Estimation of factors influencing the productivity of LHD machines in Estonian oil shale mines

Since the end of the 1980's LHD vehicles are the most widely used machines for loading and transportation in Estonian oil shale mines with room-and-pillar mining. This paper presents a simple method based on the use of valuation points for the quick estimation of the job efficiency of LHDs in Estonian oil shale mines. Due to a more correct definition of the job conditions and their intensity we think that this system of assessment also enables to show more objectively and correctly the actual productivity of the machines. So the factors influencing the work of the LHDs in oil shale mines are given in points of assessment proceeding from relevant research and expertise.