The hydraulic shovel as a primary loading tool in mines and quarries is compared to more conventional methods used to date in the North American market such as cable shovels and large wheel loaders. Discussed are the history of the hydraulic shovels, their concept, and their place in the mining industry. Also discussed are the applications for which hydraulic shovels are best suited, not only because of their performance but also because of other advantages such as mobility, production and economic considerations. A comparison is made to other alternatives of loading methods considering the many factors today's user is faced with.
