The GR8 EV Grader Project and Surface Mining Equipment Division truly started as a consequence of MacLean’s core corporate ethos – which is that ‘we are problem solvers’. This ethos has been engrained into the fabric of MacLean’s Product Management Group with the task to go out into the field; listen to our customers problems, trials, and tribulations; and apply our knowledge, skills, and know-how to help develop equipment solutions. The Fortescue opportunity came from just that. The challenge that Fortescue has is that they are “burning the boats” with Dr. Andrew Forrest’s noble RealZero Commitment to eliminate fossil fuels from Fortescue’s mining operations. Which means there are some lofty, achievable, goals; hard deadlines; and certainly, no going back.

Not only Fortescue, but every other mining company who has announced a decarbonization plan needs countless solutions to todays fossil-fuel consuming mining processes and machinery. This is where MacLean steps in. We are taking our decade of EV experience and half-a-century of Heavy Equipment Manufacturing expertise and applying it to the decarbonization challenges facing the Surface Mining industry. MacLean is actively out talking to mining players about what are their challenges decarbonizing their operations and where MacLean can help play a role. Our first product in the Surface Mining Equipment Portfolio is the GR8 EV Grader – which is a 18ft class all-electric pit-class grader. Graders are a key asset in the mining process. Having smooth roads ensures reliable truck haulage, consistent travel speeds, happy equipment operators or automaton systems, lower tire wear and machine damage, and ultimately more tons per hour at a lower cost. To do the job, The GR8 Grader features a large capacity onboard battery capable of being rapid charged in under 30 minutes via the all-new Megawatt Charge System (MCS). MCS has been a game changer for the electrification of pit-class equipment. With much bigger open pit equipment, you have much larger batteries. Previous charge methods are slower and require more downtime of the equipment for charging. In an industry where the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is king; having a high-performing and readily available machine is key.

2024 was an exciting year with the launch of our GR8 Grader with our partners at Fortescue at MineExpo in Las Vegas. 2025 and the foreseeable future is shaping up to be even more ‘electrifying’ with the growth of our Surface Mining Division, product portfolio, and customer base. Stay tuned for great things to come!

As for the future of the Surface Mining Division at MacLean – pardon the pun from a traditionally underground mining equipment company, but ‘the sky’s the limit”. We are actively out talking to new and existing customers; introducing the world of Surface Mining to MacLean; and understanding the problems remaining to solve the true challenge of extracting the earth’s resources without the use of fossil fuels. In the coming months, MacLean will be adding more equipment to the product portfolio.

• 30% larger interior space than other grader cabs​
• Two person cab with trainer/technician seat​
• Side entry cab to eliminate the need for front ‘cat walks’.​
• Enhanced visibility of the working area.​
• Extreme-duty air conditioning system and pressurized cab​
• Cooled air ride seat with joystick machine controls

GR8 EV Grader is an ideal match for surface mining applications​

• 18 ft moldboard (with consideration for 24 ft extensions)​
• 362 kW drivetrain package​
• 474 kWh Mining-spec Battery and Power System​
• Top speed of 45 kph (capable of >100 km driving range on single charge)​
• Best in class blade down force and pull​
• CCS/MCS charge protocol (supports up to 1000 kW for 30 minute charge) ​
• 60,000 hour operating life (based on regular maintenance and rebuild