Volvo Penta’s Stage V solution powers Normet’s new underground mining and tunneling equipment

Normet has chosen Volvo Penta's Stage V solution for its new L-Series platform, which includes underground mining and tunneling equipment. The products will reach customers during the first half of 2021.

Underground mining and tunneling company Normet has installed Volvo Penta's Stage V solution in its new L-Series platform. This includes 12 different products: transmixers, agitators, fuel, water, multi-purpose and material carriers, a sprayer, dumper and charging unit. It's the first time the company has used Volvo Penta engines and, thanks to the successful partnership and good results, it's already planning to roll the engines out in other products - such as the Stage IIIA versions of the L-Series machines. 

"We started looking at updating the L-Series platform in 2018, when the Stage V emission regulations were on the horizon," explains Jarmo Husso, Director Platform and Module Development at Normet. "We decided to completely redesign and update the product platform with a new structure and features, as well as streamline our engine offer. Although we hadn't used Volvo Penta engines before, we'd heard good things about the company. When we researched their Stage V engines, they had the most attractive offer. Over the last couple of years, our two companies have been working together as one team on this project. The collaboration and support we've received has been excellent."

Volvo Penta and Normet have worked closely together to ensure the engine solution and equipment work seamlessly to maintain productivity and reliability in challenging underground conditions. Since 2018, the companies have been busy collaborating on the development work. Volvo Penta customized its Stage V solution to meet Normet's specific requirements. It also took part in factory and field testing at a mine in Finland and helped to train Normet employees on the new engine and aftertreatment system.

"During our field tests, the Volvo Penta engines proved to be powerful, reliable and fuel efficient, which are all important factors for our customers," says Herkko Juntunen, Product Line Director for Underground Transportation and Logistics at Normet. "The aftertreatment system is also very reliable, serviceability is good, and the company has an excellent reputation for safety - which is a big focus for us at Normet. Our customers operate in some of the toughest environments and they work their equipment hard. Each machine can do around 4,000 hours a year, so good engine reliability and customer service and support is essential."

Stage V emission legislation is the most stringent regulation to date. There are five base engines in Volvo Penta's Stage V diesel engine line up for off-road applications - the D5, D8, D11, D13 and D16 - offering power from 105-585 kW (143-796 hp). 

The new range delivers a reduction of up to 5% in fuel consumption, compared to Stage IV, which contributes to an extremely attractive total cost of ownership. As well as reducing emissions and total cost of ownership, the industrial engines also deliver improved productivity and uptime.