The radial cutting system offers a unique feature that enables the user to change pick/bit reach depending on cutting conditions.

Riblock™ is a proven radial pick/bit retention device that is used on shearer drums and continuous miner drums.

The Riblock pick/bit can be used dry but is more commonly used wet with the unique incendive tempreature potential protection ITPP pick back flushing spray system to minimize both dust and the risk of frictional ignitions.

The conventional effective reach for pick/bit on high production radial and point attack cutting systems has been 100mm but the new range of shearers with increased haulage speeds calls for longer reach picks/bits to achieve the necessary pick/bit penetration. It is not practically possible to increase the effective reach of the point attack tool/bit much beyond the existing 100mm reach because the shank and the toolholder/block and sleeve would have to move in proportion.

Due to the attack angle of the point attack tools, you need a longer reach point attack pick/bit to achieve the same effective reach as a radial tool.

The latest radial picks/bits used at beltana and UK coal are 130mm reach, as shown in the picture below. The introduction of this pick/bit has allowed haulage rates to be increased, dust levels to be reduced and production records to be broken.

If the mine encounters difficult cutting conditions they can revert back to 100mm reach picks/bits without making any alterations to the shearer drum.

This interchangeable pick/bit system from a standard 100mm to 130mm effective reach, increases pick/bit penetration by up to 30% allowing faster haulage rates. This feature cannot be replicated with any existing point attack cutting system.