Written by Derek Cashmore, National Sales Manager East Operations, Cooper Equipment Rentals
It’s a competitive industry out there. Nobody has an abundance of resources and, if you want to succeed, you need a lean and efficient operation. Outsourcing your mining fleet is a great way to keep costs down and try out the latest, most advanced equipment – all without any of the maintenance hassles.
But it first comes down to working with a reputable rental partner who can offer you up-to-date equipment and technology. Ensuring you have the right equipment for the job will not just keep your workers safe, but also help your projects run efficiently.
Not sure where to start? Here’s some advice on what to look out for when renting mining equipment.
Don’t miss out on the benefits of electric
Not only do battery / electric excavators not produce exhaust emissions, which helps to keep your workers safer, they also create less noise and are easier to navigate in tight spaces. When used for mining, they are mainly used for the drilling or mining of rocks, as well as excavating for mine use.
Before taking delivery of any electric / battery powered machine, however, confirm with your rental provider that it has the proper ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Systems), hydrostatic brakes, and other safety mechanisms installed, as they are crucial for safety.
Rough-terrain forklifts, aerial booms, and scissor lifts are a great asset to any surface or underground mining project
When renting these types of equipment, it’s important to ensure they have the correct safety measures installed. When used for a surface project, some mandatory safety features include a large fire extinguisher and extra back-up lights. If the scissor or boom lift is being used for an underground project, they will also require additional features such as an on-board fire suppression system and additional safety measures that are site-specific.
When looking to move materials, skids, or equipment on a mine site, an underground forklift or wheeled skid steer comes in handy
Double check with your rental provider that this equipment has the proper solid rubber tires, diesel exhaust scrubbers, a fire suppression system (if required per percentage of flammable fluids on board), enhanced ROPS, and ample lights. It can also be worth asking about an ergonomic air-operated seat for your forklift or wheeled skid steer to keep your operators comfortable.
UTVs, underground welders, air compressors, portable heaters, and other small tools are also great assets to any mining project
Utility task vehicles – or UTVs – should be set up with an independent braking system, a fire suppression system, a hydrostatic braking system, backup, and forward cameras, as well as air conditioning and heating. Underground welders are also a great option. Be sure they have a portable air scrubber installed. Portable heaters can keep work areas warm and heat up areas of raw material and superheating rooms when necessary.
Your mining equipment can play a pivotal role in the productivity of your site
Working with a rental partner comes with a lot of benefits – you always have access to the right equipment for the job and you’re also spending less time and resources on repairs and maintenance. It’s a win-win situation. Make sure to follow your rental company safety advice and ensure all features on your equipment meet OSHA, ANSI, MASHA and CSA standards.