Ukrainians are testing out a jerry-rigged mine-clearing machine made from a farm vehicle with spinning metal chains

Wed, 08/16/2023 - 06:00

A still from video by Reuters showing, from above, a Ukrainian excavator adapted with chains for mine-clearance in a Ukrianian field in August 2023. — A still of the Ukrainian excavator, adapted for mine-clearance, in action in a field in Ukraine.
Reuters/YouTube

A Ukrainian engineer is trying a novel method of mine-clearance: adapting a farm excavator.
It's one proposal among many as Ukraine faces colossal numbers of landmines laid by Russia.
Video shows whirling chains strike the ground as the digger moves forward, blasting hidden mines.

A Ukrainian engineer is testing out a homespun approach to mine-clearance, kitting out a farm excavator with rotating chains to root out unexploded ordnance, Reuters reported.