Local original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) JA Engineering (JAE) has, in partnership with Czech Republic's OEM Ferrit, launched a new heavy-duty utility vehicle to, among other purposes, enable the safe transportation of workers and supplies in underground mining.

The Důlní Vozidlo Užitkové (DVU) – which is Czech for “mining utility vehicle” – is a trackless four-wheel-drive utility vehicle that can safely carry up to 15 people at a time, along with their gear and other materials, over long distances and rough terrain.

Ferrit CEO Petr Mohelník told Engineering News during a July 9 interview that the vehicle could be adapted to carry up to 18 people, if needed.

“This is one of the biggest advantages of this concept of vehicle. It’s modular, so according to the particular requirements and needs of each customer, we can vary swiftly the accessories. We have, in operation, dozens of these vehicles worldwide and we want to use that know-how and that experience in the South African market,” he explained.

The vehicle’s modular design allows it to alternatively be outfitted to carry other gear and equipment such as cranes, welding gear, compressors, fuel tanks, scissor lifts, lubricant barrels, tool boxes or generators.

The modular and adaptable DVU, which was unveiled at JAE’s facility, in Boksburg, on July 9, is the first of its kind in Africa, according to the company.

The robust 110 hp vehicle was designed to withstand the most challenging mining conditions and was introduced to address concerns raised by regulators, mining companies and unions regarding the safe transportation of workers and equipment on mining sites.

The 4.9 t vehicle can deliver payloads of up to 1.6 t using an 82 kW Cummins B4.5 Stage IIIA turbocharged diesel engine with direct fuel injection.

It’s design is based on the concept of military-grade utility vehicles and is well-adapted to traverse unpaved roads and offroad terrain. It is also capable of overcoming water obstacles.

The machine features a roll-over and falling-object protective structure cabin, spring brakes with hydraulic release, an electronic control system, comfortable suspension seats and an automatic extinguishing system.

The vehicle can also be equipped with several optional extras, such as a reversing camera, air-conditioning and heating systems, camera system, data logger, methane meter and a variety of other equipment upon request.

The DVU, which was developed on the back of JAE’s recently announced partnership with Ferrit to advance product innovation, is intended to replace less secure traditional transport systems, such as bakkies, on mining sites.

Under the partnership with Ferrit, JAE is the sole licensed manufacturer and distributor of Ferrit equipment in Africa.

“The DVU is a unit that is going to change lives. Up until now, mines have been transporting personnel in double-cab bakkies. However, now we have something that is purpose built,” JAE CEO Matimba Mahange said.

The DVU was developed by Ferrit in 2023 and introduced to the global market in 2024, with the machine only now entering the African market through JAE.

ROBOTIC LACING

JAE also revealed a new robotic lacing system to improve its cutter drum manufacturing process.

In 2022, JAE commissioned the development of a bit point placement jig, which was designed to assist in the accurate placement of pedestals on cutter drums. The jig allowed rotation on two axes, improving accuracy compared to manual methods.

However, Mahange said expert feedback highlighted the need for a third axis of rotation to achieve the high level of precision required for optimal underground performance.

“As we looked ahead to increased cutter drum production, it became clear that a more automated, scalable, and precise solution was needed, and that’s where robotics entered the picture,” he explained.

The newly commissioned robotic lacing solution, manufactured by robotics company Yaskawa, delivers a more accurate and efficient lacing process for cutter drums through robotic automation.

“Greater precision directly translates to longer-lasting performance underground, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. It also extends the life of downstream components, such as the cutter head gearcase.

“By bringing this process in-house, we’re not only improving quality but also taking full ownership of our value chain,” Mahange said.