Rock Products

OCT 2012

Rock Products is the aggregates industry's leading source for market analysis and technology solutions, delivering critical content focusing on aggregates-processing equipment; operational efficiencies; management best practices; comprehensive market

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density and bucket size have been determined, the next step is to match a machine to that particular size of bucket. At this stage, it's important to look at all of the machine specifications that contribute to productivity. 3. Reach, Power and Efficiency Drive Productivity. Wheel loader productivity can be defined in a number of ways, but some of the most common metrics are machine horsepower, tipping load and lifting capacity. Optimum hy‐ draulic performance improves cycle times, also leading to increased productivity. Wheel loader technology has changed significantly over the past five to 10 years and operators need to make sure they know all of the features available to them to work as effi‐ ciently as possible. For example, Ellis said one of the biggest changes is arm‐raise kick‐out. 4.Attachments Expand Versatility. One of the keys to getting the most productivity from a wheel loader is the investment in a quality attachment quick‐change mechanism – which is optional on most man‐ ufacturers' machines. Many more efficiencies can be gained from operators being able to rapidly change buckets or other attachments with a quick coupler from the comfort and security of a cab. Additionally, some coupler systems have been designed to eliminate greasing, requiring less maintenance and fewer replacement parts. Doosan's Reardon said loader‐specific attachments have turned these heavy‐duty machines into valuable assets for quarries and mines with their range from general, all‐pur‐ pose material handling buckets to heavy rock buckets for more serious applications. Wheel loaders can also be fitted with pallet forks and grapples. "With several different types of buckets and specialty attachments available, the loaders' capabilities can be maximized to complete a vari‐ ety of projects for mining and quarry customers," said Reardon. 5.Support Builds Long-Term Satisfaction. Seek out a dealer dedicated to helping producers meet deadlines and minimize downtime with parts availability and maintenance. A committed dealer can recommend to a customer a parts stocking list for frequently used wear parts. That commitment should also be demonstrated through an OEM's ability to quickly provide parts that the dealer may not have on hand or regularly stocked. "Quarries and mines can be pretty intense applications, so dealer support and parts availability are definitely key aspects to consider," Ellis said. These worksites can also be congested with sev‐ eral machines and multiple rock processing and loading/unloading areas. For this reason, Ellis points out the significance of a loader's visibility from the cab. Some manufacturers also assist operators with rear‐view cam‐ eras for enhanced visibility when maneuvering in reverse. With a growing emphasis on the Environmental Protection www.rockproducts.com ROCKproducts • OCTOBER 2012 27 Agency's emissions standards with interim Tier 4 (iT4) regulations designed to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), it's more critical than ever to fol‐ low wheel loader manufacturers' guidelines for service in‐ tervals. On some machines it will also be critical to strictly adhere to the proper use of specially formulated API CJ‐4 engine oil and ultra‐low‐sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel to avoid costly repairs. "Dealerships will be the most knowledge‐ able and qualified to meet iT4 technologies and their main‐ tenance requirements," Ellis said. Ellis recommends one final piece of advice to producers considering wheel loaders: "Make sure you're not just buy‐ ing the same thing you've always bought. Take the time to fully evaluate each purchase," Ellis said. He adds that OEMs understand the magnitude of an owner's equipment invest‐ ment. "Customers should look at the total cost of owner‐ ship from maintenance and fuel efficiency to the overall production of the machine," Ellis concludes. E Material for this article courtesy of Doosan Infracore Con- struction Equipment.

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