Shield designed to to extend hoist rope life in mining
WireCo has launched the UNION Gladiator Shield™, a factory-installed protection system designed to shield shovel hoist ropes from rockfall and abrasion in surface mining.
Targeting the rope section above the dipper—often the most damaged area—the Shield helps extend rope life and reduce unplanned downtime. Early trials show improved durability and fewer rope replacements, offering potential cost savings in operations where downtime can exceed $22,000 per hour.
The patent-pending system is compatible with WireCo’s Tuf Max and Gladiator ropes and is available in select diameters. The company is also exploring broader applications for high-abrasion points on mining equipment.