With its innovative locking system, there is no need to use a heavy hammer when fitting tooth assemblies onTrinity's latest ripper design, one of a number of new products aimed at the mining market. The firm reckons that this should make removal or installation of worn out teeth considerably safer and easier, as well as reducing downtime in the field. At the same time, ripping efficiency is increased and Trinity claims the patented design also offers increased wear life, resulting in lower overall operating costs. Comprising an oblong pin, shank, shroud and sliding tooth, the patented ripper only requires an Allen key for assembly or disassembly.

Designed for the heaviest of ripping duties, this is available in a variety of sizes for dozers ranging from the D7-D11 and configurations to suit all applications. And Trinity says its rippers can also be used on similarly sized Komatsu dozers, as well as other machines in the same size classes. However, D. Scott Rife, general manager for Trinity Mining Services said, "We don't make them for the D575 as the population is too small."
 

The hammerless sliding tooth design seen on the rippers is also offered on the firm's new dragline wear part range and this is said to be the only ground engagement tool system of its kind on the market. As with the ripper teeth, the dragline products offer quick and easy change-outs for reduced down time and increased safety, improved machine productivity and lower overall operating costs. Lastly, Mr. Rife said that Trinity is achieving some success in the US longwall-mining sector with its improved armored face conveyors. The cast sigma sections are designed to offer increased strength and durability for a longer working life, while, a novel beveled deck plate provides conveyor flexibility. Other features include an inspection pan and the option for custom-built components, which can be suited to any longwall system. Conveying equipment supplied by Trinity is now being used at one of Consol's biggest underground coal mines, one of four such systems now being used in the USA.