With the five new Eickhoff SL 500s, Datong’s fleet has increased to a total of 30 Eickhoff shearer loaders.

Today, Datong is not only one of the major customers of Eickhoff but also one of the top five main coal producers in China.

Since the very first Eickhoff shearer started cutting at Datong in 2002, the mine has regularly set new production levelsw.

The Eickhoff SL 500 is especially suited to mid to high seam applications, between 2.3m and 6.0m.

For nearly two decades the Eickhoff SL 500 has gained a reputation as a workhorse with high availability and minimum downtime.

The SL 500 continues to be number-one choice for longwall specialists in China and Russia, according to the company.

“Operators value the characteristic Eickhoff underframe concept while owners appreciate its profitability,” it said.

“The purchase of additional five machines is further strengthening the role of the Datong Group.”