Mucking the 1700 level

Mucking the 1700 level in the Original Sixteen to One Mine. This level has been underwater for over 15 years. When the mine is de-watered, all the muck in the stopes above slide down onto the level. The level was being reopened to allow tools and equipment to get to the Tightner Shaft at the North end of the mine. October 26th 2018. Using an EIMCO 12B Mucker.
The Model 12B, which weighs 4,200 pounds (1905 kg.) and requires 60-125 pounds per square inch air pressures, was first introduced in 1938. When the bucket is loaded with rubble, the operator actuates the bucket drive motor to exert force on the rocker pull chain, which is attached near the outer end of the rocker arms. The rocker arms roll the bucket upward toward the rear of the machine so that maximizes the initial lift force on the bucket. As the bucket is thrown rearward, its vertical velocity decreases, and its horizontal velocity increases until the rocker arms strike shock-absorbing stops on the frame. When the bucket stops, the contents are flung into an attached mine car. The magnitude of the forces required to lift and throw the contents, repeatedly, is substantial. Cables prevent the rocker arms and frame from coming apart under stress.
See more about the EIMCO 12B Mucker:
https://www.asme.org/about-asme/who-w...