MUCKING LOADER MLW40EA is a type of underground mining equipment. Let me provide you with some details:

1. Purpose and Operation:

   • Mucking loaders are small, compressed air-operated front-end loaders designed for use in underground mining.
   • They were first introduced in Bisbee mines in the late 1930s to early 1940s, replacing hand mucking (manual removal of debris).
   • Mucking machines are used in crosscuts and later in some stopes (mining chambers).
   • The basic operation involves filling a mine car with muck (debris) using the mucking machine.
   • The operator drives the mucking machine into the muck pile with a lowered bucket until the machine stalls.
   • Quick jabs of the bucket control raise the bucket, filling it with muck (typically 4 to 6 cubic feet).
   • When the bucket is full, the operator activates the drive motor, which throws the muck into the awaiting mine car.