Boomlader goes underground

K+S KALI GmbH has acquired a Boomlader telescopic handler to perform essential maintenance works at its potash mine in Unterbreizbach, Germany.

The Boomlader was delivered to the Unterbreizbach mine in early 2012. However, because of its size, several components of the machine had to be lowered into the mine shaft separately and then assembled underground.

The Boomlader is used to inspect and maintain some 80km of mine tunnels on a four-weekly cycle. The unit is also used to repair and maintain cranes in the underground workshop, change fluorescent lights and install mine safety nets in the roof above common areas.

K+S KALI chose the Boomlader because it can be fully controlled and operated from the working cage with the boom elevated, which saves time for the operators charged with checking 5000 inspection holes and anchor bolts throughout the mine.

The Boomlader consists of a conventional, rigid Bobcat telescopic handler with an attached working cage. The working cage can be detached in minutes and replaced with a fork or bucket.

K+S KALI acquired the Boomlader from authorized Bobcat dealer, Meis Baumaschinen (construction machinery) of Reken, Germany.