№85-12

Research of the current state of using hydraulic excavators for mineral mining

М. Chebanov¹ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6681-2701

H. Zakinian¹    https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1641-4768

¹Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, Ukraine

Coll.res.pap.nat.min.univ. 2026, 85:156–166

Full text (PDF)

https://doi.org/10.33271/crpnmu/85.156

ABSTRACT

Purpose. To comprehensively investigate the current state of hydraulic excavator application in surface mining and analyze existing digging schemes to identify systemic flaws in modern methods of substantiating rational technological parameters of the working face.

Methodology. To achieve the goal, a comprehensive methodological approach was applied, combining methods of scientific synthesis and generalization of advanced industrial experience from mining enterprises, a comparative analysis of kinematic characteristics and spatial positioning of extraction equipment, and the study of spatial-kinematic schemes of working zones.

Findings. It has been established that the mass transition from traditional rope shovels to hydraulic machines has become a global, irreversible trend: today, the share of hydraulic excavators in the global fleet has reached 11%, while that of rope shovels has dropped to 1.5%. It was determined that excavator efficiency depends on the technological scheme of operation: top loading maximizes the bench height to 8.5–10 m, while bottom loading reduces mineral losses to 8–12%. Increasing the excavator's swing angle to 180° causes a twofold drop in productivity, and the implementation of dead-end logistics schemes requires expanding the working bench width to 13–15 meters.

Originality. For the first time, flaws in modern methodologies for designing the working face parameters of hydraulic excavators are systematized. It has been proven that existing static-geometric models and economic approaches ignore the dynamics of digging and dumping processes. A new scientific problem is formulated, consisting in substantiating the variable spatial positioning of a hydraulic excavator relative to the bench and haul truck as a critical factor influencing the total cycle time and excavator productivity.

Practical significance. The research results and identified limitations of existing design approaches form the necessary scientific foundation for developing a comprehensive methodology for substantiating the working face parameters of hydraulic excavators, which will optimize operations and increase the productivity of the mining and transport complex.

Keywords: hydraulic excavator, working face parameters, digging kinematics, working bench width, bench height.

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date of first submission of the article to the publication – 04/10/2026
date of acceptance of the article for publication after review – 05/20/2026
date of publication – 06/30/2026