Innovative solution for the LHD loader intended for operation in low workings of underground mines

typical operating systems of LHD loaders with a proprietary solution
based on a patent. LHD loaders belong to the group of basic machines
working in various operating systems, including room-and-pillar
systems. Due to the thickness of the deposits, mining is frequently
carried out in low workings. In the case of typical T-kinematic or Zkinematic systems, the operation of LHD loaders is more difficult.
Due to the low height of the excavation, the excavated material is
loaded in several cycles. A smaller machine generates less thrust
force, which also negatively affects loading efficiency. Additionally,
there are typical operational problems associated with the use of
hydraulic actuators, the piston rods of which are exposed to
mechanical damage and loss of tightness. In the presented proprietary
solution of the working system, the bucket is attached to a telescopic
boom system moved by hydraulic rotary actuators (Saga et al., 2019).
Moreover, the loader is equipped with spreaders to stabilize the
machine. The use of rotary actuators and a lowered pivot point of the
bucket, together with a telescopic arm and spreaders, allows the
bucket to be loaded in one cycle. In the article, the results of
simulation tests of three kinematic systems have been presented. The
analysis included, among others, the movement of the bucket, the
duration of the cycle, and the related demand for hydraulic oil, as well
as the load on the most important structural elements and nodes. The
research has shown that the proposed solution can successfully
compete with classic systems in terms of load and oil demand while
offering an advantage in terms of functionality.