Justification of design factors for front loader attachments in quarrying and handling of natural stone blocks

Abstract

After analyzing the technology of natural stone mining in Russia in comparison with European countries, we conclude that one of the ways to increase the efficiency of the mining transport equipment system in natural stone quarries is to use wheel loaders more widely. Wheel loaders are characterized by high maneuverability, productivity, and are able to combine excavation, transportation, shipping, as well as perform auxiliary work. At the same time, the loader is very effective for providing access to any section of the quarry after stripping loose overburden and waste that impede movement. To increase the profitability and economic efficiency of natural stone quarrying, it is advisable to use a wheel loader as the main handling, transport and auxiliary equipment. The main reason why wheel loaders equipped with attachments are not widely used in the development of natural stone deposits in Russia is their high cost, which significantly increases capital and operating costs since the main manufacturers of wheel loaders equipped with quick-mounted attachments are such brands as Comatsu, Caterpillar, Volvo, Hyundai, etc. For these purposes, the mounted auxiliary equipment for the CHETRA PK 120 wheel loader of domestic production was designed. The strength of the coupler metalworks and and its hydraulic exponents are calculated. During the design, hydraulic equipment was selected to control and regulate attachments. In case of using the proposed system, the investment costs will decrease, and the proposed organizational and technical measures will increase the efficiency of mining companies due to reduced operating costs.