Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/75471
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT Most wheel tractor-scraper models have daily service recommendations that specify components to be greased. components are damaged. At 500 ser- vice hours, a cooling system coolant sample should be taken and analyzed. Five hundred hours marks the point of several filter changes. Engine oil and filter are to be changed at that interval, as is the fuel system filter. The hydraulic oil filter and transmission oil filter also are to be replaced at 500 hours. A less common, but no less critical, preventive maintenance function at 500 hours is the cushion hitch (accumulator) pressure. The cushion hitch is filled with nitrogen and, effectively, dampens bouncing and loping as the machine travels. At 1,000 service hours, the transmis- sion oil must be changed. At 2,000 hours or one year of service, the oils should be changed in the differential and final drives, the hydraulic system, and the wheel bearings. A sometimes overlooked aspect of scraper operation and maintenance is the selection and maintenance of Ground Engaging Tools (GET). Several options are available to optimize the machine for different material types and loading con- ditions. GET options include standard, serrated, and abrasion-resistant material. Most are reversible to provide long life and reduced operating costs. With proper equipment selection, atten- tion to detail during inspections, and strict adherence to preventive maintenance guidelines, operations can achieve low- cost, high-production results from their wheel-tractor scrapers. AM Mark Sprouls is a mining writer who has worked with and within the industry for more than 35 years. He is based in Tucson, Ariz. Information for this article is courtesy of Caterpillar Inc. To view the Safety & Maintenance checklist, scan this tag or visit our digital edition at www.aggman.com. Write 159 on Reader Service Card or visit www.AggMan.com/info Write 158 on Reader Service Card or visit www.AggMan.com/info AGGREGATES MANAGER August 2012 39