Underground Mining Machines

Fadroma Development Sp. z o.o. (FADROMA) is a Polish manufac­turer of underground mining equipment. Company's headquar­ters and its factory are located in the city of Wroclaw in south­west Poland. FADROMA focuses mainly on designing and manu­facturing self-propelled, wheeled machines for underground mining of metallic and mineral ores and offers in this segment a full line of underground mining loaders and two lines of under­ground utility vehicles. In the same time FADROMA also designs and manufactures specialized equipment tailored to customer specifications (e.g. underground mining dozers, carriers for drilling jumhos etc.).

General features of FADROMA underground mining machines

FADROMAs philosophy is based on the belief that customers are faced with specific requirements due to diverse working condi­tions and therefore require machines characterized by unique technical specification tailored to their particular needs. FADROMAs aim is to design and supply mining equipment that is maximally tuned to such specific requirements.

All FADROMA machines are built on the basis of top world class components: Deutz and Detroit Diesel engines; Dana SOH, FON, Hurth and ZF torque converters, gear boxes and axles; Rexroth, Danfoss, Commercial, Valvoil and Casappa hydraulics; Rexroth, Safim, Mico brake systems; Vogel, Lincoln, Groeneveld central lubrication systems; DCL exhaust systems, Ansul fire pro­tection systems, Konvecta air conditioning systems etc.

All FADROMA products are offered both in low price basic ver­sions and in higher standard CE-certified versions with Tier III engines. On demand all machines can be equipped with central lubrication systems, automatic check-fire systems, electronic dis­play panels and IP56, high temperature resistant (180°C), modu­lar electric systems.

Mining loaders range

FADROMA line of underground mining loaders comprises wide range of sizes and power. The company offers machines with tramming capacity from 3,000 kg to 15,000 kg, engine power from 60 kW to 273 kW and bucket capacity from 1.4 m3 to 7 m3.

FADROMA mining loaders are fit for small, medium and large size mining operations. The functionality of these machines al­lows for their application in mining of narrow veins, low deposits, gold mining, mine development and underground tunnelling, various supporting works (cleaning, hauling of supplies etc.), cut­ting, loading and hauling of metallic and mineral ores.

All FADROMA mining loaders are equipped with safe (ROPS/FOPS certified) and comfortable operator cabins (open canopy or capsule) characterized by very high resistance against falling rocks (60 kJ). All cabins types were tested in actual crash tests. All capsule cabins can be equipped on client's demand with a rescue hatch in the cabin roof. The specific design of such cab­ins allows for dismantling the hatch either from the inside of the cabin or from the outside of the cabin, enabling rescue teams to reach the operator blocked in a buried machine.

FADROMA machines are characterized by very good operating performance. High breakout force allows for cutting and loading in mining tunnels face areas. To ensure longer operating life, loader's buckets are all equipped with abrasion-resistant steel plates. High thrust and very good maneuverability and mobility of machines provide for their high performance even while working on high slopes and in the most difficult areas of underground mines. Modern design, high quality and reliable components,

good serviceability, short operating times all combine to enhance high efficiency and low operating costs of running FADROMA machines in diverse mining operations.

Utility vehicles range

FADROMA underground utility vehicles lines are based on two different carriers: SW-101 and SW-07 (seeFigure 1 andFigure 2). In both lines possible applications in­clude: explosives carriers and explosives charging vehicles, maintenance service vehicles, personnel carriers, transport and service vehicles, wheel changing vehicles etc. (see Figure 3 and Figure 4).

FADROMA mining utility vehicles range SWT-101 and SWR-101

The universal carrier SW-101 is based on the proven and reliable FADROMA LK1 mining loader. As the result both traction parame­ters (ground clearance, climbing ability) and thrust are for these machines better compared to the majority of typical underground mining utility vehicles. Therefore such machines can be used in the most difficult areas of underground tunnels proving their high mobility even in extreme ground conditions and on high slopes.

FADROMA line of utility vehicles SWT-101 and SWR-101 pro­vides a unique combination of features characteristic for heavy duty underground mining loaders and typical utility vehicles.

Moreover since SW-101 carriers are basically the same as in min­ing loaders LK1, very high level of standardization has been achieved for parts and components, simplifying and speeding up work of mine service units. Parts interchangeability provides for lower spare stock levels and better parts availability for service per­sonnel as well as easier and faster maintenance and repair works. This allows for increased savings in machine operating costs due to significantly reduced downtimes and lower investment costs.

