Benefits -

• The plow is advanced in relatively small increments (cuts) compared to a shearer. This allows the horizon control system to vertically steer the plow, keeping it in the seam even when severe seam undulations are encountered. A shearer, due to its larger cutting depths and fixed position relative to the AFC, can only make gradual changes in vertical alignment. Therefore, in severely undulating conditions, the product mined with a shearer contains a higher amount of “out-of seam” dilution.
• Easy height adjustment allows plows to work smoothly through faults or undulations, minimizing the cutting of adjacent, unwanted strata.
• Coal production is maximized while preparation costs are minimized.

Benefits -

• Full utilization of available power
• Prevention of motor overheating and resultant downtime
• Reduced motor current with optimum torque during startup
• Excellent power factor (~1)

Benefits -

• Eliminates shock loads from all drive components
• Minimizes chain failures and maximizes component life
• Allows for a quick system restart

Benefits -

• Reduces wear and tear on plow, drives and chain
• Smooth plow operation extends overall service life

Benefits -

• Remote operation allows highest safety and maximum productivity in low coal.
• The AFC/plow system and shield supports can be positioned exactly where they are needed (snakes, roof condition, faults etc.).
• System is self-correcting for over- or underpush, thereby maintaining a straight face regardless of conditions.
• Optimum use of installed power for maximum cutting depth for every area of the face.
• Automated Cat plow systems allow access to extended reserves in low coal seams to achieve a higher percentage of reserve recovery.
• Significantly more coal can be mined with more efficient layouts that reduce overall costs.

This system positions the plow chain on the gobside of the AFC, which makes it easily accessible for maintenance, a critical feature in low seam heights where working space is limited. The base-plate slides over the floor and underneath the line pans during operation. The integrated cleaning edge pushes coal from underneath the AFC back into the plow travelway. The cast plow guide is welded to the gobside of the face conveyor. Plow chains of up to 42 mm in diameter can be used, allowing the use of up to 2 × 400 kW (2 × 540 hp) installed power. Both gobside and face side pan connectors have a breaking strength of up to 2000 kN (220 tons), depending on the line pan being used.

PF line pans form the powerful backbone of the entire conveyor system. The pioneering conveyor technology and extremely rugged pan design have been subjected to extensive testing.

Benefits -

• Substantially longer service life
• Considerably lower overall pan wear

Benefits -

• Minimal friction
• Low wear of flightbar shoulder in the bottom race
• Minimized power losses
• Longer service life of flightbars and profiles
• Lower noise level during operation

Two configurations are possible: A control in each shield (typically used) or one control shared by three shields in cases where fewer shield functions are required. The VCU (Visualization & Control Unit) not only controls the entire longwall, but also visualizes face operations on a graphic display, including position, actual coal load on the AFC (through AFC power consumption), shield position, leg pressure, stroke and plow position. The VCU provides a face-wide network and allows remote maintenance of shield components as well as data recording and transfer of data to the surface.

When you invest in Cat equipment, you invest in productivity. Our global service and support packages include field service, repairs, overhauls and superior-quality OEM parts, ensuring the best long-term return on investment. Our goal is to constantly maximize customer productivity. We achieve this by remaining on the cutting edge of mining technology, providing customers with the best equipment with the lowest life-cycle costs. Cat Global Customer Service ensures that your mining equipment remains a highly productive asset.