Electric Shovels
Characteristics and Benefits of Electric Shovels
Electric shovels are high production machines capable of efficiently loading the largest haul trucks on the market. Electric shovels are typically used in long life mining operations. They carry the lowest cost per ton for material moved compared to hydraulic shovels and wheel loaders. The large size optimizes economies of scale resulting in the low cost per ton. Electric power is more cost effective than diesel powered loading machines. The electric shovels carry the lowest cost-per-ton of production.
Hydraulic Shovels
Characteristics and Benefits of Hydraulic Shovels
Hydraulic shovels are specialized machines utilized in surface mining operations. Their design emphasizes exceptional mobility and significant productivity, facilitating efficient excavation of material. The cost of these machines are much lower than an electric but carry longer lead times to produce.
Manufacturers such as Hitachi, Komatsu, and Liebherr are the main producers of hydraulic shovels. Hydraulic shovels can load the largest haul trucks now available in the industry. This ability ensures optimal operational efficiency by enabling rapid loading cycles and maximizing output. Hydraulic shovels offer a significant advantages. They do not require the construction of extensive & costly infrastructure. High voltage electrical infrastructure is necessary to power electric shovels. These attributes results in reduced initial investment and greater flexibility in deployment across diverse mining environments. Hydraulic shovels are the middle cost-per-ton of production.
Loaders
Characteristics and Benefits of Loaders
Loaders are tire mounted articulating machines that come in mechanical or electric versions. They come in sizes capable of loading the largest haul trucks in the industry. The advantages are they’re highly mobile with lower procurement cost compared to shovels. The operating cost-per-ton is higher than shovels. Tires are a big contributing factor to this. Loaders are typically utilized for shorter life mines. When mining ends, they can be easily transported to another mining operation. Loaders are the highest cost-per-ton of production.
