Ultra Class haul trucks operate in one of the most demanding environments on earth—constantly hauling hundreds of tonnes across rugged mine sites, enduring extreme loading cycles, and placing enormous strain on every drivetrain component. When these machines finally come into the shop for drivetrain work, maintenance teams are faced with massive, load-bearing structures that must be handled with precision, stability, and complete confidence.

Drivetrain repairs—particularly differential changes, torque tube work, and wheel-group maintenance—introduce major risks if the equipment is not properly supported. These trucks are engineered to carry incredible loads while in operation, but once disassembly begins, the structural relationships between components change. What was once a rigid assembly becomes vulnerable to sagging, shifting, twisting, and misalignment, creating hazards for technicians and drastically increasing repair complexity.

Purpose-built axle box stands and torque tube stands are critical for ensuring the safety and stability of Ultra Class haul trucks during these maintenance tasks. These stands create predictable, controlled support points that prevent unwanted movement and keep drivetrain geometry intact from start to finish.

The Challenge: Drivetrain Work on Ultra Class Haul Trucks

Ultra Class trucks—whether 240-tonne, 320-tonne, or 400+ tonne machines—feature wheel groups, differentials, and torque tubes that weigh thousands of pounds each. Removing or disconnecting any of these heavy components alters the load path through the axle, frame, and torque tube assembly.

Without proper support, maintenance teams face several risks:

• Axle housing sag when wheel groups or planetaries are removed
• Misalignment of differential or final drive input and output shafts
• Unpredictable rotation or twisting of the torque tube once disconnected
• Equipment settling or shifting while technicians are working underneath
• Additional strain on jacks, hoists, or other lifting tools

Even minor misalignment can result in hours of additional rework. More critically, uncontrolled movement during disassembly or installation can cause serious injury or catastrophic component damage.

This is why Ultra Class trucks require stands engineered specifically for their weight, geometry, and structural behaviour during drivetrain service.

Axle Box Stands: Eliminating Axle Housing Sag & Unwanted Shift

Axle box stands are designed to support the truck at the wheel-end axle box once the wheel group is removed. Their job is to hold the axle housing at the correct height, angle, and lateral position throughout the repair.

Preventing Axle Housing Sagging

When a wheel group is removed from an Ultra Class truck, the axle housing becomes unbalanced. Without support, the housing naturally sags under its own weight—creating misalignment between the differential, axle housing, and opposite side wheel group.

Axle box stands lock the housing into its correct elevation, preventing downward movement and ensuring a straight, level axle.

Maintaining Alignment for Differential & Wheel-Group Work

Differential installation and wheel-group reassembly depend on precise alignment of splines, seals, and bearing surfaces. A sagging axle housing can:

• Shift mating surfaces out of parallel
• Cause binding during reinstallation
• Damage seals or bearings during assembly

By stabilizing the axle box, stands ensure technicians can slide components into place smoothly and safely.

Increasing Safety While Handling Heavy Components

Wheel groups often require dual hoists, tuggers, or gantry cranes. Axle box stands reduce the chance that the housing will roll, rotate, or shift while these heavy lifts are underway.

In short, axle box stands provide predictable stability during some of the most demanding disassembly tasks on an Ultra Class truck.

Torque Tube Stands: Supporting the Heart of the Drivetrain

Ultra Class haul trucks that use torque tubes rely on this central structure to transfer power and maintain alignment between the transmission and differential. During maintenance, once bolts and supports are removed, the torque tube becomes vulnerable to twisting, settling, or sagging—all of which can complicate repairs.

Torque tube stands solve these issues by offering:

Centered Support During Disassembly

These stands hold the torque tube securely at the correct height and angle once disconnected. This prevents sudden drops or rotation that can jeopardize technician safety.

Preservation of Drivetrain Geometry

Correct alignment between the differential, torque tube, and transmission is critical for spline engagement, bearing longevity, and seal integrity. Torque tube stands maintain correct geometry across the entire repair window.

Controlled, Hands-Free Alignment During Reassembly

Reconnecting the torque tube to the transmission or differential requires exact positioning. A supported torque tube allows technicians to make fine adjustments without fighting gravity or unexpected shifts.

This level of control dramatically improves efficiency and reduces the risk of alignment-related rework.

Maximizing Safety, Efficiency & Uptime

When axle box stands and torque tube stands are used together, mining maintenance teams gain major advantages:

• Safer working conditions under large unsupported components
• Reduced risk of damage to drivetrain structures
• Faster component removal and installation
• Improved alignment accuracy
• More predictable, repeatable maintenance procedures
• Longer life of drivetrain components after reassembly

Ultra Class trucks are high-value assets, and every hour of downtime impacts mine productivity. Supporting them correctly during drivetrain repairs is not just good practice—it’s essential.

Purpose-Built Stands for the World’s Heaviest Machines

Improvised blocking or general-purpose supports cannot provide the engineered stability required for Ultra Class equipment. B&D’s axle box and torque tube stands are:

• Rated for the extreme loads of today’s largest haul trucks
• Designed to match OEM axle box and torque tube geometries
• Built for safe use in shops, field pads, and remote operations
• Engineered for long-term durability in harsh mining conditions

These stands are developed with input from real maintenance teams to ensure they are practical, rugged, and technician-friendly.

Conclusion

Stabilizing Ultra Class haul trucks during drivetrain repairs is a high-stakes task. Axle box stands and torque tube stands play a critical role in preventing shifting, sagging, or misalignment during differential, torque tube, and wheel-group work. With proper support in place, maintenance teams can work safer, faster, and with greater precision—ensuring these enormous machines return to service delivering the performance mines rely on.

If you’re looking to upgrade your maintenance tooling or improve safety around drivetrain repairs, B&D Manufacturing Ltd. is ready to help you choose the right stands for your fleet.

In mining and construction maintenance environments, few risks are as consistently underestimated as improper load support. When haul trucks, dozers, loaders, and other heavy mobile equipment enter the shop for underbody inspections, track frame repairs, or component change-outs, the focus often shifts immediately to the task at hand—welding, pulling pins, swapping transmissions, or inspecting structural cracks. But every one of those jobs relies on one foundational factor: the stability and integrity of the equipment stands supporting the machine.

