摘要 |
An improved clam control mechanism for a mining shovel may offer reduced operator fatigue during excavation operations involving the simultaneous and repetitive manipulation of joysticks and switches. The control mechanism may be configured for the loading and unloading of a shovel having a clam rotatable above the shovel, and may include at least two joysticks adapted for a variety of tasks including fore and aft movements, and angular rotation of the shovel. At least one switch may be adapted for moving the clam automatically between fully open and fully closed positions, such that when the switch is briefly pressed a first way, the clam automatically fully opens, and when a switch is briefly pressed a second way, the clam automatically fully closes. On the other hand, if the switch is briefly pressed during either automatic opening or closing of the clam, any movement of the clam may be immediately halted. |