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Water trucks are a vital part of mining operations. Dust control, compaction, even fire prevention are among the uses of these powerful machines. Water trucks are different from regular trucks in that they have special tank specifications, custom chassis design and mounting apparatuses, and associated pumping equipment.
Water trucks come in a range of sizes and designs, with larger trucks able to haul as much as 36,000L. Some are even specially designed for mining applications and come with off-road tyres, safety equipment and are reinforced for stability over rugged terrain.
The spraying and filling capabilities also vary from truck to truck, depending on the purpose. For starters, filler pipes are typically mounted on the truck’s near side or via an opening on top of the tank. As for spraying capabilities, spray nozzles can be situated on the front, side and/or rear of the truck and are typically controlled from inside the driver’s cab. There are also drip bars, hose reels, water cannons and more.
Water trucks play an indispensable role in supporting site activities and managing environmental challenges. Let’s dive deeper into the specific tasks these powerhouse machines are used for:
Dust Suppression: In Australia’s dry and dusty outback, dust control can be a real problem, not least because it presents a hazard to workers. Dust suppression is especially important when undertaking large-scale earthmoving operations such as in mining works. In these cases, water trucks such as the Caterpillar 769D are used to spray the dry earth and reduce billowing dust.
Compaction: Adding moisture to soil can make it easier to compact. That’s why you’ll often see water trucks and big roller compactors working together to compress the surface, making it smooth and even.
Fire Prevention: As most mining operations occur in extremely remote inland Australia, water trucks can also serve to prevent fires from spreading. Sometimes, commercial water trucks are called upon to support fire trucks in containing bush fires. Also, when weather conditions present a severe fire danger, these trucks may also be used to wet the area as a preventative measure.
Equipment Cleaning: Mining equipment can accumulate significant amounts of mud and debris, especially in harsh environments. Water trucks are often equipped with hoses and spray systems to clean heavy machinery directly on-site. This prevents equipment malfunctions caused by clogged systems and keeps operations running smoothly.
Selecting the right water truck is critical for ensuring efficiency and safety in mining operations. When choosing a water truck for mining, there are several factors to consider:
Capacity Requirements: Mining operations often require large volumes of water for dust suppression and soil compaction. Trucks with capacities of 30,000L or more are ideal for managing these heavy-duty tasks without frequent refills.
Terrain Adaptability: Mining sites are often located in rugged, remote areas. Opt for a truck with reinforced chassis, off-road tyres and advanced stability features to navigate challenging terrain safely and reliably.
Safety Features: Mining environments demand strict safety protocols. Look for trucks that come with features like rollover protection systems (ROPS), visibility aids and operator-controlled spray mechanisms for safer operation.
Brand and Reliability: Choose from reputable companies known for their durability and performance in mining applications. A reliable water truck reduces downtime and helps maintain productivity on-site.
Now that you know what water trucks are used for, the next step is finding a reliable equipment partner. National Plant & Equipment is Australia’s leading specialist in heavy earthmoving equipment for the mining sector. Operating since 1997, we’ve built our reputation on providing flexible solutions and 24/7 support nationwide.
Included in our modern fleet of heavy machinery and support vehicles, National Plant and Equipment has a range of water trucks for hire. We deal with only the most reputable brands to ensure maximum reliability and service life.
For trusted heavy machinery suppliers in Australia, nothing beats National Plant and Equipment. Contact our support team today to discuss how we can assist with your next project, or browse our news bulletin for more updates and insights.
Searching for something beyond water trucks? Explore our other rental solutions, including excavators, dump trucks, dozers, graders and loaders.
