Working in the mining industry demands uncompromising durability from machinery and maximum concentration from the operator during long shifts. Quarry machines operate in the harshest climatic conditions, where temperature fluctuations, strong winds and high humidity are the norm. This is precisely why ensuring a stable microclimate in the operator’s cab is a top priority for business owners. The Hitachi EX3600 excavator is a powerful member of the super-heavy excavator class, weighing over 360 tonnes, designed to operate in the most challenging terrains and climatic conditions. For machinery of this scale, the installation of an autonomous diesel heater is a critically important solution, providing independent cabin heating during maintenance, forced downtime or for rapid defrosting of the windscreen without the need to engage the machine’s main power units.
To address this challenge, UKRATOTERM proposed the Webasto Air Top 2000 STC air heater to the client. The unit operates on the principle of direct air heating: it draws air from inside the vehicle or from outside, heats it in a heat exchanger, and instantly feeds it into the cab. The STC (Smart Temp Control) version features a modern brushless motor and an advanced fuel pump, making the unit virtually silent in operation. This is crucial for the comfort of the operator, who spends 8-12 hours at a time in the cab.
The technical specifications of the Webasto Air Top 2000 STC heater are ideally suited to the needs of the cab in heavy quarry machinery. With a power output of 2 kW, it is capable of quickly heating the interior whilst consuming a minimal amount of diesel fuel (from 0.12 to 0.24 l/h). Using a self-contained heater on a Hitachi mining excavator offers a key advantage – complete independence from the main engine.
Technical stages of installing the Webasto Air Top 2000 STC heater on a Hitachi EX3600 mining backhoe loader:
Thanks to many years of experience working with quarry machinery, UKRAVTOTERM specialists carry out the installation in strict compliance with Webasto’s technical regulations. The installation process on the Hitachi EX3600 excavator comprises the following steps:
• Preparation of the installation area and cut-outs: In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, special mounting cut-outs are marked out and cut into the side wall of the cab. This allows the unit to be securely fastened and ensures a sealed connection for the air intake and exhaust to the outside.
• Mounting on the side wall: The main heater unit is secured to the prepared side wall. This arrangement is optimal for the Hitachi EX3600 excavator cab, as it ensures effective circulation of warm air without obstructing the operator during operation.
• Control panel installation: The control panel is mounted directly next to the heater. This ensures ease of use: the operator can easily adjust the temperature without leaving their workstation.
• Specific installation of the fuel system and pump: To ensure the heater is fully self-contained, we install a separate 10-litre fuel tank. This guarantees the system’s independence from the vehicle’s main fuel tank and ensures the fuel remains clean. The fuel pump is installed at a tilt angle strictly specified in the instructions and on special vibration-damping mounts. This ensures a stable fuel supply when operating on uneven terrain and minimises the transmission of vibrations from the excavator’s high-powered engine to the fuel line.
• Connection and commissioning: The system is connected to the 24V on-board electrical system. Once installation is complete, commissioning work is carried out, the exhaust system is checked for leaks, and all heating modes are tested.
Do you need to retrofit your quarry or specialist machinery with reliable autonomous heating systems? UKRAVTOTERM is a service centre with certified staff, guaranteeing professional installation and official manufacturer support. We provide full warranty and post-warranty servicing for WEBASTO heaters, and the necessary original spare parts are always in stock at our warehouse..
For consultation on the selection and installation of WEBASTO equipment for your specialist vehicles, please call:
+38(044) 492-04-20; +38(067) 440-55-92; +38(050) 312-49-09
ukravtoterm@gmail.com
+38 (044) 492-04-20
Kyiv, st. Avtoparkova, 5