Abstract: A mining machine includes a base having two drive tracks configured to rest on a ground surface and to move the mining machine along a first direction. The drive tracks each have a length along the first direction between a front end of the drive track and a rear end of the drive track. The mining machine further includes a carbody that extends between the two drive tracks, a turntable coupled to the carbody that defines an axis of rotation, and a stabilizer appendage coupled to the carbody. The stabilizer appendage extends forward from the carbody along the first direction and includes a roller or plate to contact the ground surface and provide stabilizing support during a digging operation. The axis of rotation is positioned closer to the front end of the drive tracks than the rear end of the drive tracks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an industrial machine. One system includes a controller that includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to calculate an eccentricity of a center of gravity of the industrial machine with respect to a center of a bearing propelling the industrial machine and calculate a ground pressure associated with the bearing based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity. The electronic processor is also configured to set a maximum torque applied by an actuator included in the industrial machine to a value less than an available maximum torque based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity and the ground pressure.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom, an elongated member supported by a pivot element for movement relative to the boom, and a digging attachment. The boom includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end. The pivot element is positioned between the first end and the second end of the boom. The hoist rope includes a portion extending over the second end of the boom. The member includes a first end, a second end, a first portion proximate the first end of the member, and a second portion positioned between the first portion and the second end of the member. At least a portion of the second portion is oriented at an angle relative to the first portion. The digging attachment is coupled to the second end of the member and is supported by the hoist rope.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom coupled to the frame, a handle coupled to the frame and a dipper coupled to the handle. The handle includes an extension, and a bail is coupled directly to the extension, such that the bail is isolated from the dipper.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a base having two drive tracks configured to rest on a ground surface and to move the mining machine along a first direction. The drive tracks each have a length along the first direction between a front end of the drive track and a rear end of the drive track. The mining machine further includes a carbody that extends between the two drive tracks, a turntable coupled to the carbody that defines an axis of rotation, and a stabilizer appendage coupled to the carbody. The stabilizer appendage extends forward from the carbody along the first direction and includes a roller or plate to contact the ground surface and provide stabilizing support during a digging operation. The axis of rotation is positioned closer to the front end of the drive tracks than the rear end of the drive tracks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an industrial machine. One system includes a controller that includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to calculate an eccentricity of a center of gravity of the industrial machine with respect to a center of a bearing propelling the industrial machine and calculate a ground pressure associated with the bearing based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity. The electronic processor is also configured to set a maximum torque applied by an actuator included in the industrial machine to a value less than an available maximum torque based on the eccentricity of the center of gravity and the ground pressure.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom coupled to the frame, a handle coupled to the frame and a dipper coupled to the handle. The handle includes an extension, and a bail is coupled directly to the extension, such that the bail is isolated from the dipper.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom having an interior chamber, a saddle block coupled to the boom, a handle slidably coupled to the saddle block, and a reel system disposed at least partially within the chamber.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom, an elongated member supported by a pivot element for movement relative to the boom, and a digging attachment. The boom includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end opposite the first end. The pivot element is positioned between the first end and the second end of the boom. The hoist rope includes a portion extending over the second end of the boom. The member includes a first end, a second end, a first portion proximate the first end of the member, and a second portion positioned between the first portion and the second end of the member. At least a portion of the second portion is oriented at an angle relative to the first portion. The digging attachment is coupled to the second end of the member and is supported by the hoist rope.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a base for supporting the shovel on a support surface, a boom, an elongated member movably coupled to the boom, and a support member. The boom includes a first end pivotably coupled to the base and a second end positioned away from the base, the boom being pivotable about a boom pivot axis extending transversely to the boom proximate the first end. The elongated member is pivotable about a shaft positioned between the first end and the second end of the boom. The support member biases the boom against pivoting movement about the boom pivot axis, and the support member extends between the base and the boom.

Abstract: A rope shovel includes a wristing dipper arrangement. The shovel comprises a base, a boom extending from the base, the boom having a first end attached to the base and a second end remote from the base. The shovel further comprises a pulling mechanism mounted on the second end of the boom and a boom attachment pivotally mounted on the boom and attached to a dipper, the boom attachment including an actuator coupled to the dipper.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a digging assembly having a generally V-shaped boom including a lower connection point for attachment to the mining shovel. A first portion of the boom extends generally upwardly from the lower connection point, and a second portion of the boom is angled with respect to and extends upwardly and forwardly from the first portion. The second portion includes a distal end defining a sheave support, and a pivot element is positioned generally at a connection area between the first portion and the second portion. The digging assembly also includes a boom attachment having a first end that is pivotally supported by the pivot element and a second end that is supported by the sheave support.

Abstract: A rope shovel includes a wristing dipper arrangement. The shovel comprises a base, a boom extending from the base, the boom having a first end attached to the base and a second end remote from the base. The shovel further comprises a pulling mechanism mounted on the second end of the boom and a boom attachment pivotally mounted on the boom and attached to a dipper, the boom attachment including an actuator coupled to the dipper.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom having an interior chamber, a saddle block coupled to the boom, a handle slidably coupled to the saddle block, and a reel system disposed at least partially within the chamber.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a digging assembly having a generally V-shaped boom including a lower connection point for attachment to the mining shovel. A first portion of the boom extends generally upwardly from the lower connection point, and a second portion of the boom is angled with respect to and extends upwardly and forwardly from the first portion. The second portion includes a distal end defining a sheave support, and a pivot element is positioned generally at a connection area between the first portion and the second portion. The digging assembly also includes a boom attachment having a first end that is pivotally supported by the pivot element and a second end that is supported by the sheave support.

Abstract: A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw defining a lip and a chin The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a digging assembly having a generally V-shaped boom including a lower connection point for attachment to the mining shovel. A first portion of the boom extends generally upwardly from the lower connection point, and a second portion of the boom is angled with respect to and extends upwardly and forwardly from the first portion. The second portion includes a distal end defining a sheave support, and a pivot element is positioned generally at a connection area between the first portion and the second portion. The digging assembly also includes a boom attachment having a first end that is pivotally supported by the pivot element and a second end that is supported by the sheave support.

Abstract: A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw defining a lip and a chin The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a digging assembly having a generally V-shaped boom including a lower connection point for attachment to the mining shovel. A first portion of the boom extends generally upwardly from the lower connection point, and a second portion of the boom is angled with respect to and extends upwardly and forwardly from the first portion. The second portion includes a distal end defining a sheave support, and a pivot element is positioned generally at a connection area between the first portion and the second portion. The digging assembly also includes a boom attachment having a first end that is pivotally supported by the pivot element and a second end that is supported by the sheave support.

Abstract: A dipper including a dipper door and an impact actuated jaw having a “C” shape defining a lip and a chin. The jaw is rotatably mounted on the dipper door for rotation between a door-opened position and a door-closed position and positioned so that when the jaw is in the door-opened position, the jaw chin can be impacted by the dipper body when the door pivots to the door-closed position. The dipper also includes a hold open mechanism for releasably holding the door latch in the latch open position when the latch is in the open position, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the latch when the latch is in the door-closed position. The locking mechanism includes one bar pivotally attached to the door, and another bar pivotally connected to and extending between each of the one bar and the latch.