Doubling Component Life Underground: How MASPRO’s Redesigned Cradle is Transforming Bolting Performance

We know that equipment performance is the heartbeat of underground mining. The difference between sustained productivity and costly downtime often comes down to the reliability of a single component. That’s why our team set out to redesign one of the hardest-working parts on the jumbo — the bolting cradle.

Why We Redesigned the Cradle

Our clients were telling us the same story: standard OEM and aftermarket cradles weren’t holding up under real-world conditions. Many miners were reinforcing parts with welds before first use, especially on Sandvik SB60 jumbos. That feedback revealed an opportunity — to engineer a cradle that was ready to perform from day one, without modifications.

Australian underground sites put jumbos through intense bolting operations that go far beyond boring. This adds stress that original components were never designed to handle. We knew the only way forward was to build a cradle specifically for bolting applications.

From Version One to Version Two

Our first-generation MASPRO cradle addressed the problem immediately. Manufactured from high-grade specialty steel with superior fatigue resistance, it eliminated the need for custom welding and doubled the life of the OEM equivalent.

We then took it further — bundling the cradle with upgraded pipework, support plates, and commonly replaced parts into a complete assembly. This streamlined installation, reduced downtime, and improved efficiency across mine sites.

But at MASPRO, continuous improvement is in our DNA. We collected field data, examined failed components, and listened closely to customer insights. That process gave birth to version two of our bolting cradle.

Key Enhancements in Version Two:

• Water drainage holes removed along the beam to eliminate weak points

• Repositioned welds in the clevis area for better stress distribution

• Safety shoulder on the pivot shaft to prevent feed assembly drop-offs

• Removable rear service cover for easier maintenance

• Over-centre valve on reinforced backing plate for improved durability

The results speak for themselves. In some cases, sites have recorded more than a 100% improvement in fatigue life. That means fewer change-outs, less downtime, lower freight and procurement costs, and even reduced carbon output.

The Bigger Picture: Bolting Series 2.0

The redesigned cradle is part of MASPRO’s Bolting Series 2.0 — a suite of purpose-built components designed for the realities of underground mining. Alongside the cradle, the series includes:

• Inner and outer zoom assemblies with precision welds and fatigue-resistant materials

• A bolting cylinder with a self-aligning bearing set-up and specialty alloys

• A bolting downhole power unit (DPU) engineered for durability and performance

Every product in the series has been refined with client input to deliver stronger, smarter, and more efficient outcomes on site.

Built With Miners, For Miners

Every improvement in our cradle and Bolting Series reflects the conversations we’ve had with miners on the ground. Your challenges fuel our engineering. From extending component life to simplifying maintenance and cutting downtime, we’re committed to delivering solutions that directly impact productivity and profitability.

And we’re not stopping here. With the release of our new zoom assemblies and continued R&D, MASPRO is ready to deliver the same return on investment across the full bolting range.

Because in underground mining, reliability is currency. And MASPRO is proud to help our clients cash in.

This article first appeared in Australian Mining Magazine.