Emission-free special vehicle for the Morsleben mine rescue service: A technical milestone from Bergmann Maschinenbau

The Morsleben mine rescue service has taken delivery of groundbreaking, emission-free special vehicles from Bergmann Maschinenbau GmbH & Co.KG. Developed and manufactured in Meppen, the highly specialized R803e sets new standards for use under extreme conditions and represents a masterpiece of German engineering.

Powered by six powerful lithium iron phosphate battery modules (80 V, 48 kWh), the vehicle offers an impressive peak output of 46 kW, which ensures emission-free mobility over long missions. The water-cooled electric motor controllers ensure precise and efficient control of the permanent all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering. This state-of-the-art technology not only protects the environment, but especially the health of employees in potentially dangerous and polluted environments.

The development of the R803e was a particularly demanding task: the challenge was to combine the customer’s diverse requirements in a compact vehicle. It had to be ensured that all the required equipment, including the water volume, the water pump and other technical components, could be integrated into the vehicle without compromising on the compact dimensions of less than 5 m long, less than 2 m wide and less than 2 m high. The result is a design that, despite its small size, offers all the essential functions and is therefore perfectly suited for use underground.

Thanks to an impressive turning radius of around 2.1 m and the hydraulic all-wheel steering system, the R803e maneuvers effortlessly through even the tightest and most demanding underground conditions. In addition, the robust pendulum joint ensures optimal stability, even on challenging terrain or unpaved paths.

The R803e is a true all-rounder, ready for any challenge! Equipped with a 2000-liter GRP water tank and a centrifugal pump in accordance with EN 733, which achieves a flow rate of up to 1000 liters per minute at a pressure of 10 bar, the vehicle is ideally equipped for firefighting and hazardous situations. A clear LED display on the pump control panel monitors the water level, the battery capacity and the speed of the pump to ensure full control in critical situations. Standardized Storz connections and generous storage options for equipment such as the 50-meter-long C-52 hose and a mixing system for firefighting foam round off the vehicle perfectly.

The R803e is not only unbeatable underground – it is also approved for use on public roads. With a top speed of 25 km/h, it is ideal for use in industrial and commercial areas, on construction sites or in tunnels. The low empty weight and a permissible total weight of 6500 kg offer the necessary flexibility without compromising on safety.

Thanks to its ability to be transported to lifting points by crane, the R803e can also be used easily in hard-to-reach places underground. Comfort is also not neglected: two suspended seats ensure a pleasant ride, even on rough terrain, while a rear view camera with integrated monitor makes maneuvering easier in difficult conditions.

With the development of the new R803e mine rescue vehicle, Bergmann Maschinenbau has once again demonstrated its innovative strength and commitment to tailor-made special solutions. Despite the compact design, all special customer requirements, from the water pump to the fire-fighting equipment, could be efficiently integrated. This underlines the family company’s efforts to put environmentally friendly and safe technologies into practice.

With the new R803e mine rescue vehicle from Bergmann Maschinenbau, the Morsleben mine rescue service is relying on the latest technology and environmentally friendly mobility – a true technical milestone for underground operations.