Mining Equipment Distributors and Suppliers Basics

Your guide to finding the right mining equipment and supplies
By Kristina Seleshanko When outfitting yourself with purchases from mining equipment suppliers, there are many choices to be made. Mining equipment is not inexpensive, and there are many mining equipment distributors and suppliers to choose from. You need to carefully consider the basic things you should look for in new and used mining equipment and those who sell it.

Mining equipment distributors and suppliers basics are essential to understand before you make any purchase. Although the equipment you buy is specific to whatever type of mining you're involved in, there are three broad categories to consider:

1. Mining equipment manufacturers and suppliers specializing in coal-specific products

2. Mining equipment sellers with a wide selection of mining drills

3. Mining equipment distributors who carry mining-appropriate heavy equipment

Find a mining equipment distributor specializing in coal mining products

If you require equipment for coal mining, seek a manufacturer or distributor who focuses on this specialized area. They should carry, among other things, a variety of roof bolters, longwall bolters, roof supports, degasification drills and continuous miners. Choose only products from established manufacturers to ensure your employees' safety and the longevity of your equipment.
Try:  J.H. Fletcher & Co. has a variety of coal mining equipment for sale, such as material handling systems, remote drills and single- and dual-head bolters. Joy Mining Machinery sells mobile, onboard and portable bolting systems, continuous miners and longwall systems. Mining-Technology.com offers many resources for miners of all types; check out their "Products and Services" glossary, as well as their white paper articles on mining.

Buy from a mining equipment manufacturer or supplier with a selection of drills

Drills are one of the main pieces of equipment you'll be needing. Among the many types of drills you may require are handheld rock drills, drifters (for such things as long hole and bench drilling), pusher legs (for tunneling and drifting) and paving breakers (for rock outcrop and pavement).
Try:  Read a list of types of mining drills at MineSource.com to learn about the many drills available for your business. Industrial & Mining Tools Co. offers a variety of drills, including handheld rock drills and pusher legs.

Discover a mining equipment seller with appropriate heavy equipment

For surface, open-pit or underground mining, heavy equipment is a must. Look for distributors and manufacturers who sell heavy-duty loaders, dollies, cranes, shovels and scrapers. Most manufacturers who sell heavy equipment for construction also have suitable equipment for mining.
Try:  Kingsgate Consolidated offers helpful information on using heavy equipment in the mining industry. Wager Equipment Co. offers "build your own" heavy equipment and a variety of common earth moving equipment. Hoss Equipment Co. sells new and used heavy equipment suitable for mining.

• When buying from mining equipment distributors and suppliers, don't neglect to buy safety equipment. Gas detectors, respirators, fall protection systems, rescue systems and other safety tools should all be employed where appropriate.