The FL7 is a powerretractable feed leg designed by BTE MidWestern for mounting on jackleg drills (specifically their S83 line) to provide feed travel control. It is offered as an upgrade over the simpler telescopic feed leg option (their TUL2B model) and is intended for use in demanding underground or surface drilling/mining applications where precise, powered feed support is required.
Design:
- The FL7 feed leg is built for heavyduty drilling operations mining, tunneling, quarrying, etc where drill feed control, rigidity, and repeatability matter. The manufacturer emphasizes precision manufactured parts that run better and wear down slower.
- The powerretractable nature means the feed cylinder (or mechanism) is likely hydraulically or pneumatically actuated (depending on site installation) to advance the drill and retract under controlled conditions (unlike a simple manually extended telescopic leg).
- The long travel lengths (up to 54 travel, extended length up to 126) allow for significant feed movement to accommodate different hole lengths or feed advance before repositioning.
- The collapsed and extended lengths indicate that the leg can retract to a compact form (for storage/mobility) and extend to full feed length during operation.
Applications:
- With the S83 Jackleg Drill and similar rigs, the FL7 leg supports the drill unit, controlling the feed force and distance when drilling rock, underground or surface.
- Suitable for underground mines, tunneling operations, such as face drilling, roof bolt drilling, or any application where a jackleg drill must be mounted with feed control.
- The ability to hold up to ~531lbs of feed force means it can handle significant thrust under drill penetration.
- Because the leg is powerretractable, it enhances efficiency in situations where frequent extension/retraction or repositioning is required, improving operator productivity and reducing fatigue compared to manual legs.
Materials: The feed leg comprises a cylinder assembly (primary/secondary), pistons, seals, bearing assemblies, wipers, etc as seen in their exploded parts lists
- Cylinders and pistons highstrength steel (often heattreated alloy) to withstand repeated load cycles, thrust, and extension/retraction under harsh conditions.
- Guide bearings / bearing assemblies hardened steel, possibly bronze or composite bearing surfaces, to allow smooth extension/retraction.
- Seals and wipers high abrasionresistance elastomers or polyurethane, to keep rock dust, feed slurry, and the environment out of the internal cylinder mechanism.
- External frame heavy steel construction (plate, tubing) with welded or bolted assemblies, possibly coated or painted to resist corrosion.
- Swivel / mounting assemblies again, strong alloy steel components to connect feed leg to drill mast or rig.
Configurations:36″, 42″ or 54″
