Advanced, ergonomic dragline control systems

Recent full conversion from DC to AC machine by Flanders Australia SWING SIH

Swing Invent Holdings has carved a niche in the mining industry through its pioneering approach to dragline equipment design, installing remote controls to control to control hoist and drag pony motors, also to remote control the dragline lube system testing, console particularly with its revolutionary pedal assemblies. Combining years of expertise and hands-on industry experience, the company's products - including swing pedals and mounting options - have become a preferred choice for industry giants across Australia.

The story of Swing Invent Holdings is deeply intertwined with the career of its founder, Geoff Davis. The inception of the slimline swing pedal traces back to a pivotal moment in 2004 when Geoff attended a mining exhibition in Mackay and observed a demonstration of a ship loader operator console. This event sparked his realisation of the need for a more advanced operator console and 2 years later was approached about a more reliable swing pedal technology. The first prototype of the Swing Invent slimline pedal was developed in 2006 in collaboration with Gessmann in Germany and introduced to the mining industry in the Bowen Basin. 

Geoff’s attention to detail and commitment to addressing common issues in older pedal assemblies, such as unsafe designs, access to the control contact, control contacts no longer manufactured and high downtime maintenance costs, drove him to refine the pedal’s functionality.

Swing Invent Holdings’ swing pedal technology was not just about solving technical problems; it was about reshaping the operator’s experience whilst operating the dragline. Designed with a focus on ergonomics, started with the operator console comfort, features we then addressed the swing pedals design were engineered to reduce workplace injuries and increase productivity by providing customisable and operator-friendly settings.  

Through collaborations with all the mining companies and the dragline/power rope operators Cavotec, Swing Invent brought the swing pedal from concept to production. The SIH pedals reduce costs and operator fatigue significantly. They can be seamlessly retrofitted to draglines and power rope shovels operated by leading mining companies, including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Anglo American.

SIH Slimline pedals can be supplied compatible with new or existing control systems such as Potentiometer, Resolver, Absolute Encoder, 4 – 20mA + & -, 0 – 10Volts + & -, or Hall Effect control systems, making SIH suitable for draglines and power rope shovels worldwide, ensuring compatibility with existing control systems. All SIH Pedals have the reference signal calibrated prior to dispatch and supplied with certificate of calibration. SIH pedals are the only calibrated pedal available on the market.

SIH has existing patent awarded back in 2009. We did a product improvement back in 2022 in the design and control system complete with calibration. We carried out a product recall to all pedals to upgraded to the design and control system. This design and control system has now been operating very successfully in all the machines for 2 years. New PATENT PENDING 2024902532.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Geoff Davis continued to innovate, expanding Swing Invent’s product line to include various pedal mount options.  This pedal and mounting designs provide optimal comfort and reduce repetitive strain injuries, these swing pedals offer enhanced flexibility and can be seamlessly integrated into existing mining equipment industry giants like Caterpillar, Marion, BE, and P&H draglines worldwide, ensuring compatibility with existing control systems.

Swing Invent’s pedal assembly product line includes two main configurations: console-mounted pedals and retrofitted floor frames, each engineered to meet distinct operational needs auto return to neutral position.

The console-mounted pedals offer a flexible and adaptable solution designed to maximise operator comfort and efficiency. Key features include: 

Multi-Directional Adjustment: The Swing Invent Slide Bracket allows the pedal to be securely mounted directly onto the console, enabling operators to make multi-directional adjustments. 

Ergonomic Pedal Action: The console-mounted pedal features a unique centre pedal rotation that aligns with the operator's natural movement. By lowering the heel position and optimising the pedal's rotation around the centre line, the design reduces strain and improves comfort during long shifts, making it suitable for operators of all sizes. 

One-Foot Operation: The streamlined, one-foot pedal operation minimises physical exertion, allowing the other foot to remain free for stability or other tasks. This design also reduces repetitive strain injuries. 

Automatic Signal Shutoff: A built-in safety feature ensures that if the operator’s foot leaves the pedal, the system returns to neutral and cuts the signal, significantly reducing the risk of accidents when the console is unattended or in emergency situations.

The floor frame pedals offer a robust and adaptable solution, allowing operators to replace older, less efficient pedal systems with Swing Invent’s advanced assemblies. These frames are particularly valuable for operations looking to upgrade their existing equipment without a complete overhaul. 

Easy Installation: The retrofitted floor frame pedals are designed for straightforward installation. A portable space bar is included, which is removed post-installation to minimise clutter. 

Ergonomic and Streamlined Design: The floor frame model maintains the ergonomic principles of Swing Invent’s design philosophy, providing a comfortable and efficient working position for operators. The pedals’ slim profile ensures that the confined console area remains uncluttered.

SIH can offer full range of joystick controls and operator consoles from basic manual adjustment, top of the range fitted with electric adjustment with touch of a button to preset operator settings for the console, seat and monitor, specific to the operator sitting in the chair.

SIH swing pedals are proudly made in Australia and supplied across the Global Markets.

You can catch up with Geoff and the Swing Invent team at MINExpo, part of the Austmine stand in the Australian Pavilion - North Hall, Booth #2921.