UTILITY VEHICLES offers a narrow vein 3100 range of bolters which are man up machines and usually work in 2 m wide headings and a heading height of 4.5 m . Because of the hard strata being drilled , they are supplied with the HV-32 percussive drifter for wet drilling application .
And aside from its Fletcher branded solutions , in June 2022 , it completed the acquisition of Cannon Mining – its portfolio includes drill jumbos , scalers , and roof bolters which have further broadened Fletcher ’ s existing product lines . Additionally , the articulated frame utility vehicle product line is all new to Fletcher and includes scissor trucks , crane trucks , man baskets , and fuel / lube packages . Jackson : “ Aside from products , Cannon is very strong in Mexico – so that is useful for us as well plus we can bring Cannon solutions into the markets where we are present , if there is a customer need . We have also chosen to keep the Cannon brand as it has good market loyalty and recognition .”
Given this wide range of options , what is J . H . Fletcher ’ s broader market focus and market strategy ? Jackson commented : “ We recognise that we have a very strong footprint in underground coal which includes a market leadership position in US coal , but we also recognise that the world demand for industrial minerals and precious metals is increasing , so we are actively diversifying globally . In terms of regional markets , our goal is to partner with distributors that are country-based and can offer our customers both technical and service support as well as understanding their needs .”
He added that there have been some significant changes to Fletcher ’ s global distribution model recently . Overall , the new international non-exclusive distribution model offers its customers maximum procurement flexibility and access to carefully selected authorised service providers , tailored to suit their territory-specific needs .
On personnel carriers and other utility vehicles that do not form part of its own portfolio , Fletcher has a new distributor agreement with UVB in Botswana to supply its range of machines into the US market . “ They have a very broad offering range including 4 , 6 and 10 t utility machines . They also have a range of dedicated underground personnel vehicles to replace converted Land Cruiser type vehicles underground . We already have a UVB Mine Scout unit in the US which we have been showcasing for our US customers and there has been a lot of market interest in it .”
Finally on powertrains , Fletcher supplies both diesel and diesel electric machines , again depending on customer requirements . Its offering also includes both flameproof and nonflameproof options . It has also been developing battery electric solutions and in 2023 highlighted its new N3112-B / E Battery Electric Bolter designed for bolting in low to medium height conditions from 1.7 m to 3.66 m . “ We are getting a lot of customer interest in BEV technology – but in the markets we serve there hasn ’ t been a lot of commercial demand yet though we know it might come . I think for battery electric the product has to be geared to the application very specifically . Changes in operating parameters like conditions , duty cycles or shift patterns make reconfiguration both difficult and costly on BEVs .”
Similarly on autonomy , including remote control , Fletcher is actively working with its technology-driven customers on these options though of course automation on a machine as complex as a bolter comes at an expense . “ Fletcher prides itself in offering multiple levels of automation packages for its bolters and drill rigs . The systems are designed and tailored for site specific challenges to provide customers with maximum benefit . Automation in simplicity is the key . Fletcher automation systems are designed to be maintainable and user friendly , while installed on machines that are proven to be amongst the most reliable and robust in the world . This methodology ensures we unlock the full potential of the machine , delivering high performance and quality output , efficiently and consistently .”
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ROBUST .
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RELIABLE .
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