At B&D Manufacturing Ltd., we design and build certified adjustable and fixed-height stands specifically for the demands of mining and construction maintenance. In this blog, we explore why the right stands matter, the hazards they eliminate, and how shops can dramatically reduce risk by choosing engineered support solutions rather than improvised or uncertified ones.

Why Proper Load Support Matters

Modern mining and construction equipment is massive. A single corner load on a 240–400 ton haul truck can exceed what entire shop hoists or jacks are rated for. When a machine must be lifted for undercarriage work—such as changing walking beams, repairing struts, or accessing belly pans—the stability of the stand system becomes the primary barrier between a safe repair and a catastrophic event.

Improvised solutions like wooden cribbing, mismatched stands, or uncertified steel blocks are still common in some shops. While they may feel solid, they lack the engineering, load testing, and factor-of-safety validation that purpose-built equipment stands provide. Under dynamic shop conditions—vibration from tools, shifting loads, uneven concrete, or unexpected environmental stress—these improvised supports can fail suddenly and without warning.

Certified equipment stands, by contrast, are engineered, tested, and rated to carry static and dynamic loads with predictable performance.

The Hidden Hazards During Underbody Maintenance

Underbody access—belly pans, articulation joints, fuel tanks, and center frames—requires technicians to work directly beneath multi-million-dollar machines weighing several hundred tons. These tasks present extreme risk:

• Load shifting when the machine is partially disassembled
• Vibration and impact from pneumatic and hydraulic tools
• Uneven weight distribution after removing a major component (e.g., a transmission or final drive)
• Changing center of gravity when lifting one side of the machine

Using adjustable or fixed-height stands designed for these applications ensures the load remains stable even as the machine’s weight distribution changes. Adjustable stands provide fine height control, allowing a machine to be levelled or lifted precisely, while fixed-height stands offer robust simplicity and maximum rigidity where adjustability is not needed.

Track Frame Work: A High-Load, High-Risk Scenario

Track frames on dozers, shovels, and large excavators are deceptively dangerous areas to work around. When technicians remove idlers, rollers, or the frame itself, the supporting structure of the machine becomes compromised. Without proper stands, the entire unit can:

• Shift unpredictably
• Drop when tension is released
• Lean or roll when a major component is removed

B&D’s heavy-duty adjustable stands are equipped with wide bases, engineered load ratings, and locking pins that prevent collapse even under lateral forces. For track frame work in particular, adjustable stands eliminate the guesswork—allowing technicians to raise, align, and support frames with millimetre accuracy while ensuring that the load path is fully controlled.

Component Swaps: When Dynamic Loads Are at Their Worst

Component swaps—such as transmissions, rear axles, engine modules, or final drives—are among the most dangerous maintenance tasks. The machine’s weight distribution can shift suddenly when:

• A module is removed
• A lifting device bumps the equipment
• A component binds and then releases
• Hydraulic pressure bleeds off

Fixed-height stands are ideal for major component swaps because they provide rigid, unwavering support. Once the machine is in position, they eliminate the risk of a stand “walking,” leaning, or compressing under uneven load.

Using B&D certified stands during component swaps ensures the machine remains supported throughout the entire procedure, regardless of unexpected movements or changing load angles.

How Certified Stands Eliminate Shop Hazards

The primary purpose of a certified stand is simple: remove uncertainty.

Engineered stands eliminate hazards by providing:

• Predictable Load Capacity

Every B&D stand is rated for a specific load with a defined safety factor—no guessing, no assumptions.

• Full Structural Engineering

Certified stands undergo analysis for bending, compression, buckling, weld integrity, and multi-directional stability.

• Wide, Anti-Tip Footprints

Designed to resist lateral forces commonly encountered during heavy maintenance.

• Compatibility with Jacks and Lifting Systems

Our stands work seamlessly with hydraulic jacks, torque tooling, pit supports, and lifting beams.

• Height-adjustment Precision

Adjustable stands allow fine tuning for tasks requiring alignment, leveling, or staged lifts.

• Reduced Risk of Human Error

Clear labeling, simple locking mechanisms, and consistent design reduce misuse.

What Proper Stands Mean for Your Shop

Investing in engineered support stands delivers tangible operational value:

• Fewer injuries and near-misses
• Less machine damage
• Higher technician confidence
• Compliance with safety regulations
• Reduced downtime due to avoidable failures

In mining and construction maintenance, safety and efficiency are inseparable. When technicians know the machine is properly supported, they can perform at their best without hesitation or compromise.

Final Thoughts

In the heavy-equipment maintenance world, supporting the load is more than a step in the process—it is the foundation of safe, efficient, and professional work. Adjustable and fixed-height equipment stands are not accessories; they are essential infrastructure. When your shop relies on certified stands engineered for mining and construction loads, you eliminate the biggest uncontrolled variable in underbody work, track frame maintenance, and component swaps.

At B&D Manufacturing Ltd., we build stands that keep your people safe, your equipment stable, and your operation moving. If you’re ready to upgrade your shop’s load support strategy, our team can help you choose the right stand systems for your fleet and maintenance needs.

The mining and construction industries are in the middle of a size evolution. Haul trucks, loaders, dozers, and other mobile heavy equipment continue to increase in payload, overall mass, and physical dimensions. As OEMs push boundaries to deliver higher productivity machines, maintenance teams face an equally pressing challenge: how do you safely lift, support, and access equipment that grows larger every year?

For mobile maintenance professionals, traditional jacking systems are no longer enough. Today’s machines demand higher capacities, greater lifting heights, enhanced safety systems, and more stable platforms—features purpose-built into B&D Manufacturing’s BDHJ-50-48 High-Capacity, High-Reach Jacking System.

Below, we explore why this evolution matters and how the BDHJ-50-48 is engineered to meet the realities of modern mining and construction equipment maintenance.

