With six Eickhoff SL 500s and one Eickhoff SL 300, Datong’s fleet of Eickhoff shearer loaders will increase to a total of 25.

While the SL 300 with an installed power of 1.16 megawatts is perfectly geared to mid-seam applications between 1.6m and 4m, the Eickhoff SL 500 dominates with its 1.92MW mid to high seam applications between 2.3m and 6m.

The Eickhoff SL 500 continues to be number one choice for longwall specialists in China and Russia, according to Eickhoff.

“Operators value the characteristic Eickhoff underframe concept while owners appreciate its profitability,” the company said.

Datong, one of Eickhoff’s major customers, started to operate its first Eickhoff SL 500 in 2002.

It is also one of the main coal producers in China with annual coal production of 39 million tonnes in 2012.

“The purchase of additional seven machines is further strengthening the role of the Datong Group,” according to Eickhoff.

“Since the very first Eickhoff shearer started cutting, Datong has been achieving new production records on a regular basis with this reliable and powerful, yet safe and economical shearer loader model.”