CEN SEP
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PRODUCT
PROFILE
About Delta-V Experts
Delta-V Experts is a specialist forensic engineering
and safety solutions consultancy operating out of
Melbourne, Victoria since 2002.
Delta-V Experts investigates different types of
incidents and uncovers the facts through the use of
fundamental engineering and scientific methods.
Their reports and advice are primarily performed
for lawyers and insurance companies as part of
legal matters or anticipated legal proceedings, both
throughout Australia and overseas.
Delta-V Experts also helps companies minimise the
risk of incidents occurring by running safety audits
or by designing and implementing specific solutions
to address safety and practical needs. In doing so,
Delta-V Experts operates closely with the transport,
mining and bus industries.
Delta-V Experts prides itself on its high quality of
work, unbiased opinions and assertions through
analysis and research.
Above:
With the 37-seater configuration, a
360hp engine, graded to 24%, means that in
any given underfoot conditions, the vehicle,
when in all-wheel drive, will climb out of the
pit, fully laden.
Insert:
The Scania Staff Carrier is designed with
combined existing chassis components in a
configuration that the DMR and DME prescribe
as necessary for vehicle pit access.
Finalising the design
The initial structure, designed by Delta-V Experts, was to accommodate 37 passengers and
was put onto a Scania 4x4 chassis that was equipped with the relevant requirements for
it to be able to go into the pit: a body with full ROPS/FOPS (“It’s a full roll-cage, with four
roll-bars that come standard within the structure”); three-point seat belts throughout; three
emergency doors; emergency windows all around and air-conditioning.
“With Scania’s modular system, we combined existing chassis components in a configuration
that the DMR and DME prescribe as necessary for vehicle pit access,” Chris explains. The
successful result was endorsed by a major global mining house.
“With the 37-seater configuration, we have a 360hp engine, graded to 24%, which means
that in any given underfoot conditions, this vehicle, when in all-wheel drive, will climb out of
the pit, fully laden. Everything was tested to the most extreme, worst case scenario, including
the braking test, which was conducted under full load.” A smaller 20 seater version is also
available with the same uncompromising safety standard.
Chris claims that with these two versions available, “there is no longer the need to use ‘on-
road tools for off-road jobs.’”
What comes next?
An order has been placed for the first vehicle, due to be handed over in the near future,
for deployment at a mining operation. “Owing to SA law, it needs to be homologated first,
so tests will be conducted at Gerotek, which will mean that everything that we claim on
European test certificates, will be substantiated on South African certificates.”
The vehicle bodies will be manufactured in Durban, and once the volumes warrant it, the
chassis will be assembled at Scania, Aeroton, as opposed to being brought in, fully made
up, from Sweden. When manufacturing is locally-based, the entire vehicle will be assembled
in South Africa. “Every component in the Staff Carrier is approved by the new South African
National Accreditation System (SANAS) and the old SABS, making it 100% local,” Chris states.
“Additionally, with the need to move human cargo within the mining industry throughout the
world, Scania is looking into making this South African development a global solution.
“This is a process of evolution – despite us completing as much as we are able to with
computer-aided drawing – and there will be modifications and tweaks along the way, from
aesthetics to functionality. It’s all in the detail,” he says in conclusion.
