Mining Vehicles Course: Hydraulic Shovels
Online 300-hour course in mining vehicles: hydraulic shovels. 6 modules covering ISO 7135 (hydraulic excavators: terminology), ISO 7451 (nominal bucket capacity) and Komatsu KOMTRAX Plus. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the mining hydraulic shovel and its front and backhoe configurations.
Prepare the working face and carry out pre-shift checks.
Apply loading techniques that optimise bucket filling and the cycle.
Size the shovel and truck fleet pairing.
Plan maintenance to maximise availability.
Assess operational risks and mining safety measures.
Calculate productivity and cost per tonne loaded.
Who it's for
- Mining operations engineer looking to specialise in Mining Vehicles: Hydraulic Shovels.
- Mine loading supervisor looking to specialise in Mining Vehicles: Hydraulic Shovels.
- Shovel maintenance engineer looking to specialise in Mining Vehicles: Hydraulic Shovels.
- Mining production planner looking to specialise in Mining Vehicles: Hydraulic Shovels.
- Mining equipment reliability technician looking to specialise in Mining Vehicles: Hydraulic Shovels.
- Mining safety manager looking to specialise in Mining Vehicles: Hydraulic Shovels.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter open-pit mining.
What you'll work with
- ISO 7135 (hydraulic excavators: terminology)
- ISO 7451 (nominal bucket capacity)
- ISO 20474-5 (safety of hydraulic excavators)
- ISO 3449 (FOPS structures)
- Royal Decree 863/1985 (General Regulations on Basic Mining Safety Standards)
- ISO 2867 (access systems for machinery)
- ISO 16001 (object detection systems and visual aids)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Hydraulic shovel versus cable shovel and loader1.2Backhoe and front shovel configuration1.3Components: crawler undercarriage, superstructure and work equipment1.4High-power hydraulic system1.5Diesel and electric drive1.6Bucket capacity and rated load1.7Reach, dump height and swing radius1.8Matching with mining trucks1.9Work cycle and typical times1.10Workshop: identification of components and capacities
2.1Pre-shift inspection2.2Levels, leaks and condition of high-pressure hoses2.3Undercarriage and track tension2.4Teeth, edge protectors and bucket protection2.5Checks of safety and fire suppression systems2.6Preparation of the work floor and drainage2.7Bench height and face geometry2.8Positioning of the shovel and trucks2.9Lighting and marking of the working area2.10Practical: checklist and preparation of the working face
3.1Bucket filling and fill factor3.2Loading in front and backhoe configuration3.3Truck positioning: double and single3.4Minimum swing and cycle optimisation3.5Dump height and spill control3.6Loading blasted and compacted material3.7Selectivity and grade control at the face3.8Floor cleaning and face maintenance3.9Timing and cycle improvement3.10Practical: optimisation of a loading cycle
4.1Hour-based maintenance programme4.2Hydraulic system maintenance and filtration4.3Oil analysis and condition monitoring4.4Tool wear and replacement management4.5Undercarriage: cost and life extension4.6Scheduled stoppages and major repairs4.7Field workshop and lifting equipment4.8Critical spare parts and lead times4.9Availability and cost indicators4.10Practical: maintenance plan for a shovel
5.1Main risks: falling material, run-over and crushing5.2Swing zone and exclusion area5.3Interaction with trucks and light vehicles5.4Face stability and ground collapse5.5Electrical risk on cable shovels5.6Energy isolation for maintenance (lockout)5.7Work at height on the machine5.8Machinery fire and immediate response5.9Emergencies and cab evacuation5.10Practical: risk assessment of the workstation
6.1Output per hour and per shift6.2Factors reducing performance6.3Energy consumption per tonne6.4Cost per tonne loaded6.5Comparison between hydraulic shovels and alternatives6.6Operator training and certification6.7Telemetry and operational data analysis6.8Dashboard for loading equipment6.9Common operational errors6.10Final project: operation plan and improvement of a shovel
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Komatsu KOMTRAX Plus, RPMGlobal TALPAC, Maptek Vulcan, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for shovel–truck matching studies, bucket fill factor measurement and mechanical availability analysis. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the mining hydraulic shovel and its front and backhoe configurations.
Prepare the working face and carry out pre-shift checks.
Apply loading techniques that optimise bucket filling and the cycle.
Size the shovel and truck fleet pairing.
Plan maintenance to maximise availability.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme’s software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course uses Komatsu KOMTRAX Plus, RPMGlobal TALPAC, Maptek Vulcan and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM’s own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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