Multi-Criteria Approach for Selecting Optimal Dozer Type in Open-Cast Coal Mining
In a continuous system of production in open-cast coal mining, in addition to the basic machinery which consists of highly productive machines (bucket-wheel excavators, bucket-chain excavators, spreaders, conveyor-belt transporters, etc.) that provide an uninterrupted exploitation of mineral ores, the usage of auxiliary machinery is also necessary. The auxiliary machinery provides the possibility of using the capacities of basic machinery adequately and timely. Further, it must be mentioned that the auxiliary machinery generates up to 20% of the total mining expenses. Dozers are the most commonly used machines. Choosing the adequate dozer of the right type and manufacturer is of great importance and can be made easier by carrying out an analysis of the existent operational-exploitative parameters. In this paper, the method of grading the operational-exploitative parameters of dozer is defined. The choice of the optimal type of dozer was conducted by using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP).