Shearer and trepanner control

An examination of three widely used longwall loading machines was made during the months of May, June, July, and August, 1971.This investigation consisted of a detailed examination of the mechanical construction and controls in relation to the way in which the machines are used underground.It is shown that the existing controls have been devoloped for their . mechanical and electrical functions, that their layout bears little relation to the operator’s work task and accentuates the difficulties of the existing working conditions.It is recommended that two control areas be provided on these machines, one at each ond to contain all the controls which have relevance to that end. The controls themselves can be improved by designing them to take account of the capabilities and limitations of the shearer and trepanner operators.