The Mammoet move in an Australian mine which triggered the LorraMine scene:



A LorraMine intervention crane has been mobilized to assist in the loading operation:



Power packs are put in place and the SPMT precisely positioned for the loading:





To be continued.
Guy

This is incredible.
Guy can’t thank you enough for posting pictures on their behalf.
Steve

Rear counterweight supports being now both in vertical position, the loading can proceed.

To be continued.
Guy

Nearly there:



To be continued (tomorrow) with the final phases of the loading.

Regards.
Guy

The SPMT has been moved away from the ramp and the 9800 rotated to ensure an optimum weight transfer:



To be continued.
Guy

Fastening of the giant excavator progresses:





Everything seems ready for the 9800 relocation, except for mandatory heavy haulage authorizations for the short part of the transport on public roads, not yet received.

So we'll leave the transport there and move (tomorrow) to another part of the mine, where alternative means to conventional digging are being tested.

Regards.
Guy

Today, we have been invited to witness the test of a new equipment arrived in LorraMine: the Wirtgen Surface Miner.
As per Wirtgen, "surface miners are primarily used for the selective mining of mineral deposits and pay minerals, from soft coal to hard limestone, in opencast operation. They cut, crush and load the material in a single working pass without the need for drilling and blasting, thus enabling the exploitation rates of mineral deposits to be increased significantly."

When we arrive on site, our photographer is already there, shooting the giant machine:





Some mine Managers attending seem impressed:



To be continued.
Guy

The real machine, which picture was used by Denis to improve his model:



Were added to the Conrad model:
- 9 spotlights around the cab roof and 4 additional at the top of the conveyor belt,
- 2 large automatic extinguishers an 1 hand held unit,
- 2 cables between the belt chassis and its counterweight,
- 2 additional cables crossing those already in place to secure the conveyor belt,
- 1 antenna on the cab roof,
- some black paint at engine exhausts,
- and of course... an operator!

The end result:



Regards.
Guy

Just turn on the blinkie lights and hit the road Guy! The authorities will soon be along and give a proper escort and all the haters will be in the ditch!!
I’ve always said it’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission 🤗

---

Are you an enviromentist, or do you work for a living?

Claus,

You are absolutely correct: I hadn't noticed that the LeTourneau bucket was bent that way in the bottom. I wonder what caused that damage: I'll ask Denis if he knows about it.

In terms of the picture you refer to, "Manugo", a member of the French Forum "Photos de TP" had noted, when it was posted originally, that there were some minor problems with it: the Operator still sitting in the cab, different positions of both power boosters, one of the bucket load distribution plate misaligned, a line visible in the background sky, etc.
Manugo worked that picture on his computer and sent to Denis a "modified" picture, with these problems corrected. Here it is:



Ps: we have a game in France called "the seven errors game" where kids (and grown-up people) have to find between 2 drawings or pictures what has been modified. Enjoy!

I hope it helps.
Guy