|
Work is progressing nicely, as we can see here. The
sides of the gantry tower are in place and just need the top cross
member to be complete. Before that is done, It's time to add the ballast
( counterweight) to the machine.
Machines like this carry thousands of tons of
counterweight to balance the weight of the loaded dipper, and to keep
the machine from tipping forward when rocks are encountered while digging.
This weight is basically scrap steel which is added
to compartments in the machinery deck. We're not talking about a
"Little" bit of steel here, notice the loaded railcar which
has been lifted over the machine, it's loaded with mis-stamped nuts,
bolts and washers. |