The Size Shift: Why Standard Jacks No Longer Cut It

Across both mining and construction, equipment mass and tire diameter have increased dramatically:

• Ultra-class mining haul trucks now exceed 400 tonnes with massive tire diameters requiring higher lift points.
• Large wheel loaders, articulated trucks, and dozers in construction continue to add weight as manufacturers pursue higher breakout forces and more durable frames.
• OEM chassis and suspension geometries have changed, pushing lift points further off the ground.

This growth means equipment that previously required a moderate jacking height may now require 4 feet (or more) of reach and significantly greater tonnage capacity.

For maintenance teams, this drives three key concerns:

Safe and Stable Lifting at Higher Elevations

Higher lifting points naturally increase risk, especially with heavy ground-engaging equipment. A high-reach jack must deliver uncompromised stability and controlled lifting under extreme loads.

Access to Critical Maintenance Zones

Technicians need to perform everything from brake servicing to suspension work. Higher, heavier OEM designs restrict accessibility unless the equipment is safely elevated.

Speed and Efficiency Under Tight Maintenance Windows

Downtime for large mining or construction fleets is incredibly costly. Teams need a high-capacity solution that lifts faster—without compromising safety.

This is exactly where the BDHJ-50-48 shines.

BDHJ-50-48: Engineered for the Next Generation of Heavy Equipment

The BDHJ-50-48 isn’t just an upgraded jack—it’s a purpose-built solution for the real-world challenges technicians face in the field or shop.

High Capacity Built for Modern Loads

With a 50-ton capacity per jack, the BDHJ-50-48 handles the increased weight profiles of contemporary mining trucks and large construction equipment. This capacity ensures:

• Confident lifting of large haul trucks, loaders, dozers, graders, and rigid-frame vehicles
• Stable support under asymmetric or uneven loads often encountered in field conditions
• Compliance with today’s stricter safety standards and load-handling expectations

In essence, it’s built to manage the kind of equipment that older jacks were never designed for.

High Reach for Today’s Larger Tire and Frame Designs

One of the essential advantages of the BDHJ-50-48 is its impressive 48-inch lifting range, enabling it to reach elevated lift points on:

• Ultra-class mining trucks with massive tire diameters
• Large wheel loaders and articulated trucks
• Raised chassis designs adopted by many OEMs

This high-reach capability gives technicians drastically improved access to wheels, braking systems, suspensions, and undercarriage components—critical for both maintenance and repair.

Where a traditional jack might require cribbing or workaround methods, the BDHJ-50-48 eliminates unnecessary steps and minimizes risk by offering full reach and capacity in a single, stable unit.

Improving Maintenance Accessibility and Technician Productivity

Maintenance accessibility isn’t only about lift height—it’s about creating a safer, more efficient workspace.

The BDHJ-50-48 enhances accessibility by:

• Providing increased clearance for wheel removal, component inspections, and repairs
• Reducing the need for supplemental cribbing, which saves time and reduces potential instability
• Creating safer working angles and better technician ergonomics
• Allowing teams to follow OEM maintenance procedures more easily due to proper lifting height and support

Technicians can work faster, more comfortably, and more safely—resulting in reduced downtime and more predictable maintenance cycles.

Designed for Harsh Environments and on-the-Ground Realities

Mining and construction environments demand durability.

The BDHJ-50-48 is engineered with:

• Heavy-duty hydraulic systems designed to withstand abrasive conditions
• Rugged steel construction suitable for underground, open-pit, and field-shop usage
• User-friendly controls that keep operation simple and consistent
• Safety-focused features ensuring controlled lifting and reliable locking

This jack is built not just to lift big equipment—but to survive the environment those machines operate in.

The Competitive Edge: Why High-Capacity, High-Reach Systems Are Now Essential

As equipment continues to grow in size and complexity, maintenance teams must evolve alongside it. High-capacity, high-reach jacking systems like the BDHJ-50-48 are no longer optional—they’re critical tools for operational success.

Key advantages include:

• Improved safety for maintenance personnel
• Enhanced stability with heavier, taller equipment
• Faster turnaround on essential repairs
• Reduced need for workaround equipment
• Better ergonomics and access for technicians
• The ability to service new-generation machines without compromising procedures

Mining and construction operations that upgrade their jacking systems today are setting themselves up for improved uptime, lower maintenance overhead, and stronger long-term fleet reliability.

Conclusion

The evolution of mining and construction equipment demands smarter and more capable maintenance solutions. High-capacity, high-reach jacking systems have become indispensable as machines continue to increase in weight and size.

B&D Manufacturing’s BDHJ-50-48 meets this challenge head-on—providing the power, reach, safety, and reliability technicians need to service the largest and most demanding equipment on the market. For operations committed to minimizing downtime and maximizing equipment life, investing in advanced jacking technology is a strategic decision that pays long-term dividends.

When you work in mobile maintenance, you know that few environments test equipment—and people—quite like the underground mining sector. Tight spaces, uneven ground conditions, strict production schedules, and machinery weighing hundreds of tonnes demand absolute precision when it comes to safe lifting. The pressure to keep haul trucks moving never goes away, and neither does the responsibility to protect the people who keep them running.

That’s why B&D Manufacturing developed the BDHJ-35 Jacking System—an engineered, heavy-duty lifting solution built to help mobile maintenance teams work smarter, safer, and with total confidence. Whether you’re servicing drive lines, suspension components, or massive tire assemblies, the BDHJ-35 is designed to bring stability, efficiency, and peace of mind to every underground lift.

In this blog, we break down how this system transforms maintenance workflows and mitigates the risks typically associated with lifting haul trucks underground.

The Importance of Safe Lifting in Underground Environments

Underground mines are a uniquely challenging setting for mobile equipment maintenance. Your team is often working on uneven ground, navigating tight access points, and constrained by ventilation, clearance, and production timelines. Manual cribbing or improvised lifting setups not only slow the job—they increase risk.

A controlled, engineered lifting system is essential because:

• Stability matters more underground than anywhere else.
• Load shifts can be catastrophic when space is limited.
• Equipment reliability and predictability must be absolute.

