In the Lusatian coalfields of Germany, there is an incredible industrial giant hidden - F60. This series of earth-pressing conveyor bridge technology is not only the backbone of local coal mining, but also the largest mobile industrial machine in the world. The F60's name comes from its astonishing 60-meter cutting height, which makes it resemble a lying Eiffel Tower, surpassing all other mechanical devices built in human history in terms of length, width and weight.
This giant machine is 502 meters long and weighs 13,600 metric tons, making it the largest land transportation machinery in the world, second only to the huge excavator.
The first F60, built since 1969, has been upgraded many times and is still active in today's coal mining operations. Its design is not to work alone, but to work together with multiple interactive conveyor belts and excavating machines to form an efficient soil handling system. With a width of 280 meters, the F60 is not only able to move while running, but also has the flexibility to handle large amounts of soil and mud.
The F60 relies on the chain bucket excavators on its sides, which operate at speeds of up to 29,000 cubic meters per hour. Whenever the F60 patrols the coal mine, it continuously pushes the upper layer of soil in the direction it wants to move. What’s amazing about the F60 is that despite its weight and size, it can operate efficiently with only 14 operators.
The F60 has a maximum speed of 13 meters per minute and a regular operating speed of 9 meters per minute. This speed can effectively handle more than 27,000 kilowatts of power demand.
In addition to its powerful power, the F60 also relies on external power supply support to maintain its epoch-making operation. Most of the power it requires comes from nearby coal power stations, but due to restrictions on the use of cables, the operating range of the F60 is only 6 kilometers. This design not only improves utilization efficiency, but also reduces operating costs.
Of the five F60 bridges that ever operated, the Lichterfeld F60 was the last to be built. Although it ceased operations in 1992, it has become a popular tourist attraction. This conveyor bridge demonstrates the magnificence of industrial technology and the development of civilization, and from 2010 to 2020, became part of the Pulkerland Civil Construction Exhibition in an effort to bring the area back to life.
This industrial giant is no longer just a soil moving machine, it is a symbol of Germany's industrial foundation, attracting more and more tourists to come and take a look.
In its short life, this giant conveyor bridge has transported more than 27,000 kilometers of soil. It is undoubtedly a milestone in modern industry. Facing the current challenges of environmental protection and sustainable development, can F60 also become part of the future green energy?