Jerome in Yavapai County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Rocket Shovel and Dragline
Photographed By Denise Boose, September 30, 2017
1. Rocket Shovel and Dragline Marker
Inscription.
Rocket Shovel and Dragline. . This piece of equipment was the first successful mining device to replace human labor in removing the rubble from underground hard rock-blasting. The Model 12B, which weighs 4,200 pounds and requires 60 to 125 pounds-per-square-inch air pressure, was first introduced in 1938. When the bucket is loaded with rubble, the operator actuates the bucket drive motor to exert force on the rocker pull chain, which is attached near the outer end of the rocker arms. The rocker arms roll the bucket upward toward the rear of the machine so that it maximizes the initial lift force on the bucket. As the bucket is thrown rearward, its vertical velocity decreases, and it's horizontal velocity increases until the rocker arms strike shock-absorbing stops on the frame. When the bucket stops, the contents are flung into an attached mine car.
This piece of equipment was the first successful mining device to replace human labor in removing the rubble from underground hard rock-blasting. The Model 12B, which weighs 4,200 pounds and requires 60 to 125 pounds-per-square-inch air pressure, was first introduced in 1938. When the bucket is loaded with rubble, the operator actuates the bucket drive motor to exert force on the rocker pull chain, which is attached near the outer end of the rocker arms. The rocker arms roll the bucket upward toward the rear of the machine so that it maximizes the initial lift force on the bucket. As the bucket is thrown rearward, its vertical velocity decreases, and it's horizontal velocity increases until the rocker arms strike shock-absorbing stops on the frame. When the bucket stops, the contents are flung into an attached mine car.
Erected by Jerome Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 34° 45.004′ N, 112° 6.462′ W. Marker is in Jerome, Arizona, in Yavapai County. Marker is on Hampshire Avenue (Arizona Route A89). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jerome AZ 86331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jerome, Arizona (a few steps from this marker); The Arizona Republic
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 3, 2018, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.