How Estonia’s Largest Oil Shale Mine Relies on Heavy Crawler Excavators to Keep Production Moving

In Estonia’s North Kiviõli region, the oil shale mining operation run by Kiviõli Keemiatöötus (KKT), part of the Alexela Group, continues to expand both in scale and equipment capability. After the successful operation of its first Develon DX1000LC-7 100-ton crawler excavator, KKT has now added a second unit to the fleet—further solidifying its trust in high-performance, fuel-efficient machines built to withstand extreme working hours.

KKT’s mining site is a grueling environment, with machines often operating up to 15 hours a day under heavy loads and abrasive conditions. The original DX1000LC-7 has already clocked over 13,000 operating hours in just 29 months—a clear indication of its reliability. The latest addition will work alongside other Develon models, including the 80-ton DX800LC-7 and 50-ton DX490LC-7, taking on tasks ranging from overburden removal to loading rich oil shale into trucks.

What makes the DX1000LC-7 stand out isn’t just its raw power—though with a 629 HP Stage V engine and 1,569 l/min hydraulic flow, it leads its class. What truly matters in this harsh terrain is how well every part of the machine holds up—including the undercarriage system, which faces constant impact, abrasion, and vibration.

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Durable Undercarriage Solutions Are the Foundation

Machines this size depend on a robust undercarriage system to function safely and efficiently in extreme conditions. Components like track chains, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and shoes are under continuous stress from both machine weight and rocky surfaces. When these parts wear out prematurely, it means downtime, costly repairs, and productivity loss.

At Fulian Machinery, we specialize in undercarriage solutions for heavy-duty equipment like the DX1000LC-7. Whether it’s high-strength forged rollers, extended-life chains, or heat-treated track shoes, our products are engineered for endurance and proven in mining and quarry applications around the world.

The Importance of Heavy-Duty Equipment in Estonia’s Oil Shale Industry

Estonia has a long history with oil shale—over 100 years, in fact. It remains the only country in the world that uses oil shale as its primary energy source, accounting for over 70% of its domestic energy production. At North Kiviõli, the process begins by removing layers of overburden to access the shale rock below. Techniques range from blasting and truck loading with large excavators, to using vibrating hydraulic rippers and breakers.

Once extracted, the shale is processed through heating systems at up to 800°C, converting the stone into oil and other by-products like phenol. With over 10 million tonnes of material moved annually, equipment uptime is critical.

And that’s where strong, reliable undercarriage systems make a difference. Without dependable track components, even the most powerful machine can’t do its job. That’s why mining operators turn to suppliers like Fulian Machinery, who provide precision-engineered undercarriage parts capable of handling the toughest conditions.

Local Support Drives Confidence

Develon equipment is supported in the Baltic region by the INTRAC Group, which offers full-service coverage in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. With 13 service locations and 55 mobile repair units, INTRAC’s team keeps machines like the DX1000LC-7 in optimal condition. But even with strong dealer support, the durability of critical parts—especially the undercarriage—remains essential to long-term productivity.

By partnering with Fulian, customers benefit from both OEM-compatible undercarriage parts and technical expertise built on years of field experience. From mining in Estonia to construction projects across the globe, we deliver solutions that keep your equipment running.

In high-stakes operations like oil shale mining, every hour counts. Investing in durable machinery is only part of the equation—choosing long-lasting undercarriage systems is just as important. As Estonia’s mining sector continues to evolve, Fulian Machinery stands ready to support with undercarriage solutions built to endure, perform, and deliver lasting value.

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Fulian Operation Team
2025.8.15