SubscribeIt is estimated that around 110 million landmines are still undiscovered in war-torn countries around the world. As a result, 15-20,000 people are killed or injured annually.
Hitachi Construction Machinery has developed a range of special machines designed specifically for clearing these mines in a bid to help reduce the number of casualties. One of these, the Hitachi BM307-V20 demining excavator will be on display for the first time at Bauma - the world's largest exhibition for the construction and mining industries - from Monday 23 until Sunday 29 April. The mine sweeping machine is equipped with a rotary-cutter. It has a total of 36 cutters that are used to remove shrubs and undergrowth before commencing the clearance of the landmines. It can also withstand extreme temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees centigrade when the explosions actually take place.
Once the land is cleared, these machines can also be used as standard excavators for groundworks and general construction projects. Such developments have included the construction of schools and agricultural training centres. In some cases, the land has been turned into orange plantations and farmland where coffee and vegetables are now being cultivated.
"We are proud to have this special machine on the Hitachi stand," comments Manager Corporate Communication Raymond Hendriks. "Hitachi is continually striving towards contributing to people and society through technology. This machine is just one example of how we are achieving this."
Currently, there are 53 demining machines in operation in six countries around the world, including Cambodia and Afghanistan. Further developments are taking place to tackle larger areas of land with mines and anti-tank landmines. For example, Hitachi has developed a flail-hammer demining machine using weighted chains to clear large landmines.
Features
- High rotation and torque
- Special-alloyed metal parts for toughness
- Durable cabin and parts
Specifications
| Engine rated power (kW) Operating weight (Kg) Frequency of cutter attachment (min-1) | 110 24500 650 |