So Mitchell, you're saying that using 35 Challengers, with 35 operators, is total cost per yard cheaper than using, say, 18 push-pull 637's with only 18 operators?
This is interesting, but more to the point, can you share with us your calculations? Is there a point in distance where the big scrapers are better? Would 657 push-pulls pencil out worse, or better? Realizing the cost new per unit is immensely in favor of the smaller tractors and scrapers, how about long term maintenance on the small rigs? How well do the under-carriages hold up? Would the International Quadra-Tracs be better both operationally and cost wise? Have you tried the Deere tractors? How about wheeled tractors? You mentioned working in muddy and soft conditions.
This ties in with the labor aspect. What are your tractor hands getting paid? Is yours a UMW operation? I'm presuming the benefit package is good.
For many years the assumption has always been in dirt moving that bigger is better and more cost effective, particularly if you can cut the cost of labor by eliminating operators and support personnel. Not being a math whiz myself, I've often wondered if, these days, that with the sheer cost of earthmoving machinery, like scrapers, if having more of the smaller machines with more operators wouldn't be better from a cost standpoint.
I think too, of the impact on the local economy and community of having more skilled jobs available, thus spreading the wealth being generated around more evenly and offering some employment future to younger people. I'm familiar with the coal operations in the Illinois and Indiana areas, and I worked the strip mines in Kentucky and West Virginia. I looked into a fleet manager position at the Aryshire mine in Indiana a long time ago. They were using the giant draglines and a huge fleet of 637's to move the overburden and also perform reclamation.
Which begs another question, is your mine using the small tractors and drag scrapers for reclamation work? Do you have conventional scrapers as well? How about dozers? Do you see an increased need for dozers, or decreased? Can you use smaller dozers (D6, D7-D8) with your spread, or larger? (D10-D11) How about rubber-tired dozers?
Speaking of maintenance, how does that tie in? Does your mine need more or less maintenance personnel such as mechanics and fuelers and oilers?
I look forward to your reply.
ointhead I will try to get some pics next week.
