This gravity-powered haulage system relies on the weight of full coal tubs travelling downhill to hoist empty tubs back up the incline. A cable connects the two sets of cars around a pulley or brake drum at the top of the slope. It requires no external power source but depends on a steady supply of loaded cars and a steep enough grade to overcome friction.
Heard on the job
The cable snapped on the jinny road and sent three full tubs crashing into the lower landing.
Insider tip
Historic British coal mining term, largely replaced by powered conveyors and hoists in mechanized pits.
Also heard as
- jinny incline
- gravity plane