Compact enough to slip in and out of a mine shaft cage, articulated so it can snake and weave its way around confined spaces, equipped with four-wheel drive to handle rough uneven terrain, and yet surprisingly capable of handling ultra-heavy loads of 10,000 lb. for a lift truck its size, the 4DA10D represents the evolution of mobile underground mining equipment.

“There nothing like it on the market,” confirms Vallée CEO Frédéric Beaulieu. “Deep mining is all about working in tight spaces, so to have an articulated lift truck like the 4DA10D whose turning radius is so small it lets you operate in restricted environments is already a huge benefit. When you factor in that we also built it to hoist and carry up to 10,000 lb., and designed it so compact it can easily squeeze into mine shaft cages, we’re talking about a combined level of toughness, agility and lifting capacity unheard of before in the underground mining sector.” The 4DA10D’s overall length and width are 3.66 metres and 1.72 metres, respectively, and its exterior tuning radius is 3.86 metres.

The 4DA10D’s advanced electric circuit and zero-energy hydraulic system help reduce diesel consumption, which means lower emissions. The lift truck is also equipped with low-noise technology that diminishes transmitted vibrations and radiated sound. Finally, the cab is sealed to help maintain a clean, comfortable operating environment.

Like all Vallée lift trucks featuring the company’s trademark commitment to premium quality parts and robust construction so they can work long hours in rough conditions, operating flexibility, comfort and safety are front and centre as well. Functions rarely seen on the market, such as levelling, enable the operator to shift the fork carriage side to side by 5 degrees to facilitate loading and unloading operations on uneven surfaces. Side shifting allows the operator to move the fork carriage farther left or right an extra 8 inches in either direction, making it possible to deposit a load without having to re- maneuver the entire lift truck into position. The full-view cab houses ergonomic controls and a colour display monitor to help the operator maneuver comfortably and safely.

Operator all-around visibility is measurably increased by the absence of channels in rear corners to eliminate blind spots.
“We’ve packed the 4DA10D with the versatility, agility and functionality our customers have come to expect from Vallée, and we’ve done it in a compact design that allows this lift truck to boldly go where no standard lift trucks can, and do it like no other deep mining vehicle this size can, i.e. while lifting and carrying 10,000 lb.,” adds Beaulieu