INTERNATIONAL COAL NEWS

Continuous miner tailored for narrow seams

THE new Bucyrus 25C continuous miner - which weighs in at 61 tonnes - incorporates the robust fea...

Lou Caruana

This article is 15 years old. Images might not display.

The continuous miner also has new enhancements that extend efficiency, productivity and service life, according to Bucyrus.

With two 205-kilowatt cutter-head motors, it is one of the most powerful continuous miners in its class.

Designed for operating heights of 0.86 metres to 3m, the 25C is equipped with 164kW variable frequency drive (VFD) traction control for higher speeds and greater control.

The 25C features a larger transmitter, a new generation hydraulic system features pressure and flow on demand as well as fewer components and increased component life.

Both the hydraulic and VFD systems provide machine protection.

The 25C operates a broad range with maximum rated cutting head power. The cutter-head motors are protected by a torque-limiting clutch to prevent damage in the event of a rock strike.

The high strength steel drums features 5.1-centimetre thick walls with maximum bit tip standoff.

The 96.5cm conveyor provides higher throughput with a bi-directional discharge forming an integral part of the mainframe.

A hydraulic take-up maintains proper chain tension for all conveyor positions and extends chain life.

The164kW VFD traction control provides high speed and torque to ground control which combined with the machine geometry facilitates cross-cut turning.

The one-piece highly robust frame uses 75-millimetre steel plate. The heavier, rigid frame allows more efficient cutting when sumping at the top of the seam and ripping to the bottom.

The support frame fabricated from high-strength steel has massive steel legs 15.25cm thick.

The largest-in-class boom pivot bores feature hardened steel pins and replaceable bushings. The robust clevis and frame have fewer weld joints subject to tension.

The 25C is designed for easy maintenance with independent cutter heads, traction, control systems, and wethead technology. Diagnostics are located for easy access.

TOPICS:

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

editions

ESG Index 2025: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Index provides an in-depth evaluation of the ESG performance of 60+ of the world’s largest mining companies. It assesses companies across 10 weighted indicators within 6 essential ESG pillars.

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2025

Discover how mining companies and investors are adopting, deploying and evaluating new technologies.

editions

Mining IQ Exploration Insights 2025

Gain exclusive insights into the world of exploration in a comprehensive review of the top trending technologies, intercepts, discoveries and more.

editions

Future Fleets Insights 2025

Mining IQ Future Fleets Insights 2025 looks at how companies are using alternative energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emmissions