Urethane Guards in Underground Mining: Why They Outlast Steel
by admin-ha
Guards protect hoses, valves, cylinders and fittings from rock strikes, scraping and debris. In underground mining, those hazards are constant. More operations are turning to urethane guards instead of steel, and for good reason.
The Problem With Unprotected Components
Underground equipment works in tight headings where rock falls, scaling and contact with walls are part of daily operation. Exposed components such as check valves, hydraulic fittings and hoses can be damaged quickly, causing leaks and unplanned stoppages.
Why Urethane Guards Outlast Steel
They absorb impact instead of transferring it
Steel guards are rigid. A hard strike can bend the guard into the component it is meant to protect. Urethane flexes and absorbs the energy, then returns to shape.
They resist abrasion and cutting
Urethane resists the scraping and gouging that wears through thin steel or causes it to tear.
They don’t rust
Underground environments are wet. Urethane does not corrode the way mild steel does.
They are lighter and easier to fit
Lighter guards are easier and safer for fitters to handle, especially in awkward positions.
They can be moulded to fit exactly
Urethane can be cast to match the shape of the component and mounting points, giving full coverage without modifying the machine.
Example: The ROLLSAFEGUARD
Our ROLLSAFEGUARD urethane guard protects the check valve on M2 Jumbo rollovers. It has 15mm solid urethane walls, mounts on the existing M12 bolts using stainless inserts and needs no OEM modification. Read more in ROLLSAFEGUARD: Protecting Jumbo Rollover Check Valves.
Where Else Urethane Guards Work Well
- Hydraulic fittings and valve blocks
- Hose runs on booms and feeds
- Cylinder rods and ends
- Sensors and electrical components
Need a Custom Guard?
If a component on your fleet keeps getting damaged, we can design and make a custom urethane guard. See our prototype to production process or compare materials in polyurethane vs rubber vs steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are urethane guards better than steel guards?
For many underground applications, yes. Urethane absorbs impact, resists abrasion, does not rust and is lighter to handle. Steel may still be preferred where temperatures are very high.
What do urethane guards protect on mining equipment?
They commonly protect check valves, hydraulic fittings, hoses, cylinders and sensors from rock strikes and abrasion.
Do urethane guards need machine modifications?
Not usually. Guards can be designed to mount on existing bolts and brackets. The ROLLSAFEGUARD, for example, fits without OEM modification.
Can you make a custom urethane guard for my equipment?
Yes. Mining Parts Australia designs and manufactures custom urethane guards for mining equipment.
Talk to Mining Parts Australia
Send us a part number, photo or description and our team will source it for you. Browse the product list, explore our services or contact us on (07) 5535 2228. For the bigger picture, read our complete guide to mining parts in Australia.
Posted in Urethane Components