Underground coal equipment major Joy Global reports a mining industry trend toward using suspension shuttle cars to increase productivity as well as to improve ergonomic performance. “According to recent test data, operations can achieve more than a 10% increase in productivity with the use of JoyRide shuttle car suspension technology” said Toby Cressman, Joy Global Haulage Design Engineer. “Furthermore, depending upon market and mine conditions, operations can realise payback in as little as one month when investing in this ‘next generation’ four-wheel independent suspension system, which has been enhanced by a new and improved JoyRide strut system that offers the best-in-class ride available on the market today.”

JoyRide suspension systems are currently available as an option on all Joy low, mid, and high-seam shuttle car models – with a design underway for ultra-high seam models to be released at a future date. Benefits include superior vibration dampening characteristics that reduce forces on the machine chassis, resulting in less wear and tear on shuttle car components, reduced material loss, and less rutting in roadways. Most importantly, less energy and impact transferred to the operator allows the ability to safely and comfortably maintain higher shuttle car speeds with less fatigue. “As has been proven in suspension cars already operating underground, improved ergonomic performance means more trips per shift, which means more tons per day at a lower cost. This positive effect on operator safety, as well as productivity, is why we are seeing a higher percentage of our customers moving toward the suspension system option,” said Cressman.

 The improved JoyRide strut design, which is backward compatible, is the result of “ongoing and innovative design initiatives”; and meticulous component and underground machine testing; which has ultimately allowed similar advancements in above-ground earth moving equipment suspension systems to be applied to space-efficient underground equipment. “In fact, the JoyRide strut design tested favorably against ISO standards for human body vibration exposure. Also, the JoyRide strut is a simple, self-contained unit, and can be retrofitted to suspension machines currently in the field without a new chassis being required,” said Cressman.