Batch haulage Joy Shuttle Cars

First introduced in 1938, Joy shuttle cars continue to be the gold standard for batch haulage vehicles in the underground mining industry. Our shuttle cars are known for their exceptional reliability, lower operating costs, and sustained high levels of productivity.

Joy shuttle cars are designed to work as a system with continuous miners, efficiently removing cut material from the working face and maximizing the productivity of the entire section.  Our product line includes:

• 10SC32: five models with rated load capacities ranging from 8 to 30 tonnes (9 to 33 tons) and operating heights from 1.3 to 2.7 m (53 to 104 in.)
• 10SC42: features a rated load capacity of 16 tonnes (18 tons) and is ideal for mid-to-high seam applications
• 21SC04: features a rated load capacity of 8 tonnes (9 tons) and is ideal for low- to mid-seam applications

The chassis and rolling gear on each of our shuttle car models were designed, using finite element analysis, to find the optimal balance of:

• Volumetric load
• Vehicle dimensions
• Load-carrying ability
• Fatigue life

Hauling power

Our heavy-duty, high-power drive trains enable our shuttle cars to haul heavy loads in the most difficult conditions. Two 85kW VFD AC traction motors (50kW in lower seam models) power the permanent four-wheel drive system. The cast pivot axles are virtually indestructible, while the heavy-duty conveyors and abrasion-resistant conveyor decking improve reliability and durability. 

1. Configuration to meet this height may impact operator compartment ergonomics.
2. Canopy set to lowest height. 

Optidrive AC

The Optidrive AC variable frequency drive (VFD) system integrates electrical, software, electronic, and mechanical systems to provide the following features:

• Increased tram speed: our maximum vehicle tram speed, now at the statutory limit of 6 mph (9.6 km/hr), translates into more haulage trips per shift. The Optidrive system also significantly increases the tractive effort available, improving the shuttle car’s ability to climb gradients and negotiate difficult roadway conditions
• Regenerative braking: automatic regenerative braking by the electric motors supplements the mechanical brakes, allowing the latter to run cooler with extended wear life. Regenerative breaking is also highly effective at automatically maintaining constant speeds when descending gradients
• Better speed control: with infinitely variable tram speed capability, operators are easily able to precisely control the shuttle car’s speed. Smooth acceleration and deceleration leads to less operator fatigue and the ability to creep the shuttle car forward behind the miner at a constant speed during the cutting cycle, preventing damage caused by inadvertent machine contact
• Less maintenance: AC traction motors are typically more reliable, durable, and require less maintenance than DC traction motors since there are no commutator brushes to inspect and replace