JH Fletcher & Co has been building diesel powered scaling machines using inverted articulating booms with a Caterpillar 320 crawler undercarriage base for the last 11 years. The current model covers mining heights up to 5.2 m but the concept can easily be applied to heights above 9 m using a larger Caterpillar undercarriage.

The crawler undercarriage provides both a stable and nimble platform for the scaling operation. The 360o swing of the upper chassis and boom provides for precise attack angles, exceptional manoeuvrability and maximum coverage area. In addition, the unique boom design coupled with proportional joystick controls allows the operator to easily follow the contours of the face, back and ribs to remove loose material in the most difficult profiles.

The combination of the inverted boom, rotating upper chassis, crawler undercarriage and smooth precise controls makes this model one of the most efficient and productive scalers on the market, the company says.

All Fletcher scalers are equipped with MSHA certified cab/canopies for operator protection while providing excellent visibility. The cabs can also be pressurised, heated and air conditioned with HEPA filtration on the recirculated air reducing DPM exposure as well as noise. Other features that are available are hydraulic breakers or cutter drums in place of the pick, as well as a variety of engine options.

(Sourced from www.im-mining.com)