This is where the BDHJ-35 truly shines. It brings engineered consistency to an environment where unpredictable conditions are the norm.

Engineered Stability: The Core of the BDHJ-35

Maintenance teams often share the same concern: “Will the truck stay stable during the repair?” The BDHJ-35’s design directly responds to that worry with features that boost safety and eliminate guesswork.

Purpose-Built for Heavy Underground Haul Trucks

Rated at 35 tons per jack (70 tons per pair) the system gives technicians the confidence to safely lift large underground trucks used in today’s high-production operations. The jacks are developed specifically for mining maintenance—not repurposed from general industrial use.

A Stable, Ground-Engaging Footprint

The BDHJ-35 uses a wide, engineered base designed to distribute the load evenly, even on less-than-perfect underground flooring conditions.
This means:

• Less sinking
• Less shifting
• Less need for additional stabilization measures

In short: your work area becomes safer before the wrenching even starts.

Synchronized Lifting That Reduces Human Error

Unlike manual crib systems or stand-alone jacks, the BDHJ-35 functions as a coordinated lifting unit. With optional synchronization, the system helps ensure the truck rises evenly—eliminating twisting, uneven weight distribution, and unnecessary strain on the frame.

This reduces:

• Risk of equipment damage
• Risk of unintended movement
• Physical strain on technicians

Consistency equals safety.

Better Access, Better Workflow, Better Results

Safe lifting isn’t the only reason maintenance teams love the BDHJ-35. It also improves the efficiency and flow of the job.

Faster Set-Up Means More Wrench Time

Every mobile maintenance crew knows the feeling: the clock is ticking, and you’re still building up supports or cribbing. The BDHJ-35 drastically reduces set-up time with its straightforward, mine-ready design.

Teams can:

• Position the jack quickly
• Elevate the truck with minimal steps
• Get straight into the repair task

The result? More time spent actually fixing the machine.

Improved Access to Drives, Suspensions & Tire Assemblies

Once a haul truck is safely lifted, the BDHJ-35 provides a stable work window for high-risk repair zones:

• Drive lines – No shifting or unexpected sag allows for safer component removal.
• Suspension – Sturdy elevation makes both disassembly and alignment easier.
• Tire & hub work – Stable lifting means technicians can remove massive components without unpredictable load changes.

In short, each task becomes safer, smoother, and less physically demanding.

Better Ergonomics & Reduced Strain

When the truck is lifted properly, technicians can get into better working positions. Reduced bending, awkward reaches, and unsafe working angles translate directly into fewer injuries and more efficient repairs.

A System Designed for Mining, Backed by Real-World Usability

At B&D Manufacturing, we know that equipment is only useful when it works as hard as the people using it. That’s why usability and reliability were core priorities for the BDHJ-35’s design.

Built to Survive Harsh Conditions

From heavy dust to vibration to extreme temperatures, each component is tested to withstand the realities of underground mining.

Intuitive Controls for Confident Operation

Operators don’t need complex training or specialized skills to use the BDHJ-35 effectively. The controls are clear, simple, and built around technician safety.

Compatible With Existing Mining Workflows

There’s no expensive overhaul required. The BDHJ-35 integrates into the maintenance processes you already use, making adoption quick and straightforward.

Reducing Risk—Not Just During the Lift, but Throughout the Job

A safer lift leads to a safer repair. By introducing stability at the very start of the job, the BDHJ-35 reduces multiple downstream risks:

• Dropped-load hazards
• Unexpected truck movement
• Cribbing collapses
• Jack failure due to misalignment
• Strain injuries from awkward positioning
• Damage to expensive truck frames and components

Every maintenance supervisor knows that risk compounds. One small shift in a truck’s weight can ripple into major safety concerns. The BDHJ-35 cuts those risks off at the source.

Confidence for the Whole Team

One of the biggest benefits of the BDHJ-35 isn’t mechanical—it’s psychological. Crews feel more secure when the lifting system they rely on is engineered, certified, and built specifically for mining. That confidence translates into better focus, better decisions, and better results.

Technicians know they’re supported. Supervisors know the job is safer. Operations know the truck will return to production faster. Everyone wins.

Conclusion: A Better Way to Lift in Underground Mining

Safe lifting is more than a procedure—it’s the foundation of every maintenance job. With the BDHJ-35 Jacking System, mobile maintenance professionals gain the stability, reliability, and efficiency they need to tackle heavy underground haul truck service with confidence.

By taking the uncertainty out of the lift, the BDHJ-35 makes the entire repair process safer and smoother—from drives to suspensions to tire assemblies—so your team can focus on what they do best.

If you’re looking to elevate your maintenance operation (literally and figuratively), the BDHJ-35 is engineered for exactly that.

Rebuild, Don’t Replace — A Win for the Planet and Your Bottom Line

In today’s mining sector, sustainability is no longer just a corporate buzzword — it’s a competitive advantage. As mines strive to reduce environmental impact while maximizing productivity, mobile equipment maintenance departments are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change. Every component rebuilt, every piece of equipment kept in service longer, and every kilogram of waste avoided contributes to a greener, more cost-effective operation.

At B&D Manufacturing, our mission has long been to support maintenance teams with innovative handling and access solutions that make rebuilds safer, faster, and more economical. The path to a more sustainable mining industry doesn’t start with massive infrastructure shifts — it starts with refurbish, reuse, repeat.

Why Refurbishment Matters More Than Ever

Mining equipment is built tough, but tough isn’t invincible. Engines, transmissions, wheel groups, suspensions, and hydraulic systems all face relentless wear. Traditionally, many of these components were simply swapped out for new units. Today, economic pressure and ESG commitments are driving a shift: mines are rebuilding components more frequently, and keeping assets in service longer.