Technical specification of carriers for FADROMA utility vehicles

FADROMA mining utility vehicles range SWT-07 and SWR-07

The universal carrier for all vehicles in SWT-07 and SWR-07 fami­ly provides an excellent platform for virtually any application. A diesel powered, four wheel driven tractor with articulated frame and robust loading platform allows for high flexibility in installa­tion of various equipment.

FADROMA family of utility vehicles SWT-07 and SWR-07 offers unique versatility for majority of underground mining supporting operations. Robust design, very good performance, uncompro-mised safety, outstanding maneuverability, comfort in operator's cabin and low cost of operation are essential features of the pre­sented family of machines.

Very high level of parts and components standardization al­lows for simplifying and speeding up work of mine service units. Parts interchangeability among all machines belonging to SWT-07 and SWR-07 family provides for lower spare stock levels and better parts availability for service personnel as well as easier and faster maintenance and repair works. This leads eventually to in­creased savings in machine operating costs due to significantly reduced downtimes and lower investment costs.

Recent developments

In the scope of last 2 years FADROMA introduced Tier III engines to all of its machines and secured the CE certification for each. Moreover the range of FADROMA underground utility vehicles was significantly extended and some new mining loaders were designed and supplied to the market. Among them there are two new versions of well known LK1 mining loader (standard height and low profile models), LK2AC mining loader, LK2ACDW mining loader, LK4C mining loader, SWR-201S underground mining doz­er and SWT-07NR specialized low profile utility vehicle.

There are many new features introduced to all of above men­tioned machines. All of them can be equipped with strong mod­ern engines with electronic control system and exhaust gases emissions complying with Tier III standard. To enhance low emis­sion, new catalytic converters and diluters were introduced to the engines exhaust systems. New two-stage air filters were mounted on the engines suction systems. The cooling systems for engines and drive systems components are designed to work in ambient temperatures up to 60°C and for harsh environmental conditions characterized by high humidity and salinity. Both the main hy­draulic brake systems (Posi-Stop or LCB type) and the hydraulic emergency brakes (SAHR) are controlled by hydraulic valves mounted ergonomically in the operator's cabins.

The hydraulic systems are based on high quality, reliable com­ponents designed to work in harsh conditions. New reinforced hydraulic hoses have been implemented for longer service life. Operating and steering systems are hydraulically controlled by the steering wheel and the joystick mounted in the loader cabin.

Steel frames and other welded structures are designed and pro­duced with minimized number of welded joints for more strength. Buckets in the loaders operating systems are equipped with abrasion-resistant steel plates. Integrated, electrically con­trolled central lubrication systems were also implemented for pin joints in the loaders operating system, the articulated joint be­tween machines frames and the oscillation cradle.

The operator's cabins, open canopy or capsule type, mounted laterally on the machines rear frame are equipped with ergonom­ically arranged steering and control elements, control gauges and indicators as well as an electronic display (available only for Deutz Tierlll engines) for engine parameters control and diag­nostic testing. The cabins are ROPS/FOPS certified and have been tested for increased resistance against falling objects (impact en­ergy level of 60 kJ). All capsule type cabins can be optionally equipped with an air conditioning system along with wind­screens, wipers and windscreen washers as well as the rescue hatch in the cabin roof.

All recently developed machines can be also equipped with a sophisticated, modular electric system conforming to IP56 standard. Electric wires are inflammable, non-toxic, high temperature resistant (180°C) and they are additionally covered by heat resist­ant corrugated tubes providing also protection against mechani­cal damages.

Another important feature of the FADROMA      mining machines   is   also   a modern and very effec­tive fire protection sys­tem (Ansul) with an auto­matic check-fire unit for higher operator's safety.

All above mentioned ma­chines can be also optionally equipped with air cooled diesel en­gines (also versions adapted to work in very low ambient temperatures, below-30°C). All machines (apart from LK2ACDW) can be supplied in the low profile versions that can optionally be equipped with in­dustrial cameras ensuring better visibility for machine operator. The machines design allows for implementation of alternative compo­nents (e.g engines, tires, buckets or attach­ments etc.) depending on customer's specification.

All above mentioned technical features result in very good operating performance and long service life of the FADROMA un­derground mining equipment.

Underground mining loader FADROMA LK1 - new versions

The latest version of FADROMA LK1 (LHD)

was considerably renewed in almost all areas of its design (see Figure 5). Welded structures were modernized and strengthened. A new bucket in loader operating system was equipped with abra­sion-resistant steel plates (450 HB). A new integrated, electrically controlled central lubrication system was also implemented.

