Mantrips are small vehicles used to transport miners in and out of mines. They can be rail-mounted or use rubber wheels, have low profiles, and safety features. They reduce travel time, keep workers on a controlled path, and provide a quick way out during emergencies.
A mantrip is a small vehicle or shuttle used to transport miners in and out of a mine each day. These vehicles travel from wash houses on the surface of the earth to deep mining areas. Mantrips can be found in coal, metal and diamond mines and come in a variety of shapes to suit the needs of different types of operations.
Most mantrip vehicles ride on permanent railroad tracks built into the mine ground. These tracks are in many cases steeply sloping, allowing the shuttle to travel very deep beneath the surface of the earth. The mantrip is operated similar to a cable car and can be moved in and out of the mine using an overhead wire. The operation of the vehicle is controlled by an electric or gas hoist positioned above the ground.
Some mantrip units do not ride on rails or rails, but instead use rubber wheels to enter and exit the mine. These vehicles resemble pickup trucks and can use a diesel or electric motor. A mantrip that does not require rails can travel farther in the mine than one operated using a cable hoist. This results in a greater degree of flexibility, but also makes travel riskier and less controlled.
Most mantrips feature a very low profile to allow the vehicle to fit into the low ceiling space characteristic of most mines. They can use a wide body design to carry large numbers of passengers, or they can be shaped like a standard truck or streetcar. Some feature open sides to allow for easy entry and exit, while others are fully enclosed to protect miners from falling rocks or other hazards. Wire or mesh can be used in place of glass to allow miners and workers to see out of the vehicle.
Many of these vehicles include a variety of safety features to protect workers in the notoriously dangerous mining industry. Most have built-in headlights to guide drivers and to alert mine workers that the vehicle is on its way. Those that operate on a cable system include a set of brakes and safety cables in case the main operating cable should break. A rubber or sand pad is often used at the bottom of the mine shaft to cushion the impact if the vehicle loses control.
Mantrips help reduce travel time to and from the mine, allowing workers to get to jobsites faster. They also keep workers on a controlled path so they are less likely to be injured if they get lost in the mine. These vehicles also provide a relatively quick way out of the mine during an emergency, which can help save lives.
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