Revolutionizing batch haulage

Celebrating the 80-year anniversary of the shuttle car

A history of innovation

Joy has a rich history of innovation, one that ultimately lead to the development and manufacture of the shuttle car, the most commonly used batch haulage system in the mining industry. Now in its 80^th year, this revolutionary piece of machinery continues transform the way operations transport their materials.

It all began in 1919, when Joseph Joy introduced the first mechanical loading system. Despite this incredible achievement and the technological advances that followed, transportation of coal from the face remained dependent on rail mounted haulage vehicles, which were labor intensive and provided a limited amount of production.

A revolutionary development

In 1937, Joy’s Arthur Knoizen and John Rusell introduced an exciting haulage concept that would change the underground mining industry forever. Given the name “shuttle car,” this new vehicle became the first truly successful rubber-tired hauler to hit the market in 1938.

By 1943, Joy released new features that included four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and the first hydraulic system to allow power steering and braking.

This lead to the creation of the most popular shuttle car ever produced: the 10SC, initially released in 1948.

The next generation of haulage

Joy’s next innovation came in 1958 with the 18SC; a six wheeled, vertically articulating shuttle car.  By using six smaller tires and allowing the machine to flex vertically in the middle.

In 1969, Joy introduced one of the most popular shuttle cars the coal mining industry has ever seen: The 21SC, a vehicle that is still in production today.

By 1980, the need for heavy duty, high capacity haulage vehicles in the trona mines of the Western United States led to introduction of the 25-ton capacity 10SC22D. Built around the field proven features of the highly successful 10SC family of shuttle cars, this new machine quickly found success across the globe.

Throughout history, we have remained steadfast in our dedication to innovation. Our most recent advancements include four-wheel independent suspension, variable frequency drive (VFD), and remote control.

Today, shuttle cars are used in both coal and non-coal applications throughout the world.

Moving>FORWARD

Joy’s latest model is the 10SC42, which features variable frequency drive for the conveyor, joystick controls, on board cameras and a monitor. This machine represents the next evolutionary step in technology, safety, and operator comfort.

As with all Komatsu products, you can count on Joy shuttle cars for world-class innovation, reliability and durability. Together, we’re moving the mining industry>FORWARD.

To learn more about Joy’s contributions to the mining industry, visit www.mining.komatsu