Its Rexx haulage truck, unveiled in Perth late last month, is touted as having a shorter lead time to market of six months compared with conventional haul trucks.

It also uses standard truck tyres that are cheaper and easier to replace and, because it has 20 wheels, allows the truck to continue operation even if one tyre is flat.

Bis launched the truck, which will be manufactured in WA but has potential to be built in other markets, as a multi-purpose tool that can be used for a range of mining operations including pit and long haulage duties.

“Because of the multi-axle configuration and reduced width compared to conventional haul trucks, Rexx can operate safely on lower-strength and narrower roads that reduces infrastructure costs,” the company said.

“It also reduces the need for additional haulage equipment such as extra loading facilities and conveyors.”

Bis Industries, which has its origins in 1915 and was part of the Brambles Industries group, built the Rexx from its experience as a resources supply business and used the skills of its subsidiary Powertrans to design and build the first truck.

CEO Brad Rogers

Bis said that Rexx “offers compelling value to miners”.

“It has been built to carry a 160-tonne payload, and travels more than four times further than conventional dump trucks,” it said.

The truck will be added to Bis’ inventory of equipment for mining companies, including dual-powered road trains.

Bis CEO Brad Rogers said the truck was a “game changer”.

“Rexx’s robust and simple design leverages our existing knowledge and resources,” he said.

“This has meant we were able to keep our manufacturing costs low, allowing Bis to deliver savings to customers through our service delivery model.”

The truck has a comprehensive safety level that includes an in-house GPS driver monitoring and fatigue detection system, 360-degree cameras and large windows.

It uses an axle-steer system to create a turning circle of 13.5m, equivalent to a large 4WD wagon.

By Neil Dowling

Bis RE-XX