Tom Price Stacker Breakdown Luff Cylinder Change Out
Updated: Jul 30
Client Rio Tinto
Service Specialised Services
Location Western Australia
Market
Mining & Industrial
Commodity Iron Ore
Overview
Following a critical seal failure on Stacker 88, Linkforce delivered an emergency luff cylinder replacement at Rio Tinto's Tom Price operation. Mobilising within 4.5 days of the request, the project involved the removal and replacement of a major hydraulic cylinder on a critical materials handling asset. Executed under breakdown conditions, the works required specialist mechanical expertise, rapid mobilisation and agile problem-solving to minimise operational downtime.
Service Delivery Area
Balance Machinery
Mechanical & Structural
Access Solutions
Value Added
Experienced specialised execution team with extensive balance machine and breakdown maintenance expertise
Rapid mobilisation within 4.5 days of the client's request, supported by a locally based workforce
Agile execution approach that successfully managed asset damage, crane delays and adverse weather conditions
Established relationships with specialist subject matter experts to support critical asset maintenance and execution planning
Proven capability in delivering complex breakdown and recovery works within compressed timeframes
Certified management systems aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
Outcome
Linkforce successfully replaced the failed luff cylinder and completed all works within a 96-hour execution window, finishing 24 hours ahead of the required schedule. When the damaged cylinder could not be retracted due to an internal seal failure, the team developed and implemented an alternative methodology involving specialised hot works and the controlled removal of the cylinder in two sections. Supported by 100-tonne hydraulic jacking systems, engineered restraints and specialist lifting methodologies, the project restored the asset to operational service while minimising downtime and maintaining a zero LTI performance.
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