Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
Issue link: https://emj.epubxp.com/i/70939
COMPANY PROFILE-PAID ADVERTISEMENT J. H. Fletcher & Co. - Carving Its 75-Year Legacy in Stone and Coal Times were tough in 1937, but in some ways, promising. Americans were going back to work at last, as unemployment fell from a high of 21%. Troubling signs from Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Adolph Hitler, and the loss of humanity when the German airship Hindenberg exploded while trying to moor over New Jersey, were offset by impressive American accomplishments such as the opening of the engi- neering masterpiece, the Golden Gate Bridge. Americans' average annual wages were $1,780.00, and nowhere was the work more difficult or risky than in the nation's coal mines. But a new era of underground mining productivity and safety was about to unfold. J. H. Fletcher & Co. opened for business that year, with the idea that rubber-tired technology, already being used under- ground in the minerals industry, could be applied to coal mines as well. In the three-quarters of a century since, Fletcher engi- neers have developed a succession of technologies focused on worker safety and productivity in underground industrial miner- als and coal mines. Fletcher firsts include tire-mounted tim- bering machines capable of delivering massive timbers where needed, and patented internal dust collection, leading to the first practical roof control drill. Today, Fletcher remote-controlled and operator-up roof bolters secure overhead rock using advanced, on-board comput- er technology that senses geologic conditions for optimum drilling and roof mapping. Fletcher single- and dual-head drill jumbos cover headings up to 60' wide by 35' high, using high- performance hammers and accurate Graphic Operator Angle Display systems. Fletcher scaling vehicles, built from the ground up to withstand the rigors of underground work, remove haz- ardous materials from heights up to 50'. Fletcher powder load- ers allow charging crews to work in lower-than-ever DPM and noise environments. And powerful Fletcher diesel tractors ply in and out of the mines hauling supplies quickly and efficiently. Features like ergonomically-designed, pressurized operator compartments and demand-based engine controls improve effi- ciency and operator comfort. Today's Fletcher customers have more options than ever for integrating their overall equipment strategies across machines. Listen. Think. Create. Fletcher engineers spend more time in the field, listening to cus- tomers telling them what they like—and don't like—about 18 E&MJ; • JUNE 2012 www.e-mj.com mobile equipment. How can operations be made more efficient? How can operators be kept safer, or more comfortable? Some of our best ideas begin when a customer asks, "Why can't…?" This eagerness to solve customer problems sets Fletcher apart. Such was the case when a long-standing Fletcher customer confided in his Fletcher sales engineer that he'd like to see a vehicle created for towing supplies into and out of the mine. "Make it bigger, heavier than existing units; with the same level of engineering found in Fletcher roof bolters," he said. When the rep relayed the customer's comments to Fletcher design engineers, an idea was germinated that has become an important component in many mining operations. The Fletcher diesel tractor, with multiple sizes and a variety of attachments is among the most versatile underground vehicles. Research & Development looks into major ideas that require new designs or application of new technologies. Perhaps a com- pany with 75 years in the business has resolved that issue before. In that case, engineering may be able to apply earlier solutions to modern machines. Either way, Fletcher hires and keeps some of the best electrical, mechanical and hydraulic engineering minds in the business—the same people who will work on your equipment. Recent Fletcher developments include narrow pass-by bolters, low-seam bolters with walk-thru chassis, and beam-set- ting machines that allow entire beam assemblies to be put together at one location, and then moved in one piece to be secured. Fletcher's unique manufacturing process allows each machine to be assembled by a single team of technicians, fol- lowing the process from start to finish. It's their handiwork, and every team takes pride in the equipment it ships. Managing Risk Every equipment manufacturer and mine should do all it can to optimize the safety and comfort of its workers. No one takes safe- ty more seriously than J. H. Fletcher & Co. Our full-time, fully- staffed Risk Management Department focuses on equipment safety and product liability issues. They support every customer with operator training and re-training programs, audio-visual operating programs, newsletters and safety bulletins, manuals, warning tags—whatever it takes to help customers operate prof- itably, efficiently and with the greatest worker safety.