Welcome to the world of P&H Mining Equipment, where cutting-edge machinery for drilling and material handling is our expertise. Under the renowned 'P&H' brand, we craft and support equipment that plays a vital role in mining operations worldwide, whether it's digging up precious minerals or harnessing energy resources. As an integral part of Joy Global Inc,we've been at the forefront of this industry. In 2017, Joy Global Inc. joined forces with Komatsu Limited, a global giant based in Tokyo, Japan, and rebranded as Komatsu Mining Corporation. Today, as a subsidiary of Komatsu, we not only offer top-notch mining equipment but also provide reliable P&H crane parts, establishing ourselves as a trusted crane parts supplier.
Joy Global Inc. (JGI) is a mining machinery company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. It has two main divisions: P&H Mining Equipment, which specialises in surface mining machinery, and Joy Mining Machinery, which focuses on equipment for underground mines.
In 1884, two skilled craftsmen, Alonzo Pawling and Henry Harnischfeger, laid the foundation for what would become P&H Mining Equipment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Pawling was known for his expertise in making patterns for castings, while Harnischfeger, with some engineering knowledge, worked as a locksmith machinist. Both had worked at the Whitehill Sewing Machine Company in Milwaukee since 1881.
Pawling and Harnischfeger initially supplied parts and support to big manufacturers in Milwaukee, including knitting machine makers, brick factories, grain drying equipment manufacturers, and breweries. They even rebuilt a crane for a heavy equipment manufacturer, making it better.
Over the years, P&H's earth-moving machines grew in size and power. By 1930, welding technology allowed them to create lighter and stronger machinery compared to the traditional riveted designs. P&H was at the forefront of this shift towards welding, even producing their own electric arc welding machinery and welding rods.
During the 1930s, P&H also introduced the Ward-Leonard DC electric motor drive system into their digging machines. Interestingly, P&H had been designing and manufacturing their electric motors and controls since 1893 when they acquired assets from the Gibb Electric Company, a move that set them apart in the industry.
P&H shovels and draglines initially had gasoline, diesel, or electric motor options. Diesel and electric motors became the main choices in the 1930s, and by the late 1960s, nearly all P&H machines used electric motors.
- In the 1920s, P&H excavators had payloads of 500 pounds and capacities of 0.5 cubic yards.
- Over time, they evolved into powerful electric mining shovels with payloads of up to 120 tons and capacities of 82 cubic yards.
- The working weight of P&H Model 206 excavators started at around 25 tons and now P&H 4100XPC electric shovels weigh about 1,645 tons.
P&H Mining Equipment makes four types of surface mining gear: electric shovels, production drills, draglines, and crushing-conveying systems.
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Electric Shovels | Used in surface mines to load trucks and crusher-conveyor systems. They range in size from 21 to 120 tons. A newer model, the P&H Komatsu 4800XPC, offers 20% more production and up to 10% lower cost per ton compared to other shovels. It has a payload of 122.5 tonnes and an operator eye level of 33 feet. |
| Production Drills | These machines bore holes in hard rock at mines by using three forces: a load of up to 150,000 pounds, torque of up to 25,000 foot-pounds, and a high volume of compressed air at 3,850 cubic feet per minute. These holes are filled with explosives, which, when detonated, break the rock into smaller pieces for easier processing. |
| Draglines | These machines are used to move a lot of dirt and rocks from on top of coal or phosphates. They have a big bucket attached to a long arm. The bucket bites into the material, fills up, and then swings away to dump it. The buckets can hold between 55 and 160 cubic yards. |
| Crush-conveying systems | It is a new addition to P&H Mining Equipment introduced in 2008. It takes material dug up by a P&H electric shovel, crushes it into a manageable size, and moves it within the mine. This was developed in response to high and unstable costs associated with long truck hauls in older mines during a period of inflation between 2004 and 2008. |
P&H Mining Equipment's MinePro teams, established in 1996, support mining operations worldwide. They're located near major mining areas and provide services for various mining sectors, including copper, coal, iron ore, oil sand, gold, diamonds, and phosphate mining. Their services range from equipment assembly and maintenance to training. These teams are staffed by local experts and can also assist with underground mining and the construction industry.
MinePro partners with surface mining operations to enhance the efficiency of P&H Mining Equipment's products like electric shovels, production drills, and draglines. They also offer parts and services for this equipment. In some areas, they provide support for non-P&H equipment, including Hitachi, Liebherr, LeTourneau, CQMS, Stamler, and Continental Conveyor Products.
P&H acquired The Beloit Corporation in 1986, a global paper machine manufacturer based in Beloit, Wisconsin. It started as "Beloit Iron Works" 150 years ago on the same site. However, due to expansion in the Greater Pacific region, it went bankrupt by 2000. The old Beloit Iron Works site and signs still pay homage to the company and the city.
Some of the services they offer include:
- They provide replacement parts and assemblies for P&H and other mining machinery, including shovels, drills, draglines, crane parts, and crane part supplies.
- Upgrades and modernizations for mining equipment's mechanical and electrical systems.
- They handle mining equipment installations, rebuilds, and moves.
- They offer preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, and system audits for mechanical and electrical systems.
- They deal with used equipment, including trading, buying, relocating, and upgrading.
And so, that's the fascinating tale of how P&H Mining Equipment came into being, a journey that spans generations and continents. From its humble beginnings as a parts supplier in the vibrant industrial landscape of Milwaukee in 1884, P&H evolved into a global leader in the mining industry. Over the years, it expanded its horizons, becoming not only a renowned manufacturer of cutting-edge mining equipment but also a trusted provider of P&H crane parts, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and innovative crane parts supplier. This rich history is a testament to P&H's enduring commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in the world of mining and heavy machinery.
