A major mining operation in Chile was facing persistent issues with its existing bucket system on a P&H 4800XPC WH12 electric rope shovel. Supplied by an OEM. The bucket underperformed due to frequent part failures, short component lifespan, and recurring mechanical breakdowns. These challenges ultimately eroded the client’s confidence in the OEM’s solution.
In search of a more reliable alternative, the client turned to a trusted long-term partner—ME Elecmetal. Thanks to our proven track record of high-performance solutions and exceptional after-sales support, ME Elecmetal was the clear choice to deliver a more durable and effective replacement.
ME Elecmetal responded by supplying a full suite of ESCO Ground Engaging Tools (GET)—engineered to handle the rigors of extreme mining conditions while maximizing operational uptime. Integrated into the largest bucket of its kind operating in Chile, this cutting-edge GET system now provides a 21% increase in loading capacity compared to previous solutions, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and productivity in the region.
The table below outlines the Ground Engaging Tools (GET) ME Elecmetal supplies, cross-referenced with the corresponding OEM part numbers for clarity and compatibility:
To resolve the performance issues caused by the original OEM components, ME Elecmetal mobilized its ME FIT™ Mine engineering team to evaluate the operation and develop a superior replacement strategy. After a thorough assessment, the team recommended and implemented the Hammerless 85SV2 Elecmetal System—a safer, more durable, and more efficient solution for high-demand mining environments. (see image).
The bucket equipped with ME Elecmetal’s solution is the largest currently in operation in Chile, with a loading capacity of 92 cubic yards—a 21% increase over the OEM’s previous design. This advancement not only improves overall productivity but also reduces the number of shovel passes required per load, enhancing operational efficiency.
Activities Carried Out by the ME Elecmetal Team:
To ensure a seamless transition and optimal performance, the ME Elecmetal team executed a comprehensive, step-by-step implementation plan, including:
Mario Alvarado, KAM Earthmoving
Just six weeks into operation, the results speak for themselves—no part failures or breakages have been reported. This marks a clear improvement in reliability and equipment availability compared to the previous supplier. Based on this success, the client has confirmed the decision to outfit a second bucket with ESCO GET from ME Elecmetal.
ESCO Corporation is a U.S. company specializing in the development of Ground Engagement Tools (GET) for the mining segment. Its high standards of safety and reliability make it a global leader in the market for parts and components of excavation and earthmoving equipment. The quality of its mechanical fastening systems not only helps extend the integrity of the part in operation but also facilitates its disassembly and replacement.
ME Elecmetal has been an ESCO licensee for Chile since 1959. Through a joint venture established in 2012, it operates ESEL, a plant in Chile exclusively dedicated to manufacturing Ground Engagement Tools (GET) for earthmoving operations. The ESCO Elecmetal Plant (ESEL), located in Colina, within Chile’s Metropolitan Region, manufactures ESCO products that supply mining operations in Chile and the rest of South America. These products are complemented by technical assistance, component repair, and performance optimization to ensure maximum value throughout the product lifecycle, all converging in the ME FIT Mine solutions.
