Mine Shutdown & Maintenance
THE benefits of utilising a Tracked Elevating Device (TED) are extensive, according to Nivek Industries operations manager Jeff Merchant.
TED was initially designed as a safe way to remove and replace Belly Guards in the field, but with an ever-evolving range of smart attachments, safe belly plate removal was just the tip of the iceberg.
Recounting the years of pushing cumbersome air and spider jacks under machinery while working as a maintainer on mine sites, Mr Merchant said TED was a game-changer.
“TED is so much easier than using the old foot pump jacks; TED has the power, range and freedom to take the weight and the back-busting manpower out of so many maintenance jobs,” Mr Merchant said.
“Using TED, you no longer need spider jacks, block and tackles, lever blocks, and air hoses under machines.”
Although TED has provided life-saving safety gains, it has been the day-to-day ease of operations that many fitters most appreciated.
Mr Merchant said he particularly appreciated aspects such as not having to wait around for a forklift, not having to do a pre-lift assessment and book a crane, and the flexibility of having TED available in the pit and not needing an air compressor.
He also appreciated the ability to lift and lower components almost anywhere, and not relying on rated lifting points to attach overhead lifting gear in the field.
Savings on the body by not having to lift, push, and pull heaving components under machinery, especially while crawling, has had immeasurable short and long-term benefits for workers’ health, which also resulted in productivity gains.
More information and the range of versatile attachments can be found at www.nivekindustries.com.au.