Mining is an everchanging and demanding industry, so optimizing production and reducing downtime is critical. In this article, we will share three critical operator tips that every mine site should follow, increasing productivity and overall safety.
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Proper Haul Truck Operation
- No abrupt starts and stops
- No sudden hard braking
- No excessive speed
- No sharp turns
- No steering the wheel while stopped
- No overloading
2. Road condition
Always ensure you have proper road condition in your site, ensuring good traveling routes for haul trucks.
Operators should always:
- Avoid greasy and oily surfaces
- Avoid stones and rocks
- Avoid any puddles and get equipment to clean up as soon as possible
3. Inspect and maintain tire condition pre- and post-shift
With tires being one of the highest expenses in mining operations, ensuring proper tire condition is critical. Below are the most important aspects to check on your haul truck tires:
- Check inflation pressure on a cold tire, before your operation starts
- Check the face of the tire for cuts and tears; has the lug torn off?
- Check the bead of the tire, run your hand all around where the tire meets the wheel, ensuring it’s consistent and smooth all around.
- Check the valve stem and its core, pay attention to the following:
- Is there a cap on the valve stem
- Is the cap tight
- Is the valve stem properly seated on the wheel?
Always identify and report any abnormal tire, wheel or site conditions. If you abide to the three tips mentioned above, you will notice a significant difference in maximizing your operation cost-per-hour and having the best productivity.
For more tire tips to maximize your operation, check out our blog.
