Hydraulic breaker SB 202 recovers high-quality slate from underground mine

The SB 202 hydraulic breaker from Epiroc has already proven itself many times over by providing excellent service for Rathscheck Schiefer in Mayen (Eifel, Germany). In this underground slate mine the company has been impressed by its reliability, robust design and low maintenance requirements.

Since it was founded in 1793, Rathscheck Schiefer has been a leading producer of premium quality slate. The Moselschiefer® (Mosella slate) mined at the Katzenberg mine is Rathscheck Schiefer’s premium product. The current main shaft was commissioned in 1959 and reaches a depth of 220 m on the 7th level. The latest level opened in 2016, level 11 reaches depths of 400 m. The production of the local Mosella slate has been comprehensively modernised over the past 15 years.

The modern, specially developed hydraulic breaker SB 202 from Epiroc guarantees efficient mining. At the Katzenberg mine, six SB 202 hydraulic breakers have been in daily use since 2013 – each for between three and four hours per shift. Four of the breakers are mounted on the Bobcat E50, Komatsu PC45 and Schaeff HR18 machines, whilst the remaining two are on hand as reserves. The hydraulic breakers loosen the workable slate, which was previously cut with a diamond saw in a grid corresponding to the geological properties, and break it out of the wall.

The work underground is carried out in damp, restricted conditions. The strengths of the SB 202 come into their own here, with its unique solid body construction that is particularly suited to this task. Compared with competitors previously used by Rathscheck Schiefer, the hydraulic breakers from Epiroc have proven to be robust and reliable, with a service-friendly design. The simplicity of changing the working tool and the good visibility of the working area in particular ensure precise and user-friendly handling. While some of the previous models required maintenance or repair every week, the SB 202 impresses with consistent, fault-free performance.