Above: Hitachi® fitted with Progress Mining undercarriage components at a Hunter Valley coal mine undergoing a Condition Monitoring inspection.
Mining in Australia’s Hunter Valley region in New South Wales presents harsh operating conditions that place significant demands on equipment. Progress Mining undercarriage components have proven to be more than fit for the task. The latest Condition Monitoring Report on a Hitachi® EX5600 operating in one of the coal mines in this region highlights this. At the time of inspection, the Progress Mining components had been working on the machine for 19,000 hours. The data collected shows that even though the components are at the mid-to-late stage of their life expectancy they are still performing well. All Progress Mining components installed on the undercarriage were assessed and deemed to be still serviceable with no signs of leakage or accelerated wear. At the current rate of wear, the components are on track to meet the projected life expectancy, with the tracks and sprockets estimated to achieve 28,000+ hours.
Above: Charts extracted from the Condition Monitoring Report on the Hitachi® EX5600 show the progression of wear on the tracks and sprockets, based on inspections carried out at multiple stages throughout the component’s service life.
Trained members of the Progress Mining team use precision tools to gather all the data to complete these reports. Platform specific gauges developed by Progress Mining are used to consistently and accurately measure component wear. The data gathered is used to generate wear charts that show component wear over time. Data like this is essential in predicting the longevity of components in different working conditions. This enables more effective planning of component replacements and maintenance activities, helping to minimise machine downtime.
Above: Precision measuring tools and visual inspections of components are all vital to ascertain wear and help predict their life expectancy and service requirements.
The results of this Condition Monitoring report show that Progress Mining components work very well in coal mines. However, Progress Mining understand that not all mine sites are alike, with different terrain types and conditions creating unique challenges. Reports from another Hitachi® excavator working in a Lithium mine in Western Australia showed that harsher conditions called for a stronger product. Working with the customer a heavy-duty track shoe design was developed to perform in these severe, high impact operating conditions.
At Progress Mining we understand that every mine site faces different operational challenges. If your mining operations face similar challenges click here to find the nearest Sales Representative or Distributors in your region. Where ever mining is Progress Mining is there to help.
If you would like to learn more about the heavy-duty track shoe custom designed for the Lithium mine in Western Australia, click here.