects where the demands are greater.
On this occasion, Polpaico, one of the main concrete suppliers in Chile, was commissioned to assist Putzmeister in these tasks. Mainly, retention tests were carried out on the long downhill slopes at Chuquicamata, testing different configurations depending on the slope level both with the machine loaded and empty.
The successfully tested Mixkret 6 retention system has different automatic modes, all thanks to its continuously variable hydrostatic transmission, configured with an ICVD motor and electronically controlled hydraulic pump. In addition, the operator constantly displays the speed, slope and mode the equipment is in via the control panel in the cab.
The continuously variable hydrostatic transmission system is characterised by its simplicity, optimum performance and ease maintenance, obtaining the advantages of reduced consumption, less noise, less pollutants and lower maintenance and operating costs.
During this test period, Putzmeister Mixkret 6 also performed front-end discharges on the robotic shotcrete equipment.
