The 7LS7 is the first machine of its kind to be designed and manufactured by Joy.

According to the OEM, it is the largest and most powerful longwall shearer that went into production at one of the world’s largest coal mining complexes.

The 7LS7 is Joy’s response to a market requirement for a shearer that is capable of one-pass mining at high seam heights. Joy’s product management team focused on applications that exceeded 6 metres (20 feet) in height.

The 7LS7 uses Joy’s Faceboss control system – a fully integrated, logistical control link that monitors and controls the longwall mining cycle, including shearer guidance, advancing of the shields, cut sequence and power distribution and control.

“We worked together with the customer to achieve these high production levels in the shearer’s first year of operation and are proud of the results. We appreciated all the cooperation at the mine and look forward to producing even more in the future,” Joy shearers product director Ed Niederriter said.