Cat provides operating tips for excavators used in logging applications.
In the September 2 issue of Logging-on, we looked at the advice provided by Cat for maintaining the undercarriage of excavators used for road maintenance and shovel logging. In this issue, we look at excavators uses for loading logs and as feller buncher carrier machines. We start with loading logs, where the excavator typically does very little travel:
- The excavator must operate on a smooth surface. A smooth bench is key to long life, even though the undercarriage life does not usually wear from travel. Structural failures are more common as the machine sits in one location, used only for impacts/load shifting. If the excavator is rocking back and forth, the bench is not adequately smooth.
- Rotate the track which is taking the load occasionally to spread the loading evenly across the undercarriage.
- Ensure that heavy lifts take place over the idlers when loading at the side of the excavators. Keep the main and stick boom as close as possible to the excavator when loading over the side to minimize tilting and leaning. Also minimize travel while the excavator is leaning over to one side. The contact between the shoe and shoe support can wear away leading edge of shoe and can cause shoe crossing or breaking.
Track Feller Bunchers:
- High travel with a heavy lift is one of the most difficult applications for an excavator. In this situation the idlers should always be at the front to reduce wear and structural concerns.
- Always try to minimise travel with loads.
- When travelling over stumps, if you can’t avoid a stump, then approach it over the centre of shoe (between the bolts), and do not clip the edge of stump with the edge of the shoe.
- If clear-cutting small trees over the side, switch sides of machine frequently to share loads between the right track and the left.
In the next issue of Logging-on, we will examine tips for loading the excavator for transport between work sites and provide general tips. Source: http://www.cat.com/en_US/articles/support/forestry/maximizing-the-lifeofyourundercarriage.html