Capital Equipment News February 2016

UNDERCARRIAGE R&D on dozers and drills

B ased on customer input, Caterpillar is working on a multi-generational product development plan, dedicat- ed to creating optimum site solutions. With significant testing and design improve- ments, this will bring products to market faster. In turn, Caterpillar continues to enhance existing undercarriage systems across its model range. A prime example is its sleeve bearing track system, which has more than ten years of proven performance in the field. This pat- ented design has demonstrated its ability to eliminate galling between pins and bush- ings, thereby increasing track life. Extend- ed intervals for bushing turns also reduce maintenance interventions. Standard on all Cat D11N, D11R, and D11T track-type tractors, this undercarriage sys- tem is designed to operate at higher speeds and greater loads.

abrasive conditions. This 100 percent pro- prietary system features a taller, tough steel link combined with patented bushing and sleeve bearings. This system provides for a 2 to 1 wear ratio between the links and bushings; alternatively, a 1 to 1 wear ratio for a ‘run to destruction’ methodology with- out a bushing turn. (The need for a turn is dependent on application and conditions.) Caterpillar’s new rotary drilling range is an- other example of how recent research and development (R&D) improvements are pass- ing on cost per tonne savings. “A heavier track chain design increases durability for handling high field loads,” ex- plains Barloworld Equipment group product specialist, Deon Delport. “Plus the standard fitment of grease lubricated track reduces pitch extension wear for 20-40% increased chain life.” (Barloworld Equipment is the Cat dealer for southern Africa.)

track links; and double flange rollers im- prove primary track guiding. In turn, stron- ger, welded roller guard assembly improves secondary track guiding. Backing Caterpillar’s proprietary engineering designs are a series of Undercarriage As- surance Programmes, which provide com- prehensive support beyond standard new machine or parts warranties. They cover all major moving undercarriage components on Cat track-type tractors, track-type loaders, and track-type hydraulic excavators. The following are key examples for track- type tractors: • Undercarriage Assurance Gold is a leakage and breakage programme for D11 sleeve bearing track. The Gold coverage period is four years or 6 000 hours, whichever occurs first. • Undercarriage Assurance Genuine is a leakage and breakage programme for all other large track-type tractor machines. Genuine coverage is four years or 4 000 hours, whichever occurs first. ❂

A more heavy duty track option is available for D11 size machines, which is ideal for

Larger diameter idlers and a larger track roller tread reduce contact stress with the

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