In the loader hydraulic system several new features were also introduced. Among them there are: hydraulic orbitrol, hydraulic pumps and valves as well as new hydraulic cylinders with screwed glands and new rod protective coating designed for longer life in very harsh working conditions, e.g. high salinity, temperature, humidity, dust etc.

Modifications in the operator's cabin include: an optional lower version of the open canopy roof, an electric accelerator pedal and an elec­tronic display.

The FADROMA LK1 mining loaders can be optionally equipped with Dana SOH or ZF axles and transmis-Technical specification of FADROMA underground dozer and low profile utility vehicle sion. As a result of all above mentioned upgrades new versions of FADROMA LK1 underground mining loaders are stronger, more resistant and more efficient, with better operating performance and longer service life.

Underground mining loader FADROMA LK2AC (LHD)

The FADROMA LK2AC (LHD) was designed for medium size min­ing operations [see Figure 6). Due to its large breakout force this machine can be used for cutting, loading and hauling of output in underground and surface mines as well as for mines develop­ment and supporting works in underground tunnelling.

The LHD drive system configuration provides very good trac­tion performance (e.g. thrust) and favorable loader speed in re­spective gears. Traction parameters allow for long way haulage of mined ore. Due to its compact design the loader can work in nar­row tunnels. The high reach of the loader bucket and high rated payload (6.750 kg) provide for perfect co-operation with small to medium size underground haulage trucks.

Underground mining loader FADROMA LK2ACDW

The FADROMA LK2ACDW (LHD) was designed for medium size mining operations (see Figure 7). Due to its large breakout force this machine can be used for cutting, loading and hauling of output in underground and surface mines as well as for mines development and supporting works in un­derground tunnelling.

The loader drive system configuration provides very good traction performance (e.g. thrust) and favorable loader speed in respective gears. Traction pa­rameters allow for long way haulage of mined ore. The loader characteristic design features are high ground clearance and very good climbing ability, therefore it can be used in very difficult rough terrain conditions. The high reach of the loader bucket and high rated payload (8.500 kg) provide for perfect co-operation with medium size underground haulage trucks.

Underground mining loader FADROMA LK4C

The FADROMA LK4C (LHD) was designed for medium to large size mining operations (see Figure 8). Due to its large breakout force this machine can be used for cutting, loading and hauling of output in underground and surface mines as well as for mines development and supporting works in underground tunnels construction. The loader drive system configuration pro­vides very good traction performance (e.g. thrust) and favorable loader speed in respective gears. Traction parameters and large bucket capacity (up to 5.5 m3) allow for long way haulage of mined ore. The loader is a low profile machine with high rated payload (11,000 kg) providing perfect co-operation with medium to large size underground haulage trucks.

Wheeled underground mining dozer FADROMA SWR-201S

The FADROMA SWR-201S wheeled mining dozer was designed for bulldozing works in underground and surface mines (see Figure 9).

The dozer drive system configuration provides very good trac­tion performance (e.g. thrust) and favorable machine speed in respective gears. Traction parameters and compact design allow the dozer to work on high longitudinal slopes (up to 15°).

The dozer operating system is characterized by kinematics usual for typical construction bulldozers, therefore it can well be utilized in underground mines. The implementation of the wheeled drive system provides very high mobility and allows for quick dozer relocation to distant areas of the mine. Such features are not to be achieved with standard tracked dozers.

Utility vehicle FADROMA SWT-07NR

FADROMA SWT-07NR mining utility vehicle was designed for dif­ferent service operations in underground mines (see Figure 10). The machine is designated to work in low profile, narrow tunnels with difficult terrain conditions. Machine height is only 1800 mm (for 12.00x20 tyres), width 2100 mm. The machine is equipped with:

- scissors lifting platform for 3 people and load (lifting height up to 2700 mm);

- hydraulically driven electric power set;

- electric welder;

- hydraulically driven air compressor (5000 liter/min.)

All above mentioned devices are pow­ered by the vehicle hydraulic system, via hydraulic pumps driven by a diesel en­gine. Hence all machine systems and de­vices are independent of fixed electric wiring and can be used in virtually any place in the mine. Compact design and good traction parameters result in ma­chine's high mobility enabling quick relo­cation to distant areas of the mine. The ve­hicle drive system configuration provides very good traction performance (e.g. thrust) and favorable machine speed in re­spective gears.

The operator's cabin, open canopy type, mounted in front of the machine is equipped with 3 sits (including one for machine operator). The cabin can be op­tionally equipped with an air conditioning system along with wind-screens, wipers and windscreen washers.