Reliability at work

Revolution

LatchFreeTM
Dipper System
 Revolution
Bucyrus is an innovator and market leader in the design and
manufacture of electric mining shovels. Its ongoing research and
development efforts have culminated in high performance
shovels that operate in all mining applications.
Bucyrus shovels are continuously evolving as improvements in
design and technology emerge, providing maximum productivity
and cost effectiveness. Bucyrus is committed to supplying
shovels to the mining community that provide an edge in the
drive toward greater safety, increased availability and maximized
productivity.

The LatchFree™ Reduced Safety Risk

Dipper System The LatchFreeTM Dipper System improves safety by removing

Bucyrus’ patented LatchFreeTM Dipper System eliminates the
number one reason for unplanned shovel downtime in most
mines. A strong steel link replaces the latch assembly that has
been in use on rope shovels since they were originally intro-
duced to mining. The new LatchFreeTM system requires no
regular adjustment, has fewer moving parts and the mechanism
is removed from the material flow – all of which translate directly
to greater safety, increased shovel uptime, and increased
productivity.
the need to maintain the latch bar, latch keeper, shims and
inserts. This maintenance intensive latch assembly is comple-
tely eliminated. There is no need to prop the door open to work
on these components. There is no hammering with a sledge,
no welding and no need to put your maintenance personnel in
harms way to adjust the latch assembly. The LatchFreeTM
system is maintained when the dipper and dipper door are
refurbished.

Increased Machine Uptime

Increase productivity by increasing the machine’s uptime. The

LatchFreeTM Dipper System will allow you to operate over
a long period of time without needing to maintain the
dipper door holding mechanism. It provides a secure
close and hold, there will be no lost loads due to
unexpected door trips. The LatchFreeTM system
will increase operator confidence and will not need
to be adjusted to operator preference, allowing each
operator more time to dig and produce.
Reliability

The LatchFreeTM Dipper System will eliminate the number one

downtime occurrence on most electric mining shovels. Un-
planned maintenance will be greatly minimized because the
latch assembly is removed from the dipper and dipper door. No
adjustments to the LatchFreeTM components are required bet-
ween major overhauls to the dipper and dipper door. There is
tremendous value in being able to predict and schedule main-
tenance for the LatchFreeTM system. The new system requires
no maintenance until the dipper and dipper door are
scheduled for maintenance. Ultimately, the reliability of the
LatchFreeTM Dipper System provides value to the mine by way
of a predictable maintenance schedule and more consistent
loading times.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Relocating the door holding components to the dipper back from

the lower door removes those hard working components from
the flow of material. The new LatchFreeTM system will not be
subject to the harsh location of the lower dipper door. Main-
tenance costs and damage are decreased because the Latch-
Designed and manufactured by
FreeTM components do not come into contact with the ground,
Bucyrus International, Inc.
dipper, haul truck or in pit feeder/hopper. LatchFreeTM Dipper is a patented
product.
There are only two moving components in the LatchFreeTM US Patent No. 7,096,610,
Dipper System. Many of the small hardware components have Australian Patent No. 2006202118
been eliminated. The robust LatchFreeTM Dipper System was Patents Pending: Brazil, Canada
field tested using strain gauges, and all of the structural com- and Chile
ponent designs were evaluated by extensive peer review and
FEA analysis.

The Principle
The LatchFreeTM holding mechanism is located on the top of the
dipper body, rather than on the lower portion of the dipper door Availability
– in the flow of material. The door closes by gravity as the dip-
The LatchFreeTM Dipper System
per is lowered, and the upper end of the holding link toggles over
is available as optional
center into its closed position against the release cam on the dip-
equipment on all traditional
per back. The door is securely held in the closed position until
Bucyrus 495, 395, and 295
the operator is ready to release the load. The dipper trip rope is
shovels. Make sure your new
attached to an elevated arm and shaft, so that the rope is up and
electric rope shovel is supplied
out of harm's way from accidental damage. When the trip rope
with the latest dipper innovation
is pulled, the arm and shaft rotate the release cam, which
available in the market place.
pushes the eccentric over center and releases the holding link,
Let Bucyrus supply you with
allowing the door to swing open. The LatchFreeTM mechanism
superior loading capability in
is a simpler system with fewer moving parts than the antiquated
your new Bucyrus shovel.
conventional latch system.
The LatchFreeTM system is also
available as a retrofit on all
traditional Bucyrus 495, 395
The PEAK program will support and 295 shovels. Give yourself
the new LatchFreeTM system. It a productivity edge, eliminate
is one stop shopping for all spare bushings, link pins, screws, downtime associated with the
and hardware assembly needed to maintain your new Latch- latch assembly and eliminate
FreeTM Dipper System. Kits have been created with all the parts the safety hazard of the
you will need to maintain the system when you refurbish your maintenance crew adjusting the
dipper and dipper door. latch assembly.
 The Promise
Bucyrus delivers leading edge technology and solutions to improve mine productivity
and lower your cost per ton! Bucyrus is constantly seeking improved machine
performance, higher reliability and expanded services that maximize the productivity
of our machines. Bucyrus Edge Technologies offer operational improvements that
boost your bottom line.

Innovation – Bucyrus technology symbolizes innovation

Productivity – Bucyrus technology leads to high productivity

Commitment – Bucyrus technology is our commitment to

continuous improvement

Leading edge technology that gives you the edge!

LatchFree Dipper_V1_0309_US

www.bucyrus.com Reliability at work