Here’s why refurbishment is a sustainability game-changer:

• Lower environmental footprint: Manufacturing new components consumes massive amounts of energy and raw materials — steel, aluminum, rubber, and rare metals. A rebuild typically requires 5–20% of the energy of producing a new part.
• Significant cost savings: Rebuilding major assemblies often costs a fraction of replacement, especially when in-house capabilities and proper handling tools are available.
• Reduced waste: Every rebuild helps avoid scrap metal accumulation and reduces hazardous waste associated with disposal.
• Extended equipment life: Reusing high-value components reduces the need for new capital purchases and stabilizes maintenance budgets.

The rebuild-first philosophy is not only environmentally responsible — it’s financially strategic.

B&D Handling Solutions: Enabling Safer, Cleaner, More Efficient Rebuilds

Rebuilding major mobile equipment components isn’t just a workshop task — it’s a complex process requiring specialized handling, tooling, and access systems to keep technicians safe and work flowing efficiently.

1- Purpose-Built Component Handling

B&D’s line of handling equipment — from cylinder benches and transmission stands to wheel group handlers and suspension tooling — is designed to reduce manual intervention, prevent damage, and streamline the rebuild process.

These tools support sustainability by:

• Reducing component damage during disassembly and transport
• Lowering the number of scrapped parts due to mishandling
• Increasing rebuild throughput, making refurbishment a faster, more reliable option
• Improving safety, which reduces downtime and operational disruptions

2- Modular and Reusable Designs

Many B&D systems are modular, meaning mines can reconfigure them for different equipment models or tasks over time. This eliminates the need to purchase one-off pieces of tooling for each machine generation — reducing both costs and material waste.

3- Built to Last

Longevity is a key pillar of sustainability. B&D invests in heavy-duty construction and high-grade materials, ensuring our stands, benches, and handling equipment remain in service for years — often outlasting multiple machine life cycles.

Aluminum Access Platforms: Small Change, Big Sustainability Impact

When it comes to maintenance sustainability, access platforms may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but material choice plays a major role in long-term environmental impact.

Why Aluminum?

B&D’s aluminum access platforms offer clear sustainability advantages over traditional steel structures:

• Lightweight = Reduced Energy Use
  Aluminum platforms are easier to move, adjust, and reconfigure, reducing the energy and equipment needed for installation and daily use.
• Corrosion Resistance
  Unlike steel, aluminum doesn’t require frequent blasting, repainting, or coating — processes that consume chemicals and generate waste.
• Highly Recyclable
  Aluminum can be recycled repeatedly with minimal degradation, using only around 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminum.
• Longer Service Life
  With proper care, aluminum platforms can remain fully functional for decades, reducing replacement cycles and the environmental burden of new material production.

For mines striving toward greener operations, specifying aluminum access infrastructure introduces efficiency and sustainability benefits that accumulate year after year.

Sustainable Maintenance: A Strategic Investment, Not a Trade-Off

Adopting a “refurbish, reuse, repeat” mindset does more than reduce waste — it transforms mobile maintenance into a sustainability engine for the entire operation. Mines that prioritize rebuilds, optimize component handling, and invest in long-life access infrastructure experience:

• Lower total cost of ownership
• Smaller environmental footprint
• Improved workforce safety
• Reduced equipment downtime
• Greater resilience against supply chain volatility

As global expectations around ESG performance rise, maintenance departments that embrace rebuild-centric strategies become critical contributors to corporate sustainability goals.

How B&D Supports Your Sustainability Journey

For over 40 years, B&D Manufacturing has partnered with mining operations to make maintenance safer, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible. Whether you’re looking to enhance rebuild capabilities with better handling solutions or reduce long-term waste with aluminum access platforms, we provide the tools and expertise to help you achieve your sustainability targets — without compromising productivity.

Sustainable mining maintenance starts with one decision:
Choose to rebuild. Choose to reuse. Choose to lead.

In today’s high-pressure mining environment, maintenance crews are expected to work faster, safer, and more precisely than ever before. But true efficiency doesn’t come from speed alone — it comes from skill. And skill requires training, hands-on practice, and equipment designed to help technicians do the job right.

At B&D Manufacturing Ltd., we believe skilled maintenance teams are built, not born. That’s why our tools — from the Multi Handler to the Evolution Jack to the Swing Shaft Changer — are engineered not only for performance, but also for training and development. When maintenance technicians understand the equipment they’re working with, they become confident, capable, and significantly safer.

Why Skilled Maintenance Teams Matter More Than Ever

Mining fleets are growing larger, more automated, and more complex. As equipment sophistication increases, so do the demands on maintenance professionals. Poorly trained crews risk:

• Increased safety hazards
• Longer downtimes
• Higher equipment failure rates
• Costly mistakes that ripple across an entire operation

Conversely, teams trained with the right tools — and trained to use them properly — deliver:

• Predictable maintenance cycles
• Consistent quality of work
• Reduced exposure to hazardous tasks
• Maximized equipment availability

Skill + the right equipment = safer, more productive mines.

How B&D’s Specialized Equipment Strengthens Maintenance Training

Multi Handler — Versatility That Builds Technician Confidence

The Multi Handler is designed to assist with heavy component handling and positioning, turning previously risky manual tasks into controlled, mechanized operations.

Training Benefits:

• Teaches technicians how to manage heavy components using precision controls
• Reduces reliance on unsafe manual lifting techniques
• Helps new crew members quickly adapt to complex mining components
• Provides a safer environment for practicing delicate alignment or placement tasks

When your training program includes the Multi Handler, your teams learn to work smarter, not harder — and significantly safer.

Evolution Jack — Teaching Safe Lifting Techniques for Modern Mining Fleets

Modern haul trucks and large mobile equipment require stable, high-capacity lifting systems. The Evolution Jackprovides the stability and ease of use that crews need to safely lift these massive machines.

Training Benefits:

• Reinforces proper load-lifting procedures
• Trains teams to identify, assess, and control lifting hazards
• Reduces risks associated with traditional lifting devices
• Builds operational consistency across shifts and crews

Because the Evolution Jack is intuitive and safe by design, trainees build good habits right from the start.

Swing Shaft Changer — Skill Development for Precision, High-Risk Tasks

Swinging or changing drivetrain components can be one of the most hazardous jobs in the shop or the field. The Swing Shaft Changer gives technicians a stable, engineered system to support these tasks.

