Do you work in construction and use heavy equipment regularly? Can the environment make it hard for the machinery to operate correctly?

We happen to know a few ways to ensure that your equipment performs well.

A variety of tests are available to test the durability of the material you use on the job. They ensure that your tools function no matter what the weather is like.

With these techniques, you can save money on new machines and learn how to use your equipment in different scenarios. By using our services, you can have an easy time operating cranes, bulldozers, loaders, excavators, and other machines.

Here are five different types of testing to perform on your equipment to ensure their functionality.

1. Shock Testing

The quality of construction equipment depends on how well they can handle being moved around. There’s a way to make sure that it doesn’t fall over in these scenarios.

The material testing equipment for this option includes free-fall shock towers that simulate shock waves. Common sources of shock waves that construction equipment deals with include shipping, loading, and transport.

No matter how careful you try to be with your machines in loading docks, the wrong move can cause it to fall over. Even if you have to drop the equipment during placement, the force can cause it to tip to the side.

The shock towers can drop your machines from different heights and angles to see how much force they can take. It’s best to drop it from all angles to see if there are any weak spots.

We recommend this testing for those working with larger amounts of equipment. This can come in handy for projects in populated areas, or those that involve large structures.

2. Temperature and Humidity (Different Types of Testing)

The extreme heat and cold of the summer and winter can make it harder to operate cranes, bulldozers, and other large equipment. While the majority of these machines are designed for these conditions, you can never be too safe.

If you want your equipment to perform consistently, you should try it at different temperatures and humidities in environmental test chambers. The best options are below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Not all equipment is made of the same material, so some machinery will be able to handle specific temperatures better than others. We suggest testing everything you use, from iron to steel.

These material testing methods may not be needed during the Fall or Spring, which don’t experience such extremes. However, you should be ready just in case the temperature is still relatively high in November, or it’s still cold enough in April to get snow.

These chambers also come in handy in case you have to move the equipment to another part of the world that’s warmer or colder than where you are now. This will prepare your machines for whatever the area you’re traveling to has to offer.

3. Chemical Resistance Testing

Your equipment may be tough enough to handle extreme cold and heat. However, it may not be able to withstand certain chemicals.

Anti-freeze, fertilizers, insecticides, and other chemicals may be more harmful to machinery than they are to what you are usually using them on. This can lead the tools to degrade and break apart over time.

The age of the equipment may affect how much of these chemicals it can take. If you’ve been using the same machines for years, then you’ll have a tougher time in this situation.

Make sure to spray these chemicals and their components on your tools. Some machinery may take longer to react than others, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them.

This test is significant if you’re going to be renting equipment for a certain project. Spraying chemicals on it before you use it will save you plenty of time and money on finding replacements.

4. Sand and Dust Testing

Some people in the construction industry have the luxury of working in more pleasant environments. Others, however, have to work in places where dust and sand are common.

This material can keep your machines from working by collecting into parts that affect movement. If they stick to your tools long enough and in certain conditions, they can reduce the toughness of the object’s surface.

That’s where lab testing machines come in. Enclosed chambers have been designed to blow sand, dust, and gravel at your machines to test their resistance.

You will need to consider factors such as pressure, temperature, concentration, and humidity during the tests. Parts you should test include seals, enclosures, coatings, and brakes to ensure the equipment can move and stop when you need to.

Make sure that the tests include large particles, which are very common in the outdoors. If you don’t live in areas where sand and dust are common, these tests can still help in case you eventually have to work in such an environment.

5. UV Exposure Testing

As good as the sun may feel after months of low temperatures, your equipment may not feel the same way. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be keeping your machines from performing as they should.

Different types of material can handle UV exposure better than others. Enough exposure can cause cracks and peels in the coating, as well as a loss of strength in the surface.

With Xenon-arc UV exposure, your construction equipment will be able to handle the worse that the sun can throw at it. This test consists of bulbs that create a spectrum of natural sunlight to shine on the material.

You should first consider how much sunlight the area where you’re working is exposed to throughout the year. Tests during cloudier or colder days can prepare your machines for brighter days.

If you’re working on a variety of projects, you may need to conduct more tests. Some buildings consist of more steel or bricks than others, and their location can affect how much UV exposure they experience.

Our Take

Construction equipment requires different types of testing to be ready for any situation. Weather and the environment come with a variety of challenges, and the material and tactics you use to move machines face damage risks.

However, with the right testing machines and settings, you can keep your equipment in shape and running for a long time.

Check out more of our tips today so that your construction equipment stays strong and continues to produce amazing projects.

