After hearing a request from a safety-conscious customer, the Engineering Department at J. H. Fletcher & Co. has developed a machine that dramatically increases worker safety during mine slope beam installations. It eliminates much of the need for heavy lifting and awkward reaching that can result in injury. In the past, workers hefted large beam components into position manually, holding them stationary until they could be bolted together, explained Ben Hardman, Fletcher Coal Products Sales Manager. After several beams had been set, they were fastened together using connector bars and corrugated metal panels. Finally, grout or concrete would be pumped around the metal to make a sealed structure. To manage these operations, miners had to climb around the structures with tools and materials, manoeuvring them into position.

“We wanted to eliminate as many hazards from these activities as possible,” Hardman said. With the new machine, beams can be pre-assembled, trammed to the installation site and lifted into position by the operator, located in the tram deck, under a canopy. Next, workers can move to a powered platform while installing connectors and panels, and pumping the sealer. Exposure to injury is decreased, while productivity is improved.

The machine is built on a small face drill chassis, and utilizes a small face drill boom. The boom swings, lifts and extends. Two 360⁰ rotary actuators ensure accurate beam positioning. The platform lifts, tilts and extends so workers can be stable. A walk-over deck design allows easy access from platform to tram deck.