Published in March 2005 Australian Longwall Magazine
The Propsetter is a specifically designed timber prop with yielding capabilities and support capacities that match four-point cribs.
The newly developed Cluster Prop concept is a set of three Propsetters bundled together, creating combined yield strength more than three times that of the individual Propsetter, with the benefit of added stability.
“This prop is more stable and has the capacity to carry greater loads,” sales and technical manager Doug Adams said.
“It also significantly reduces the amount spent on transport to move the supports, and is more efficient in terms of handling.”
Cluster Props can be stacked together on a trailer or car in such a way to allow a larger number of units to be transported at one time.
To date, two Australian mines have trialled the Cluster Prop, rated at 150 tonnes.
Several US mines are using the Cluster Prop to support their tailgates.