Training Benefits:

• Allows crews to practice shaft-changing procedures with minimal risk
• Improves precision handling and alignment skills
• Reduces downtime caused by improper installation
• Helps newer technicians master critical drivetrain work faster

With the Swing Shaft Changer, high-risk jobs become controlled training opportunities — and teams build confidence through repetition and safe operation.

Integrating B&D Equipment into Your Training Programs

To truly unlock the value of B&D’s specialized maintenance equipment, we encourage mining operations to embed these tools into their onboarding and continuous training programs.

Best Practices Include:

• Hands-on workshops led by experienced trainers
• Scenario-based learning, using real components and real maintenance tasks
• Step-by-step procedure training, ensuring consistency across crews
• Competency assessments to validate technician readiness
• Refresher sessions to reinforce safe operating habits

B&D also offers support resources — manuals, videos, training materials, and expert consultation — to help operations build robust, practical programs around our equipment.

Stronger Tools. Stronger Teams. Stronger Mines.

Skilled maintenance teams don’t just complete tasks — they improve your operation’s safety culture, reliability, and bottom line. With B&D’s Multi Handler, Evolution Jack, and Swing Shaft Changer, your technicians grow their skill sets while performing work more safely and efficiently.

At B&D Manufacturing, we’re committed to supporting the people who keep the mining industry moving. Because when your crews have the right tools and the right training, your entire operation performs better.

Global supply chain constraints continue to challenge mining operations, slowing the delivery of new components and putting pressure on maintenance teams to do more with less. When critical parts are delayed, even routine maintenance activities can turn into costly downtime events.

But idle machines don’t generate ore — and maintenance teams know that waiting for shipments isn’t an option.

This is where on-site component handling solutions become game-changing. With the right tools, crews can reinstall refurbished components, extend the lifecycle of equipment already onsite, and dramatically reduce the impact of supply shortages.

B&D Manufacturing’s Swing Shaft Changer and Evolution Jack are designed specifically to support maintenance teams facing these challenges, helping them work safer, faster, and with total confidence — even when brand-new parts aren’t available.

Why Supply Chain Delays Hit Maintenance Teams Hard

Mining mobile equipment is a system of interdependent components — and when one breaks, everything stops. Under normal conditions, damaged or worn parts are replaced promptly with OEM components. But today’s realities look different:

• New parts are arriving late or inconsistently
• OEM refurb cycles are longer than ever
• Stockpiling has become costly and less feasible
• Downtime risk increases with every delay

As a result, refurbished components are becoming vital to day-to-day operations, keeping shovels, loaders, and haul trucks productive while mines wait on new parts to arrive.

However, reinstalling refurbished components isn’t always straightforward. It requires precision handling, controlled movement, and absolute compliance with safety protocols — especially with heavy assemblies and challenging orientations.

This is where purpose-built handling equipment proves essential.

B&D’s Swing Shaft Changer: Making Reinstallation Faster and Safer

The Swing Shaft Changer was engineered to help mobile maintenance crews maneuver heavy, awkward components with minimal manual intervention. When a refurbished swing shaft is available but a new unit is weeks away, the Swing Shaft Changer ensures the reinstall process is quick, controlled, and safe.

Key Advantages

Precision Alignment

Reinstalling heavy components typically requires multiple technicians manually guiding and positioning a part. The Swing Shaft Changer eliminates guesswork with built-in alignment features that allow operators to position shafts with millimetre-level accuracy.

Reduced Labour Requirements

By supporting the component throughout the entire movement — lifting, rotating, aligning, and installing — the system reduces the number of personnel required. This frees up skilled workers for other tasks during maintenance shutdowns.

Consistent, Repeatable Installs

Whether a component is brand new or fully refurbished, the Swing Shaft Changer helps ensure every installation meets the same high standard. This consistency is critical when crews are reintroducing refurbished parts into service.

With fewer hands on the load and more control over each movement, maintenance teams can bring refurbished components online days or even weeks faster than waiting for replacements.

Evolution Jack: Lifting Confidence When Refurbs Are the Only Option

Refurbished components are only useful if you can safely access the equipment to install them. B&D’s Evolution Jack gives crews reliable, high-capacity lifting capability that adapts to a wide range of mobile machines.

Why It Matters During Supply Chain Disruptions

• Fast machine elevation means quicker access for removal and installation
• High stability under load ensures safe work even with heavier refurbished parts
• Modularity supports different chassis designs, increasing flexibility across fleets

When new parts are unavailable, mines often rely on extended inspections, partial rebuilds, and field repairs to keep machines running. The Evolution Jack plays a vital role in this approach by providing the controlled lifting needed for rapid component swaps.

Instead of waiting for a brand-new part to arrive, crews can elevate equipment, remove the worn component, and reinstall a refurbished unit using the Evolution Jack and Swing Shaft Changer in tandem.

This combination minimizes downtime and keeps production on schedule.

The Big Picture: Control What You Can Control

Mining companies can’t influence global logistics, manufacturing backlogs, or shipping timelines. But maintenance teams can take control of what happens on site.

By equipping crews with robust, purpose-built handling systems, mines can:

• Reduce dependency on new parts
• Increase uptime with refurbished components
• Improve safety in every changeout
• Accelerate turnaround during planned and unplanned maintenance
• Add predictability to maintenance workflows despite supply volatility

When delays are unavoidable, capability becomes the competitive advantage — and B&D Manufacturing’s solutions are designed to deliver exactly that.

Final Thoughts

Supply chain challenges may continue, but downtime doesn’t have to. With the Swing Shaft Changer and Evolution Jack, maintenance teams can safely and efficiently handle refurbished components on site, keeping critical assets in service and production targets on track.

Global shortages don’t have to mean idle machines — not when you have the right tools on the ground.

When a critical component fails on a haul truck, loader, or drill, the clock starts ticking. Every hour of downtime erodes production targets, squeezes maintenance budgets, and puts safety performance under a microscope. In mobile equipment maintenance, speed matters — but never at the expense of control or safety.

