The firms of UNEX, Elektroprim and Prodeco have successfully completed the general overhaul of the largest self-propelled machine in the Czech Republic!
Uničov, 21 July 2005 - On Friday 15 July the metallurgical and engineering complex UNEX a.s., together with Elektroprim-Koutník a.s. and PRODECO a.s., handed over the huge K 2000 mining machine - one of the largest self-propelled ground-based machines on the planet - to the firm of Severočeské doly after successful ten months spent on a general overhaul and modernisation.
The general overhaul of the K 2000 was ordered by Prodeco, a subsidiary of Severočeské doly and The Sokolov Coal Company. The leading contractors for the order, which amounted to more than 300 million crowns, was the machine's original manufacturer, UNEX a.s. and the firm of Elektroprim-Koutník a.s. UNEX handled the delivery and installation of the machinery, while Elektroprim-Koutník supplied and fitted the control system. UNEX and Prodeco played a joint role in drawing up the plans for the general overhaul of the K 2000.
"The reconstruction and modernisation of the K 2000 is the latest in a series of projects involving all three firms," said general director of UNEX a.s. "Considering the benefits and satisfaction that this collaborative task has once again brought to Severočeské Doly, we will continue working closely on the repair, manufacture and development of new heavy mining machinery both at home and abroad."
The reconstruction of the K 2000 began in Duchcov on 13 September 2004. The work to clean the machine, take it apart and other preparations - including the unique task of lifting a machine weighing 5,500 tonnes 50 mm above the ground to allow the caterpillar tracks to be changed - was completed in January 2005. The actual repair and installation work then took until the end of June. The gradual revitalisation of the machine came to an end when it was handed back to its owner, Severočeské doly a.s. Doly Bílina, within the agreed time span.
The reconstruction K 2000 involved several hundred specialists from cooperating firms over a ten-month period. The modernised machine is able to extract up to one million cubic metres of topsoil per month, while it travels a distance of around 40 km in a year. It will work in the severe surroundings of the north Bohemian Bílina strip mine. The K 2000 was put into operation in 1987.
