Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/732024
SUPPLYLINES 39 AGGREGATES MANAGER / October 2016 Carrier Considerations for Your Breaker Hydraulic breakers — and the carriers that run them — are critical pieces of equipment on any aggregate production site, and the technologies incorporated into both have improved quite a bit over the years. But even the most modern, high-performance breakers can increase the wear and tear on an excavator or other carrier machine. Match- ing a breaker attachment to the right machine is essential for maintaining maximum production and safety on site, as well as getting the most out of your equipment investment. Here are several considerations to help match the right carrier to your breaker attachment. Carrier: The primary machine considerations for break- er usage are the operating weight, tipping load, length of the boom and arm, overall lift capacity, and hydraulic flow characteristics — namely the operating pressure, hydraulic flow rate, and auxiliary flow rate. Matching the right size carrier to the breaker attach- ment is essential for safe and productive operation. You also want to make sure that the carrier has the appropriate hydraulic power to meet the needs of the breaker. Breaker: Operating an oversized breaker can not only cause unnecessary wear — and even critical damage — to your excavator, it is also extremely unsafe for the operator and everyone around them, so always check the operat- ing manual or consult with your equipment dealer to make sure that you have the right match. Many modern breaker attachments are designed with fewer moving parts and wear components than their pre- decessors. While this does make them more durable, it is still critical that the hydraulic flow requirements be prop- erly matched to the carrier. Coupler: A breaker attachment should be easy for the operator to attach and operate. Be sure that the carrier has the right coupler for the attachment. Many machines can be outfitted with quick-couplers that make it easier than ever for an operator to attach a breaker to the end of the stick with- out leaving the cab, but the connections should be checked regularly for dirt and debris which can get into the hydraulic lines and cause unnecessary damage to the machine. Maintenance: Be sure to follow the manufacturer-rec- ommended maintenance intervals for both the carrier and the breaker attachment. For excavators and other heavy equipment, recommended intervals may change based on application, so be sure to check the manual or consult with your equipment dealer to make sure that you're doing ev- erything that you can to protect your investment. Sticking to the maintenance intervals will help to en- sure that proper tolerances are kept up on tool bushings and other common wear items on breaker attachments. Proper care and maintenance of a breaker will also reduce the wear on the bushings and pins on the carrier and in- crease the overall life of the machine. The most critical element to productive operation is that operators must follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines for safe operation — it is especially important to follow all weight requirements for excavators and breakers, as stability is critical for safe, productive operation on the mine site. John Bauer is the brand marketing manager for Case Con- struction Equipment. Rock breaking boom systems Tramac, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, introduces the new TX and TXG series Rock Breaking Boom Systems. The TX series is available in horizontal reach from 17 feet to 24 feet with boom weights (without hammer or HPU) from 14,000 to 17,000 pounds. It is capable of carrying hammers with impact class of up to 6,000 foot-pounds. Standard configuration of the TX series al- lows a swing arc of 180 degrees. The TXG version is supplied with a turntable-type slewing mechanism that permits 360 degrees non-continuous rotation. Tramac offers various control solutions, including automated options. Tramac | www.tramac.com by John Bauer