Certified Lifting Solutions For Raise Boring Maintenance

Sandvik introduces a patented cutter lifting tool and reamer lifting system to reduce manual handling risks during raise boring maintenance.  www.home.sandvik Maintaining raise boring equipment requires maneuvering heavy, asymmetrically shaped cutters into precise mounting angles, which traditionally involves insecure lifting slings. To address these mechanical handling and safety challenges in underground mining operations, Sandvik has developed two certified lifting solutions designed to improve control and efficiency during raise boring assembly and maintenance. Cutter Lifting Tool And Positioning Mechanics Raise boring cutters feature a cone-shaped geometry and require specific mounting angles across a reamer head, making them difficult to secure using standard soft lifting slings. The Sandvik patented cutter lifting tool structurally secures and positions the cutter at the exact angle required to dress the reamer. Anders Lindblom, Senior R&D Professional at Sandvik Mining, notes that gauge cutters are particularly difficult to install due to their mounting angle, and the new tool positions the cutter correctly for its saddle to minimize manual intervention. The lifting tool features a maximum working load of 150 kilograms and is mechanically compatible with all Sandvik raise boring cutter and saddle models, including those utilized on push-bore reamers. Reamer-Head Lifting System And Retrofitting Alongside the cutter tool, Sandvik released a certified reamer-head lifting system that integrates rated lifting shackles with a revised reamer-head architecture. To protect the hardware from operational damage and abrasive wear, the lifting shackles are designed to be removed prior to the commencement of drilling operations. Independent specialists in mechanical simulation and heavy lifting have structurally verified the reamer-head lifting design. Furthermore, the system supports backward compatibility, allowing older compatible reamer heads to be retrofitted at a designated Sandvik workshop. Both solutions are commercially available globally and are intended to replace non-standardized lifting methods with certified equipment supported by strict operating instructions. Additional Context This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement. The assembly and maintenance of raise boring machines present significant ergonomic and safety hazards in underground mining due to the confined spaces and the massive weight of the reamer heads and individual cutters. Regulatory bodies governing mine safety increasingly mandate the elimination of improvised rigging practices, such as the use of soft slings on smooth, conical metal surfaces, which are highly prone to slippage. In the heavy mining equipment sector, manufacturers like Epiroc and Master Drilling similarly prioritize the development of purpose-built, load-rated handling jigs to comply with stringent mechanical lifting standards. The integration of certified, retrofittable lifting points establishes a critical benchmark for risk mitigation, ensuring that maintenance crews can execute cutter changes efficiently while adhering to documented safe working load limits and rigorous industrial safety protocols. Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI. www.mining.sandvik.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing