The success of its first unit has led satisfied Canadian customer Agrium to make the Bucyrus 30M4-NP the standard for its fleet of continuous miners and to request modifications for a follow-up order for an additional three 30M4-NPs for use in its underground potash mining operation. The further three units were delivered by August 20, 2010. Extensive modifications were incorporated by a team of engineers working closely with the customer for over two years. One of the major challenges was to convert the cooling system from a glycol to oil system to allow operation of the miners in very hot conditions. The cooling system also had to be redesigned to fit within the same footprint, while at the same time easing the transition from flat ground to a grade during uphill mining to avoid ground contact, as all three continuous miners will be cutting extensively on grades of up to 20^o.

Other changes include voltage-segregated electrical enclosures, a new control system, modifications to the frame, new cover layouts, and a new layout of the operator’s cab. The customer requested an electrical control system that operators were familiar with and that would facilitate operator access to individual components. With a modular design, the control system also allows growth to accommodate future functionality. A completely new cover package was implemented for the continuous miners to accommodate the new electrical and cooling systems.

The custom 30M4-NPs weigh in at 74.843 t and can mine seams of 1.80 to 4.63 m. The Bucyrus 30M4-NP is designed for used in soft-rock applications such as potash, trona, phosphates, gypsum, and salt. In this case, the 30M4-NPs will be used exclusively for mining potash.

Close collaboration between Bucyrus team members at Bucyrus’s Pennsylvania and Utah facilities – who developed a close relationship with the customer by listening to their needs, understanding the application, and delivering a reliably productive product – contributed to the success of the project, the company reports.

Other features that contribute to the success of the Bucyrus 30M4-NP in this role include:

• Increased brake capacity with faster set and release times to facilitate operation on steep grades
• Improved geometry to prevent material accumulation and to ease transition to and from steep grades
• Modular design to comply with mine-site restrictions for hoist capacity and shaft dimensions
• Non-XP electrics and enclosures
• 4,160 V input voltage to replace the standard 995 V supply
• Oil-cooling system to replace the standard glycol-based system.

The customer has retained a purchase option for further Bucyrus 30M4-NP miners. With a proven performance track record, outstanding reliability, and OEM support, as well as a supplementary spares package, Bucyrus looks forward to continued close collaboration.