South African underground mining operations, whether platinum group metals (PGM) or coal, demand equipment that performs without compromise. Engine downtime in these environments is not just costly, it is a safety and production risk. This is where Kirloskar South Africa's mining engine range has built its reputation.

Proven in Hard Rock: The HA Series
Kirloskar's HA Series air-cooled diesel engines have a long history powering trackless mobile machinery and auxiliary equipment in underground hard rock operations. The range spans six models, from the compact two-cylinder HA294 through to the six-cylinder HA694, turbocharged HA694TC, and turbocharged + aftercooled HA694TCI offering power outputs ranging from 20 kW up to 110 kW.

The air-cooled design is a deliberate engineering choice for underground applications. Eliminating dependence on cooling systems removes a point of failure that matters in confined underground sections, where access for maintenance is limited and reliability cannot be left to chance. The HA Series is built with mechanical governing (with mechanical or electronic governing available on certain models) and a simple, rugged construction that keeps maintenance requirements manageable even in dust-heavy, high-vibration environments.

This is not a new or unproven design. The HA Series traces its origins back to the late 1960s, with continuous technological upgrades over the decades, from improved fuel injection and cooling mechanisms in the 1980s and 90s, to emission standard compliance and digital monitoring integration in the 2000s, through to the forced induction, efficiency-focused and PDI ready models available today. That evolution has carried the HA Series from its origins into a range that has specifically made inroads into underground mining, where it remains a preferred choice for powering trackless mobile machinery for well-known mining houses and trackless mobile machine O.E.M.s.

The standard scope of supply includes a 12V or 24V starter motor and charging alternator, dry type air cleaner, solid engine mountings, Bosch or Motopal inline mechanical fuel pump, and full maintenance and spare parts manuals. A wide range of optional features, including heavy duty rubber mounts, heavy duty air filters, hydraulic oil coolers, engine mounted compressor, hydraulic pump drive arrangements, and various H.E.T.L.O.P. safety systems allow the engine to be configured for specific equipment and site requirements.

Certified for Coal: The 6K1080TA Flame-Proof Engine
For underground coal mining, compliance is non-negotiable. Kirloskar's 6K1080TA is part of a flame-proof diesel engine range purpose-engineered for hazardous surface and underground coal mining environments, where the risk of potentially explosive atmospheres demands certified equipment.

The 6K1080TA is a six-cylinder, turbocharged and aftercooled engine producing 172.0 kW at 2300rpm and 900 Nm at 1600rpm. Like all applicable Kirloskar flame-proof engine models, it carries D-Number Certification issued by South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources, confirming compliance with South African mining regulations.

This certification is backed by purpose-built flame-proof components across the engine, including a flame-proof intake manifold and adaptor plate, flame-proof exhaust manifold and adaptor plate, flame-proof exhaust pipe, flame-proof turbocharger and a wet scrubber box arrangement. Optional accessories extend the engine's application suitability further, including an engine-driven compressor, engine-driven hydraulic pump, copper cooling package and anti-static fan arrangement.

The 6K1080TA and its related models are suited to a range of underground coal mining equipment, including 6 to 10 tonne LHDs, tractors, graders, stone dusters, and various utility vehicles, all operating in conditions where engine failure or ignition risk is simply not an option.

A Track Record Across Mining
Kirloskar South Africa's growing presence in the coal sector builds on an already established footprint in hard rock mining. Across both segments, the priority remains the same: certified, reliable engines backed by local technical support and genuine parts availability through our branches in Johannesburg, Lydenburg, and Rustenburg.

Whether your operation is in PGM, coal, or another mining application entirely, selecting the right engine depends on site conditions, equipment requirements, and compliance needs specific to your operation.

To discuss the right engine for your application, get in touch with the Kirloskar South Africa team.