That’s where the right tools make all the difference.

B&D Manufacturing has spent decades engineering solutions that help mining operations recover faster from unexpected failures. Our Pedestal Boom Systems, Cradles, and Multi Handlers are purpose-built to safely remove damaged assemblies, streamline root cause analysis (RCA), and accelerate the return to service for your most valuable mobile assets.

Failure Happens — Fast Response Should Too

Mobile mining equipment operates in some of the harshest mechanical environments on the planet. Thermal cycling, shock loading, contamination, and structural fatigue all take their toll. Components such as hydraulic cylinders, wheel groups, booms, and drivetrain assemblies inevitably fail — often at the worst possible time.

But diagnosing the cause of that failure takes more than an experienced eye. It requires safe access, controlled handling, and the ability to remove damaged parts intact. If extraction is rushed or improvised, you risk:

• Losing critical evidence needed for RCA
• Damaging adjacent components
• Introducing secondary failures
• Putting maintainers at risk
• Extending downtime unnecessarily

That’s why mines that invest in the right support equipment consistently resolve failures faster and with fewer follow-up issues.

The B&D Advantage: Purpose-Built Tools for Safer, Faster Removal

Pedestal Boom Systems — Controlled Precision in Tough Conditions

B&D’s Pedestal Boom Systems provide the power, reach, and stability required to remove large or compromised components without overstressing the machine or the crew. Designed for heavy mining environments, our booms:

• Deliver smooth, controlled movements for safe handling
• Allow maintainers to position tools and lifting devices with millimeter accuracy
• Reduce reliance on cranes and manual rigging
• Improve access around damaged structures

When a failed assembly must come out intact for analysis — not reduced to scrap — controlled articulation is critical. A pedestal boom gives your team the confidence to work methodically and safely, even when components are warped, seized, or structurally unpredictable.

B&D Cradles — Secure Support for Damaged Assemblies

Once a component is removed, it needs to be stabilized immediately. B&D’s Cradles are engineered to support wheel motors, final drives, cylinders, and other heavy assemblies in a secure, predictable orientation. This stability is essential for accurate and efficient failure analysis.

Key advantages include:

• Safe handling: Cradles eliminate the hazards of balancing components on blocks or improvised supports.
• Repeatable positioning: Technicians can index assemblies into optimal alignments for inspection.
• Protection of mating surfaces: Proper support prevents additional damage during transport or teardown.

By creating a standardized, controlled environment for inspection, Cradles help teams diagnose failures without compromising safety or evidence quality.

Multi Handler — Versatile Lifting and Positioning for High-Uptime Shops

Your shop needs a workhorse capable of handling diverse tasks with precision. The B&D Multi Handler is that tool. Designed to replace multiple pieces of equipment, it allows one operator to manage the safe removal, lifting, positioning, and installation of heavy components across the mine site.

Its benefits in failure analysis include:

• Reduced waiting time for cranes or specialized rigging crews
• Enhanced maneuverability in tight shop layouts
• Fast attachment changes for handling everything from buckets to transmissions
• Controlled rotation and tilt to expose failure points without manual intervention

Whether you’re extracting a failed pump, maneuvering a damaged cylinder, or repositioning a wheel motor for teardown, the Multi Handler eliminates bottlenecks that slow down diagnostics.

Better Tools Lead to Better RCA — and Better Availability

Speeding up failure analysis isn’t just about moving parts quickly. It’s about maintaining evidence integrity, protecting your workforce, and reducing the risk of rework.

With the right handling systems, your maintenance team can:

• Remove components safely and intact
• Inspect failures sooner and more thoroughly
• Conduct teardown in a controlled environment
• Identify root causes before they trigger other failures
• Return machines to service faster
• Build a library of forensic insights to strengthen long-term reliability strategies

Every minute saved on extraction, transportation, and inspection compounds into real gains in availability and cost efficiency.

Investing in the Tools That Protect Your People and Production

Mining is a high-stakes environment. Equipment failure is inevitable — but the consequences don’t have to be. By equipping maintenance teams with B&D’s Pedestal Boom, Cradle, and Multi Handler systems, mines significantly improve their response time to critical failures while reducing risk throughout the process.

The result?

Safer technicians. Faster diagnostics. Less downtime. More productive assets.

When the next failure occurs — and it will — make sure your team is prepared not just to react, but to recover smarter.

If you have any questions please reach out to Bill Cronley at bill.cronley@bdmfg.com

The Mining Industry is Evolving — Safety Must Too

The mining industry is rapidly transitioning. While diesel-powered haul trucks, dozers, excavators & scoop trams remain the backbone of operations, electric and hybrid mining equipment is making its way onto job sites around the world. This shift helps reduce emissions and improve efficiency, but it also brings new challenges for maintenance crews tasked with keeping these machines running.

For mobile equipment maintenance professionals, safety is always the first priority. Working at height on ultra-class haul trucks, large excavators, or hybrid drive systems means more exposure to fall risks and, in the case of electric systems, increased electrical hazards. That’s where B&D Manufacturing Ltd. comes in.

Why Aluminum Access Platforms Are the Safer Choice

Traditional steel platforms have been used for decades, but the transition to high-voltage systems on electric and hybrid mining machines demands a smarter approach.

B&D’s aluminum access platforms are designed with modern mining in mind. Here’s why they’re the safer choice:

• Non-Conductive: Aluminum provides an additional layer of protection against electrical hazards compared to steel-based systems.
• Lightweight but Strong: Easier to maneuver into position without sacrificing durability.
• Corrosion Resistant: Built for the toughest mining conditions, from wet climates to dusty haul roads.
• Ergonomic & Modular: Designed to fit specific equipment and maintenance tasks, ensuring safe, comfortable access every time.

For crews working on electric drive haul trucks, hybrids, or traditional diesel machines, aluminum access solutions reduce risks and improve efficiency.

