LOAD-HAUL-DUMP: Artisan Vehicle Systems delivers two of its battery powered, zero emission loaders to Hecla Lucky Friday

CAMARILLO, Calif. – Artisan Vehicle Systems has delivered two battery powered, zero emission 153 loaders to Hecla’s Lucky Friday mine in Mullan, Idaho.  Hecla is addressing ventilation and cooling issues related to the depth of its Lucky Friday operation. [caption id="attachment_1003717323" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mike Mayhew of Artisan (left) and David Konsbruck of Hecla at the Lucky Friday portal.[/caption] “I’ve never operated a machine that’s this powerful in the muck pile” said David Konsbruck, head of equipment maintenance at Lucky Friday.  “The ergonomics and visibility are much better than our other loaders.” Artisan has designed the 153 around a cutting edge electric powertrain, battery, and advanced operator control system.  The 153 is smaller in all dimensions than a comparable diesel loader, but has 300% of the power.  It loads quicker, hauls up steep grades faster, and is more precise and responsive to operator commands. Operators prefer our battery powered units over diesel because of their higher productivity, more tonnes moved per shift, zero diesel emissions, extremely low heat, and quiet operation.  Moreover, the total cost of ownership is comparable, and in many cases lower, than diesel. “Of course, battery power saves on ventilation and cooling expenses,” said Artisan CEO Mark Kasaba, “but we expect much more from our machines.  We are determined to beat diesel equipment on every key performance indicator.  Power, productivity, drivability, reliability, and total cost of ownership.  Diesel’s days are numbered in underground mines and we are doing everything we can to finish it off.” Based in California, the heart of electric vehicle technology, Artisan Vehicle Systems is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of zero emission, battery powered mining vehicles.  Please visit www.ArtisanVS.com.