Buyers of water carts want equipment to reliably perform its role for the duration of its service life with the lowest lifetime cost of ownership.
The Shermac team have a deep understanding of operating in remote areas of Australia. Our engineers seek input from stakeholders to obtain a detailed understanding of performance objectives and operating environment. This will include factors such as terrain, surface characteristics, climate and distance travelled.
This enables Shermac to specify the operating ‘envelope’ of the vehicle – the designed operating capability of a system to perform as intended within defined thresholds, and the rules and constraints to ensure the equipment operates within that envelope.
Once all the critical operating parameters are understood, the appropriate chassis can be determined, including tyres and suspension for smooth operation on uneven or rough surfaces. Off-road specifications vary greatly, and one 8 x 4 chassis may have double the carrying capacity of another, and this might be the difference between carrying 50% more water and result in significant changes in vehicle uptime and productivity.
Once the optimum chassis has been specified, key design elements can be finalised, including:
+ Tank Capacity: Sufficient water tank capacity to provide adequate coverage for the intended area without frequent refills, considering factors such as road length, width, and dust suppression requirements.
+ Pump System: A powerful and reliable pump system capable of distributing water evenly over the road surface to effectively suppress dust. Variable flow rate and pressure settings may also be desirable for adjusting to different road conditions.
+ Spray Nozzles: A spray nozzle array that can produce a spray pattern to maximise dust suppression effectiveness while minimising water consumption. Adjustable nozzles may allow for customisation of spray coverage and direction.
+ Control System: Intuitive and user-friendly controls for adjusting water flow, spray patterns, and other settings, facilitating efficient operation and allowing operators to fine-tune dust suppression efforts as needed.
+ Water Filtration System: Effective filtration system to remove debris and impurities from the water supply, reducing the risk of nozzle clogging and prolonging the lifespan of the equipment.
+ Safety Features: Incorporation of safety features such as emergency shut-off valves, spill containment systems, and visibility enhancements (e.g., reflective markings or lighting) to mitigate potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
+ Maintenance Accessibility: Easy access to key components for routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, and filter replacement, minimising downtime and extending the operational lifespan of the water cart.
Borne out of the need for high quality, engineered-for-purpose industrial vehicles and equipment, and established in 2002, Shermac is an Australian family-owned business that specialises in water carts for the mining and civil sectors.
We have designed, engineered, and fabricated products for some of the worlds’ largest mining and civil engineering contractors, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Thiess, Komatsu, and Alcoa. Much of this work has been to address highly specialised requirements demanding sophisticated engineering solutions to operate in some of the most hostile environments on earth.
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Ready to find out more? Talk to our expert team to find out how water carts can maximise utilisation and productivity and minimise business risk. Call our team on 1300 799 943 or email [email protected] with your enquiry.
Talk to our well-trained and knowledgeable team to find out more about our customisation process and how we can help you.
Call our team on 1300 799 943 or email [email protected] with your inquiry.