B&D Access Solutions for Mining Equipment

At B&D Manufacturing Ltd., we’ve been engineering safe access solutions for the mining sector for decades. Our lineup covers a full range of equipment and maintenance needs, including:

• Rear Access Platforms for ultra-class mining haul trucks from CAT, Komatsu & Liebherr — giving crews stable and secure access to hard-to-reach areas.
• Step Platforms and Box Work Platforms — versatile, modular, and perfect for a wide range of equipment service needs.
• Dozer & Excavator Stairs — purpose-built stairs that provide safe entry and exit for heavy earthmoving machines.
• Elevating Platform Stairs — adjustable for multiple working heights, reducing strain and improving ergonomics.
• Exhaust Stairs & Fuel Tank Stairs — tailored for specific maintenance tasks where standard access just won’t do.
• Hoist Cylinder Stairs — enabling safe, stable access for inspection and maintenance.
• Frame Fall Protection Kits — designed to prevent accidents when working around massive haul truck frames.
• Manually Propelled Stairs & Rolling Step Platforms — mobile, flexible solutions that keep maintenance crews productive and safe.

Each product is designed to reduce fall risks, improve efficiency, and meet or exceed mining safety standards.

Safe Access for a Hybrid Future

As electric and hybrid systems become more common in mining, maintenance crews need to adapt their work practices. High-voltage power components add another layer of risk, making safe, reliable access platforms an essential investment.

• For Diesel Equipment: Access solutions reduce fall hazards when working on massive haul trucks and loaders.
• For Hybrid Systems: Lightweight aluminum platforms make it easier to move and position access tools around complex machinery.
• For Electric Drives: Non-conductive properties add an extra layer of safety when servicing high-voltage components.

In every case, B&D’s access products are engineered with safety, efficiency, and compliance at their core.

Building a Culture of Safety in Mining Maintenance

Mining is tough, and so is mining equipment. But nothing is tougher than the men and women who keep fleets running. By providing maintenance crews with safe, ergonomic access solutions, mine operators can protect their teams while also improving uptime and productivity.

B&D Manufacturing partners directly with mine operators and mobile maintenance professionals to ensure every access platform or stair system is fit-for-purpose, easy to deploy, and built to last.

Why Choose B&D?

• Trusted Partner to the Mining Industry for over 40 years.
• Custom-Fit Solutions for CAT, Komatsu, Liebherr, and other OEM equipment.
• Safety-Driven Engineering — every design starts with fall protection and worker safety.
• North American Manufacturing with a proven track record of durability and compliance.

When you choose B&D, you’re investing in more than a product — you’re investing in crew safety, equipment uptime, and operational peace of mind.

The Bottom Line

The future of mining is changing fast, with electric and hybrid haul trucks entering fleets alongside diesel powerhouses. But one thing stays the same: maintenance professionals need safe access at height to do their jobs.

B&D Manufacturing Ltd.’s aluminum access platforms and stairs are the smart choice for modern mining — lightweight, non-conductive, and purpose-built for the world’s largest equipment.

Whether it’s a rear access platform for an ultra-class haul truck or a rolling step platform for shop maintenance, B&D has the right solution to keep crews safe and efficient.

Ready to upgrade your safe access solutions?

Contact B&D Manufacturing Ltd. today and discover why mines across North America trust us to support their maintenance teams.

In mining, uptime is everything. Every minute a haul truck or electric rope shovel sits idle means lost productivity, increased costs, and added strain on already hard-working fleets. With today’s ultra-class mining equipment running longer than ever before, maintenance professionals face the challenge of keeping high-hour machines productive and safe.

At B&D Manufacturing Ltd., we understand the demands placed on mining maintenance teams. That’s why we’ve engineered a range of innovative tools and support equipment designed to extend the life of assets, reduce downtime, and keep fleets moving.

Extending the Life of P&H Shovels with the Swing Shaft Changer

Maintaining a P&H shovel is no small task, especially as these machines rack up hours beyond their original design life. The B&D Swing Shaft Changer is built specifically to streamline one of the toughest maintenance jobs on a rope shovel: removing and installing swing shafts.

By reducing manual handling, improving safety, and cutting downtime, this tool helps maintenance teams complete critical repairs efficiently, keeping shovels digging rather than waiting in the yard.

Lifting Performance with the Evolution Jack

When it comes to haul truck maintenance, lifting ultra-class trucks safely and quickly is essential. The B&D Evolution Jack was designed to handle these massive loads with precision and reliability.

Engineered for CAT, Komatsu, and Liebherr mining trucks, the Evolution Jack gives teams confidence during undercarriage and suspension work. Its robust design ensures durability, while its ease of use helps reduce time in the shop.

Stands, Platforms & Oil Management

Aluminum Heavy Duty Stands

When servicing ultra-class mining haul trucks, safety and stability are non-negotiable. B&D’s Aluminum Heavy Duty Stands are engineered to provide exceptional strength without the unnecessary weight of traditional steel stands. Their lightweight design makes them easier to move into position, saving time for technicians while still delivering the load-bearing performance required for CAT, Komatsu, and Liebherr haul trucks.

Rear Access Platforms

Accessing the rear of an ultra-class haul truck can be a challenge, especially when safety is on the line. B&D’s Rear Access Platforms are purpose-built for the industry’s biggest trucks, offering stable, secure footing where technicians need it most. Designed to align with CAT, Komatsu, and Liebherr equipment, these platforms reduce risk and improve efficiency during routine maintenance and inspections.

Oil Drip Carts

Fluid management is a constant concern in mining maintenance, and spills can mean costly cleanup and environmental risk. B&D’s Oil Drip Carts offer a practical, reliable solution for capturing fluids during service. Built tough for mine-site conditions, they help shops maintain cleaner work areas, streamline oil handling, and minimize downtime from avoidable messes.

Mining fleets are running longer than ever before. With the right maintenance tools and equipment, high-hour machines can continue to deliver value without the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

At B&D Manufacturing, we’re proud to support maintenance professionals with solutions that enhance safety, reduce costs, and extend equipment life. From swing shaft changers to haul truck platforms, every product we design is built with one goal in mind: keeping your fleet moving.