Walking Draglines

From 1968 to 1989, large walking draglines have largely been modernized by changing
various features of the machines to provide greater mechanical availability of the
ma chine. Walking systems and booms have been improved, and better methods of
monitoring both production and problems have been established. Improved weld criteria,
metallurgy, and design features have been instituted by the manufacturers to help
operators increase uptime. Size ranges in 1968, while primarily up to 45.9 m) (60 cu yd),
have jumped up to 76.5 to 84 m' (100 to 110 cu yd) in 1989 with a preponderance of 45
.9, 57.3, and 84 m' (60, 75, and 110 cu yd) machines working. Only six draglines in the
free world have bucket capacities over 88 m' (115 cu yd). Yet approximately 250 draglines
are working or scheduled with bucket capacities of 42 to 88 m' (55 to 115 cu yd) (Fig. 8).
Draglines are now working multiple seam operations vs. primarily single seams 15 years
ago. Extended bench, spoil side stripping, and other dragline techniques have produced
ways for operators to utilize this lowest-unit-cost machine in areas previously not
indicated as being applicable. In the smaller walking draglines, manufacturers have
designed modular quick erection and teardown machines for use in smaller deposits of
mineral. In addition, static power conversion systems are utilized as in electric mining
shovels, thus eliminating motor generator sets for conversion of incoming a-c power to d-
c for motion drive motors