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Trolley-Assist

Supporting your shift to green technology

Diesel Engines Take A Back Seat to Electric Power During Uphill Road Segments
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Diesel Engines Take A Back Seat to Electric Power During Uphill Road Segments

The trolley-assist system uses an overhead catenary line to transfer cleaner electric power directly to the wheels of a diesel-electric haul truck.

When the trolley-assist mode is engaged, the truck’s diesel engine is bypassed entirely. The benefits of this are impressive: up to a 70% reduction in fuel consumption, nearly 2X faster uphill speeds, increased haulage production, dramatically lower CO2 emissions, reduced noise, lower operating costs, and more.

green-leaf-1-25.png Need more? The electrical power drawn to move every trolley-assist haul truck is also generated from a cleaner hydroelectric source.

Trolley-assist in action
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Making an impact on your operations

Improving GHG emissions and lowering your cost per ton

Travel uphill nearly 2X faster
Extend engine life
Reduce CO2 emissions
Burn 70% less fuel
Improved fleet productivity with shorter mine cycle times and maintenance schedules
Setting the foundation for building towards zero-emissions future
Improved grade performance can have a significant impact on truck productivity, personnel requirements, fuel consumption, and operating and capital costs.

Download our quick reference "Guide to Trolley-Assist" as an easy tool to help understand trolley-assist considerations. 

Guide to trolley-assist
The Critical Support Role

The Critical Support Role

Komatsu continues to build on a 30-year history of trolley-assist innovation. Partnering with essential support networks such as SMS Equipment provides the building blocks and turnkey solutions for unique mining operations. As a mining technology leaders and program deployment specialists, we can ensure support of your mine from feasibility analysis to program implementation and execution.
"We are working in close collaboration with our key partners to ensure successful implementation of sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gasses from mining operations." Mike Brown, EVP, Technology & Innovation

Unfamiliar with trolley-assist technology?

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you learn more. If you have additional questions, please reach out to our team of trolley-assist experts. 

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A trolley-assist system for diesel-electric haul trucks utilizes a diesel engine to drive an alternator that produces energy to power electric wheel motors. When the trolley-assist mode is engaged on diesel-electric haul trucks, the diesel engine is bypassed entirely, and power consumption is redirected to the draw from overhead lines. 

Haul trucks use external electrical power during uphill road segments. The intention for trolley-power is that the electrical power being drawn to move the haul truck is generated from cleaner source than that of the diesel engine.

Ideally trolley should be included in early mine planning to optimize system. Simulation with life of mine trolley assist scenarios helps pre-plan long term system modification.  Experts and consultants are available to assist with planning.

There are infrastructure, component, and design requirements to consider before implementing a trolley-assist system.
  • Catenary system
  • Traction substation
  • Illumination of catenary system
  • Signaling
  • Pantograph kits

Attractive payback periods of 2 – 4 years after initial investment.  System maintenance is required but is offset by reduced engine maintenance.  System is flexible and can be moved, extended, shortened or otherwise modified for the application.

Komatsu's Trolley Technology Roadmap

2008 Research

AC Hybrid Electric

830E-1AC 
  • + 600 hp
  • Sodium battery
  • Limited benefit
2008 - TODAY

AC Electric Trolley

860E-1KT, 960E
  • + 90% speed increase
  • -70% fuel consumption
2018 - 2019 Research

AC Hybrid Electric

Lithium battery
Successful performance
 
2020 - 2023 Development

AC Hybrid Electric (Battery + Trolley)

830E, 930E, 980E, 730E
Research
  • Fuel Cell
  • Hydrogen power
Next Generation of Electrification

Next Generation of Electrification

Komatsu’s latest power agnostic truck runs on a variety of power sources including diesel electric, electric, trolley (wired), battery power and even hydrogen fuel cells. It is part of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment innovations to support sustainable mining solutions.