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Published in the August 2006 American Longwall Magazine
What began as a line of rock dusting equipment and handheld hydraulic drills at the company’s inception has become a line of diverse personnel carrier options. From the beginning, Damascus focused on the needs of mines; its first three-wheeled, two-man machine could operate in coal seams as thin as 29 inches.
As the need for larger carriers grew, the company developed its MAC-8 (8-10 person) and, later, the Lil’MAC, both of which were designed to run more efficiently and with greater durability.
In 1992, Damascus expanded its options from battery-powered carriers and introduced its first diesel product, the MAC-8D. Now, depending on an operation’s needs, that carrier is available from a MAC-2D (48-inch wide) to a 14-person MAC 10-D – and for more challenging underground terrain, the MAC-3D 4x4.
With a high concentration on health and safety issues in recent years, the company said its MAC-XP explosion-proof, permissible three-person machine was well received. Calling it “rugged and dependable yet uncomplicated and easy to maintain”, Damascus says the 10HP carrier is versatile in its production. It can operate even in the lowest of seams (28in) and can be lifted to a ground clearance of 14in.
With all of its products, Damascus has utilized a collection of standard features, including Soft-Ride air suspension and heavy duty, industrial-grade batteries. Also, the MAC-XP was the first of the line to have an advanced 600-amp Sevcon Powerpack, a microprocessor-based controller that is user friendly and powerful – “powerful enough to provide regenerative braking as an added safety feature”, the company noted.
Throughout its existence, Damascus’ research and development efforts and staying on the cutting edge of the industry’s needs have always been a priority. “We are committed to keeping up with increased demands for our products and services. We have tripled our fabrication, assembly and rebuild/repair capacity by increasing both personnel and plant size.”
