J.H. Fletcher & Co.
Engineering Customizable Underground Mining Equipment

J.H. Fletcher & Co. has thrived in the mining OEM industry for decades without losing sight of its core mission—to work with a vigilant focus on finding ways to improve mining and industrial processes and reducing risk for the people who work in those industries. Today, it is well known in the industry for its ability to manufacture customizable underground mining equipment such as roof bolters, scalers, and utility vehicles.

“At Fletcher, we provide an open atmosphere for customers to speak about their equipment needs and ask questions about them,” says Jim Fletcher, the president of J.H. Fletcher & Co. “These detailed conversations are crucial to providing a custom piece of equipment that has been meticulously engineered, built, and tested.”

Fletcher offers a complete product line of drill jumbos, which includes models that operate in heights as low as 4’ up to larger carriers that allow for coverage in headings up to 60’ wide x 35’ high. The company’s graphic operator angle display (GOAD) is offered as an option on all Fletcher drill jumbos. The system is available in varying levels, dependent on the customer’s needs. Each system utilizes sensors on the boom and feed mechanisms that display hole angles and depth of drilling on an in-cab monitor.

The latest in development for Fletcher Drill Jumbos is the Fletchbus system. It works as a smart hub for machine operations and data collection. Essentially, it acts as a conduit of communication, translating the machine’s actions to the operator and vice versa. The system’s functionalities are tailored to meet customer specifications, enabling Fletcher to customize it for each machine and accommodate any additional options seamlessly. What sets the Fletchbus system apart is its unparalleled flexibility—it can be programmed either in-house or on-site, facilitating effortless addition and updates of features as required.

Fletcher also offers a roof mapping feedback system delivering real-time data insights crucial for operators. This innovative system provides comprehensive information such as seam depths, potential cracks, and the presence of soft materials, enabling operators to make informed decisions swiftly. It works through various sensors that are placed on the boom and drill head of a standard hydraulic bolter. The data extracted from these sensors is analyzed and generated back to the operator via a color graph. The graph allows the operator to see roof conditions and adjust thrust, RPM, and bolt lengths to meet the needs of the specific area being bolted.

Pairing the system with an automated bolter simplifies the process by allowing the data to feed directly to the bolter and automatically make adjustments as necessary. By automating the drilling, each bolt is installed properly every time. With bolts installed in the same exact sequence each time, a more stable roof support system is created.

In addition to offering tailored equipment solutions, Fletcher distinguishes itself by providing comprehensive lifetime service through Fletcher Service Inc., the dedicated services division. It provides superb service with its Fluid Power-certified technicians and fully stocked service trucks. Customers can pick from an array of different service packages, from basic audits to hourly interval programs.

Fletcher will be exhibiting multiple machines and displays at MINExpo this upcoming September. This will be the first MINExpo since Fletcher’s acquisition of Cannon Mining in 2022 and will feature Cannon in the booth space.