Underground Pick Scalers Uncovered

If you’re in the mining game, you know safety comes first. An underground pick scaler is that key piece of gear that helps keep things secure below ground. It’s a machine built to knock loose rocks and debris off tunnel walls and ceilings. Think of it as a heavy-duty cleaner for underground spaces. These machines use hydraulic power to reach high spots and remove hazards that could cause accidents.

Miners rely on them after blasting or drilling. The scaler extends its arm, equipped with a pick or hammer, to chip away at unstable material. This stops rocks from falling on workers or equipment. In tight tunnels, it’s a lifesaver. No more poking at loose stones with long poles – this does the job faster and safer.

How Does It Work?

The basics are simple. A diesel engine powers the whole thing. It drives the hydraulics that control the boom and pick. The operator sits in a cab, maneuvering the machine through narrow passages. Speed varies, but typically it moves at a steady pace, say up to 7 km/h or more in some cases.

The pick hammer strikes with force – around 3 to 6 kW of impact power. It beats 700 to 1200 times per minute. That breaks up loose rock without damaging the solid structure. Max height? Often reaches 6 meters or higher, depending on the setup. Turning radius matters too; inner turns as tight as 1.8 meters, outer around 3.7 meters. This lets it twist through confined areas.

Hydraulics make the arm flexible. It swings, extends, and rotates to hit every angle. Safety features like stable frames and ergonomic controls keep the operator protected. Dust and noise are part of the deal, but modern designs cut them down.

Key Features of Underground Pick Scalers

What makes these machines stand out? Let’s break it down. They’re compact yet tough. Dimensions might be around 5.5 by 1.7 by 2 meters, weighing about 6,600 kg. That size fits small tunnels but packs enough punch for serious work.

• Compact Design: Small turning radius for easy moves in tight spots.
• Powerful Engine: Liquid-cooled diesel, often 54 kW, for reliable performance.
• Hydraulic System: Smooth control over the scaling arm.
• Safety Elements: Enclosed cab, stable chassis to protect the driver.

Some have advanced pumps and motors for efficiency. The focus is on durability. Frames handle rough terrain, tires grip well. All this adds up to a tool that’s ready for daily grind in mines.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at typical specs in a table. These can vary, but they give you an idea.

These numbers show how the machine balances power and maneuverability. You get efficiency without bulk.

Benefits for Mining Operations

Why bother with an underground pick scaler? Safety tops the list. Manual scaling is risky – workers get close to falling rocks. This machine keeps them at a distance. It reduces injuries and downtime from accidents.

Productivity jumps too. It clears areas fast, so teams move on to loading or drilling sooner. In one shift, you might scale more ground than with hand tools. Costs drop because fewer people are needed for the task, and less time is wasted.

Environmentally, it’s a win. Efficient operation means less fuel use. Some models cut emissions. Plus, precise scaling avoids unnecessary rock removal, saving resources.

• Safer work sites.
• Faster clearing of loose material.
• Lower running costs over time.
• Better overall mine output.

Teams report higher morale too. No one likes dangerous jobs. With this equipment, focus shifts to skilled tasks.

Real-World Impact on Efficiency

Picture a tunnel after a blast. Loose bits hang everywhere. Without a scaler, clearing takes hours by hand. With one, it’s done in minutes. That speeds up the cycle – blast, scale, load, repeat. Mines see up to 30% better efficiency in some cases. It’s not just about speed; it’s quality work that lasts.

Applications in Underground Mining

These scalers shine in hard rock mines. Gold, coal, metals – anywhere tunnels are dug. They’re perfect for horizontal drifts where height is limited. Tunnels over 7 meters tall? Ideal.

In development work, they prepare faces for bolting or support. After production blasts, they clean up for safe hauling. Even in rehabilitation, they remove old loose rock.

Not just mines. Tunneling for roads or rails uses them too. Any underground project with rock hazards benefits.

Specific Use Cases

Consider a narrow vein mine. Space is tight. The scaler’s small size fits perfectly. It scales walls without blocking the path. In larger operations, it handles high roofs, reaching spots humans can’t safely.

Case studies show success in various settings. One mine cut scaling time by half, boosting daily tons moved. Another avoided a major incident by spotting and removing a loose slab early.

Choosing the Right Underground Pick Scaler

Picking one? Match it to your site. Tunnel size first – check height and width. Need high reach? Go for models that extend far.

Power matters. Softer rock? Less impact needed. Hard stuff? Stronger hammer.

Consider mobility. Tight turns require small radius. Weight affects transport.

Budget plays in. Look at total cost – purchase, fuel, parts. Good ones last years with low upkeep.

Talk to suppliers. They know what fits. Test in your conditions if possible.

Factors to Weigh

• Site dimensions and rock type.
• Required reach and power.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Supplier support.

Get it right, and it pays off quick.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Keep it running smooth. Daily checks: fluids, hoses, tires. Clean after use – dust clogs things.

Weekly: Inspect hammer for wear. Replace picks when dull. Lubricate joints.

Monthly: Full service on engine, hydraulics. Check filters, belts.

Ground-level access helps. No climbing for basics. Follow maker’s guide. Train operators on spot issues early.

Common tips:

• Monitor hydraulic pressure.
• Keep cab clean for visibility.
• Store in dry spot to avoid rust.

Proper care extends life, cuts breakdowns. Mines with routines see less downtime.

Common Issues and Fixes

Hammer not striking hard? Check fluid levels. Slow movement? Tire pressure or engine tune-up. Address small problems fast to avoid big repairs.

Future Trends in Scaling Equipment

Mining evolves. Scalers get smarter. Automation on rise – remote control reduces risk. Sensors detect loose rock automatically.

Electric models cut emissions. Battery tech improves for underground use.

AI helps predict maintenance. Data from machines spots wear before failure.

Growth expected – market up 4% yearly. Focus on safety, green tech.

These changes make scaling faster, safer. Stay ahead by watching trends.

Meet Yantai Chi Hong Machinery Co., Ltd.: Your Trusted Supplier

Looking for reliable underground pick scalers? Yantai Chi Hong Machinery Co., Ltd. stands out. Based in Yantai, China, they’ve built a strong name over 12 years. They handle everything from research to sales in underground mining gear.

With a big production base – 96,000 square meters – and over 300 staff, they deliver quality. About half their tech workers are seniors. Certifications like EU CE and ISO9001 back their standards.

They supply scalers as part of their lineup, focusing on durable, efficient designs. Customization available, plus solid after-sales like 12-month warranties and OEM parts. Their service includes tech support and quick fixes. This boosts your operation’s reliability and builds long-term partnerships.

Conclusion

Underground pick scalers are vital for safe, efficient mining. They handle hazards, boost output, and cut costs. From basics to trends, knowing them helps you make smart choices. Invest in good gear, maintain it well, and watch your site thrive.

FAQs

What makes an underground pick scaler essential for mining safety?

It removes loose rocks from walls and ceilings, preventing falls that could injure workers. This tool turns risky manual work into a controlled process.

How does everything about underground pick scalers affect productivity?

By clearing areas quickly, they speed up the mining cycle. Teams spend less time on hazards and more on extraction, leading to higher daily output.

Can underground pick scalers work in narrow tunnels?

Yes, their compact design and tight turning radius make them ideal for confined spaces. They navigate where larger machines can’t.

What should I consider when buying an underground pick scaler?

Look at your tunnel size, rock type, and power needs. Also, check supplier support for maintenance and parts to keep costs low long-term.

Are there eco-friendly options in underground pick scalers?

Some models use efficient engines to reduce fuel and emissions. Future electric versions promise even greener operation.