Introduction – A Powerful New Arrival for a Changing Industry
South Africa’s mining sector is entering a new era, driven by the twin forces of sustainability and operational efficiency. In response to this transformation, Disa Equipment is preparing to introduce the highly anticipated Tonly DTH145 hybrid wide-body mining truck to its South African offering.
This hybrid hauler is more than a product launch — it’s a leap forward in how we approach large-scale earthmoving and construction equipment. The DTH145 exemplifies what modern mining fleets are moving toward: machines that cut carbon without compromising on performance.
With a payload class of 91 tons and a powerful hybrid-electric drive system, the DTH145 aligns perfectly with the needs of South African mine operators looking to future-proof their fleets while improving their bottom line.
A Closer Look at the DTH145 – Hybrid Power with a Purpose
Core Hybrid Technology
At the heart of the DTH145 is a powerful all-electric drive system developed in collaboration with SPIC Qiyuan. This integrated powertrain consists of:
- Dual permanent magnet synchronous electric motors
- A three-speed gearbox
- A large-capacity battery swapping system
These elements form an advanced electric drive system designed for rugged conditions and steep terrain. The battery system provides high endurance and rapid swapping capability, allowing continuous operation with minimal downtime. The electric drive layout results in excellent torque performance at low speeds and provides smooth, responsive power delivery, improving driver control and haul cycle times.
Performance Benefits
- Rapid acceleration is key in short-cycle mining operations. The DTH145 delivers on this with swift power delivery from its dual electric motors.
- Enhanced climbing ability means this truck performs exceptionally well on inclined ramps commonly found in strip mines or pit-to-plant roads.
- Energy savings of 10–15% not only reduce operational costs but also support compliance with sustainability targets and green procurement initiatives.
- Maintenance requirements are reduced due to the simplified electric drivetrain, fewer moving parts, and absence of a diesel engine, contributing to longer service intervals and lower maintenance frequency.
Safety, Stability and Automation-Ready Features
In a high-risk sector like mining, safety and reliability are just as important as performance. The DTH145 is designed to ensure operators, equipment, and the worksite are protected under all conditions.
Intelligent Braking and Steering
- The DTH145 features a dual-mode braking system. Regenerative braking reclaims energy while supporting downhill control, while traditional mechanical braking remains available for high-speed or emergency situations.
- Full hydraulic steering offers dependable handling and includes an emergency backup system to ensure safe operation, even in the event of a primary system failure.
These systems together provide responsive handling and load control — especially valuable on winding or unsealed haul roads typical in Southern African mining.
Tonly and Yuchai – Engineering Innovation Through Partnership
The DTH145 is the product of a successful collaboration between Tonly Heavy Industries and Yuchai, a global leader in powertrain innovation. Together, these manufacturers have designed a machine that responds to real-world operational challenges in mining.
This partnership has already resulted in several groundbreaking models, including:
- The DTH145 hybrid truck for mixed-fuel high-efficiency haulage
This global innovation pipeline is now directly accessible to South African mine operators via Disa Equipment, allowing local operations to align with international best practices in green mining.
What This Means for the South African Market
The introduction of the DTH145 into South Africa’s mining landscape comes at a time of both opportunity and challenge. The industry is facing increasing pressure to decarbonise while maintaining production targets and managing high fuel and maintenance costs.
Anticipated Market Impacts:
- Fuel cost reductions in the 10–15% range can result in millions of rands saved annually for large fleets.
- The DTH145 provides a strong stepping stone for operations considering partial electrification, without needing to overhaul existing energy infrastructure.
- ESG-conscious operators gain a new tool for lowering Scope 1 emissions and aligning with national energy efficiency initiatives.
- The hybrid solution also creates options for mines in remote areas with limited diesel delivery reliability or growing interest in microgrid support.
This hybrid truck is expected to appeal particularly to mine sites focused on performance-led sustainability and phased technology upgrades.
About Tonly – A Trusted Force in Mining Haulage
Tonly Heavy Industries has built a global reputation as a specialist in heavy-duty wide-body trucks tailored for demanding applications. From open-pit coal to hard rock mining, Tonly trucks are known for:
- High payload capacity
- Adaptability to terrain and load conditions
- Sturdy design with extended chassis life cycles
The DTH145 reinforces this legacy by offering new levels of efficiency, digital readiness, and environmental performance — and will soon be a key part of Disa Equipment’s offering in South Africa.
Local Support from Disa Equipment
Disa Equipment’s role in supporting the DTH145 rollout cannot be overstated. With extensive experience in deploying and supporting Develon, Tonly, and Everdigm equipment, Disa Equipment offers:
- Expert pre-sales consultation to align machines with site-specific requirements
- Local inventory of wear parts, filters, oils, and components for the DTH145
- Field service teams trained in hybrid diagnostics and safety procedures
- Operator training programmes to maximise machine life and safe use
From Johannesburg to Kuruman to Phalaborwa, Disa Equipment’s support network ensures that hybrid technology in a road dump truck can be reliably introduced into diverse fleet environments.
Learn More
Visit the Develon South Africa Construction Equipment page or contact your nearest Disa Equipment branch to explore availability, demos, and support plans for the new Tonly DTH145 hybrid mining truck.
The Road Ahead – Hybrid Today, Full Electric Tomorrow?
While the DTH145 is a major leap forward, it also signals a broader shift toward full electrification. The DTH145 hybrid model is already demonstrating strong performance in high-volume copper mines, combining diesel power with electric assistance to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
For South African operators, the DTH145 represents a practical starting point — with its hybrid system offering real-world benefits today and a smoother path to full-electric adaptation in the future.
This hybrid option requires no radical infrastructure upgrades and can operate with traditional fuel logistics while reducing emissions and operational stress on diesel engines.
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A Smarter, Greener Way to Move Earth
The Tonly DTH145 is not just a new machine — it’s a smart investment in the future of mining. With a hybrid system that delivers performance gains, cost savings, and environmental benefits, it’s ideally suited to South Africa’s unique challenges and ambitions.
Disa Equipment’s support ensures that this technology will be locally relevant, professionally maintained, and financially viable for a wide range of customers. As hybrid fleets become more mainstream, early adopters of the DTH145will gain a strategic edge.
Whether you’re aiming to lower your carbon footprint, cut fuel costs, or take your first step toward automation, the DTH145 provides a future-ready platform — available soon, and built to perform.
