Larsen & Toubro’s Journey to 1000th Apron Feeder 

The Make in India initiative for Apron Feeders began in 1963 when Larsen & Toubro partnered with Caterpillar Inc. to manufacture undercarriages in India. Caterpillar provided the technology, while L&T contributed to local manufacturing. The factory was established at L&T’s renowned campus in Powai, which is a symbol of excellence and innovation. The undercarriages were produced under the brand name “TENGL”.

The real test of their mettle came in 1981 when Madras Port Trust gave L&T the task of replacing its underperforming Feeder at the Bharathi Dock. This Dock handled iron ore for export, which demanded reliable feed for ship loading.

L&T engineers rose to the occasion, designing and manufacturing an Apron Feeder that met and exceeded expectations. The first machine delivered the promise, resulting in further orders for three machines. The promising features:

•              Comprehensive Solutions for Material Handling

•              Ensures Continuous Operation with Durable Component

•              Increases uptime with Readily Accessible Parts

The first Apron Feeder was delivered to Madras Port Trust in 1982, which was the break of a revolution. L&T-TENGL’s Apron Feeder emerged as a dominant force in the field, challenging global leaders and showcasing unparalleled expertise.

The experience gained was expanded to coal handling in 1987 by delivering 1^st three strand of Apron Feeders to Eastern Coalfields Limited, Rajmahal CHP. On top of that achievement, they clinched yet another significant order, showcasing their continued success and prominence by supplying the Longest Apron Feeder of 16000 Meters for Limestone Application to Birla Corporation Limited, Satna.

In the 1990s, L&T designed, manufactured and commissioned the Apron Feeder with the highest payload capacity for Northern Coalfields’ Nigahi mines. At HCL’s Khetri copper mines, the Apron Feeder found its first underground application.

The next decade was a period of glorious performance as L&T excelled in earning Customer trust and surpassed Customer demand, demonstrating their dedication to delivering exceptional service. The evidence can be seen in the received order for 39 Nos Apron Feeders from JSPL.

Over the years, the designs of L&T’s Apron Feeders have undergone significant transformations. From the pioneering days of manual drafting to the era of sophisticated digitalised designs, L&T has kept pace with technological advancements and led the way. This excellence is underscored by milestones like the development of 3D CAD models and FEA analysis tools, demonstrating an unwavering focus on innovation, safety and environmental standards.

In 2010, the manufacturing unit was shifted from Powai to Kansbahal. L&T’s in-house manufacturing capability for undercarriage components has been a secret weapon, providing an unmatched advantage in design and engineering. This unique strength has helped the company achieve various milestones, from serving the Iron Ore, Coal, and Cement industries to delivering robust solutions that have become the backbone of their clients’ operations.

Between 2010 and 2020, the longest Apron feeder in Asia was delivered to the Aditya Birla Group – Hindalco & Aditya Aluminium. In this decade, L&T installed the highest-capacity Apron Feeder at Essar’s Vizag Port.

The momentum of success remained unabated, and L&T Apron Feeder has received global acclaim for its exceptional design, engineering excellence, and manufacturing quality, demonstrating outstanding product validation and testing capabilities. Finally, the historic moment arrived when L&T and Kansbahal Works delivered the 1000th Apron Feeder.