Horizontal Index Conveyor
Drive the Stack. Maintain the Flow
Self-propelled tracked bridge conveyor for retreat stacking and pad progression.
Carmaky’s Horizontal Index Conveyor, also known as a Stacker Feed or Bridge Conveyor, is a tracked self-propelled bridge conveyor designed for retreat stacking. It moves in step with the Radial Stacker to extend stacking reach while maintaining material flow to the placement equipment.
Specifications
| Standard length | 42 m module |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Self-propelled tracked undercarriage, powered by onboard hydraulics |
| Speed | Up to 1 m/s with approximately 2-second startup |
| Structure | Truss-type frame with full-length receiving skirt |
| Belt widths | 600–1500 mm |
| Capacity | Approximately 300–2,000 tph, dependent on ore and configuration |
Key Benefits on Site
- Continuous Retreat Stacking
Maintains material transfer while the stacking system retreats across the pad.
- Self-Propelled Movement
Moves using hydraulic tracked undercarriages.
- Synchronized Stacker Feed
Aligns and moves with the Radial Stacker during lift building.
- Loaded Relocation
Designed to operate under load while repositioning, subject to the selected configuration and operating plan.
- System Compatibility
Works with the Transverse Conveyor, Grasshopper string, Ramp Conveyor and Radial Stacker.
System Role: Where It Fits
The Horizontal Index Conveyor links the Transverse Conveyor to the Radial Stacker and forms the final mobile transfer section of the heap leach stacking system. It retreats in coordination with the stacker to continue lift construction without reconfiguring the upstream conveyor string for every movement.
Typical flow:
Feed source → Ramp Conveyor → Grasshopper string → Transverse Conveyor → Horizontal Index Conveyor → Radial Stacker
Common Applications
- Retreat Stacking on Heap Leach Pads
Mobile bridge transfer while the stacking face retreats across the pad.
- Synchronized Lift Building
Movement coordinated with the Radial Stacker during lift construction.
- Bridging Stacked Ore Rows
Transfer across stacked rows without interrupting material flow.
Standard Features
- Dual-track undercarriages, with one rear and two front track assemblies
- Self-powered via generator or mains supply
- Full-length ore reception skirt and walkways
- Remote pendant for safe movement
- Built to operate under full load during relocation
- Local support from South Africa
Options & Integrations
- Quick-connect power and control umbilicals
- Onboard generator and power changeover kit from mains to generator
- Survey alignment markers for the retreat path
- Belt covers
Options depend on the selected configuration and project requirements.
Heap Leach Resource Centre
Explore practical guides, operational insights and technical articles covering heap leach material handling, equipment selection and stacking system operation.
Industry Guides
Clear introductions to heap leach methods, terminology and stacking approaches.
Operations Guides
Practical guidance for moving, configuring and operating mobile equipment.
Technical Articles
Deeper explanations of material behaviour and system design considerations.
Download the Horizontal Index Conveyor Brochure
Download the Horizontal Index Conveyor brochure for the equipment overview, specifications, benefits, applications, standard features and integration options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get asked at Carmaky.
What is a Horizontal Index Conveyor?
A Horizontal Index Conveyor is a self-propelled tracked bridge conveyor used in retreat stacking systems. It operates together with the Radial Stacker to maintain continuous material flow while the stacking system progressively retreats across the heap leach pad.
Why is a Horizontal Index Conveyor used in heap leach operations?
The Horizontal Index Conveyor allows material to continue flowing to the Radial Stacker while the stacking system moves across the pad. This reduces interruptions and supports continuous retreat stacking operations.
Where does the Horizontal Index Conveyor fit within the stacking train?
The Horizontal Index Conveyor is positioned between the Transverse Conveyor and the Radial Stacker. Typical flow: Feed Source → Ramp Conveyor → Grasshopper String → Transverse Conveyor → Horizontal Index Conveyor → Radial Stacker.
How does a Horizontal Index Conveyor move?
The Horizontal Index Conveyor is designed as a self-propelled tracked machine. It indexes progressively across the pad while maintaining alignment with the stacking system and continuing to feed material to the Radial Stacker.
What equipment typically works with a Horizontal Index Conveyor?
The Horizontal Index Conveyor is designed to integrate with Transverse Conveyors, Grasshopper Conveyors, Ramp Conveyors and Radial Stackers as part of a complete heap leach stacking system.
Are Horizontal Index Conveyors only used for heap leach applications?
No. Although Horizontal Index Conveyors are commonly associated with retreat stacking systems, the concept can also be applied to other bulk material handling applications where controlled mobile transfer and indexing movement are required.
Discuss Your Horizontal Index Conveyor Requirements
Provide the application, required capacity, stacking strategy, relocation requirements, conveyor arrangement and site conditions so Carmaky can review the duty and develop a suitable Horizontal Index Conveyor configuration.
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