Are your brakes breaking? Need more friction in a clutch situation? Stopping power when you need it isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity!  Safety is no accident, and you shouldn’t delay replacing worn friction components in any of your systems.

Quality friction material, adequately selected according to its attributes, is crucial to daily safe operations of your business. Scan-Pac Manufacturing produces a wide array of products to suit your needs. Read on to learn more.

Fact and Friction

The need for friction materials drives a global market that’s projected to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% between 2019 and 2023.

The worldwide value will reach nearly $24.7 billion by 2023, according to a recently published report. So, friction is not a slippery slope by any stretch!  

By way of definition, friction materials are used in systems that require direct contact pressure between two or more parts to control speed.

Obviously, due to direct contact during use, friction materials wear down and become less effective over time. However, the rate of wear varies. Different materials have predictable capacities for wear and performance under specified conditions (such as temperature range encountered, speed requirements et al.).

Click here for a description of various friction materials and how they are used in various applications.  

Since 1976, we have offered a full range of friction products serving numerous industries, including iron and steel, rail, wind power, mining, agriculture, and oil.

Scan-Pac Friction Replacement Parts

We are pleased with our long partnership with industry leader Scan-Pac Manufacturing, featuring non-asbestos friction materials in:

• Cranes, Shovel & Draglines
• Overhead Crane Linings
• Gear Tooth Facings
• Flat Sheet
• Oilfield Frictions
• Green Gripper Woven
• Flexible Molded Linings
• Gemini Frictions
• Forklift Sets
• Plant Frictions
• Paper Mill Frictions
• Off-Road Equipment

Scan-Pac has been ISO 9001-certified for over 16 years. Their commitment to producing the finest quality friction materials available on the market today, at competitive prices, is unwavering. It’s no wonder that Scan-Pac products are so popular with our customer base.

Among their many product offerings, Scan-Pac supplies:

• Clutch and brake applications for agriculture, overhead cranes, and lift trucks
  • RF38 materials
  • Semi-metallic SM003 for high-energy brakes on cranes

• Brake blocks, draw-works sets, molded cathead linings and gear tooth clutch facings for oil drilling, well service rigs
  • RF72 materials

• Blocks, bearings, and “eel slip” wiper blades for the paper industry
  • RF11 and RF44 materials for paper mill winding machines that involve constant drag and tension

• Vertical and horizontal center plate liners, equalizer seats, snubbers, and wear plates for the railroad industry
  • “Gatke” phenolic laminate materials for severe load and impact needs

• “Yaw” brakes and torque limiters for windmills
  • RF72 materials

• Flexible woven materials for winches used in construction, industrial, and marine applications
  • GGW, Gemini woven, 2420R materials
  • GGW especially good in harsh environments such as workboats and dock handling winches

Scan-Pac’s reputation for high quality at a reasonable cost is their hallmark!

We Are Your Friction Experts

Kor-Pak is a customer-focused, relationship-based company whom you can rely on for expert advice on solving all your friction material puzzles. Scan-Pac produces many materials that could offer solutions for your business.

You need a supplier that understands all aspects of friction material application – from the mundane to the complex. Contact us today and let us help!

Limit switches have provided safety and security for industrial applications for approximately 100 years. The technology has evolved, but it remains mostly the same. Many of the old Cutler-Hammer and Square D designs are still in operation.

In the following article, we’ll be discussing this simple yet life-saving (and cost-saving) device in all its glory. Let’s start the motor.

What Is a Limit Switch?

Let’s start with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. According to OSHA, a limit switch is defined as a device designed to “cut off the power to the motor and apply the brake to stop the carrier if a loaded step passes the terminal landing.”

The most common use of a limit switch is to limit travel of heavy loads attached to a crane. Over the years, other applications have benefitted from the device, such as conveyors, hoists, and heavy moving machinery.

The goal is to prevent over-travel and maintain control throughout the motion of the load. The first limit switches entered the industrial market in the 1920s. Today, they serve industries like:

• Steel
• Auto
• Intermodal/rail
• Manufacturing
• Mining

You’ll find them in shipyards, ports, factories, and industrial plants. They’re also available on consumer products, with the most obvious that comes to mind being the electronic garage door opener at your house, if you have one.

The Basic Functions of a Limit Switch

A limit switch only does four basic things, but they’re important ones. It senses the location of an object, the motion, the positioning, and the end-travel.

Many “crane fails” occur due to a breakdown in these functions. For example, a crane is hoisting a megaton-load at a top rate of speed. Given the heaviness of that load, the crane will need ample warning before the load reaches the top, so it knows to slow the speed.

A breakdown in the contact that controls speed would send the load full-throttle to the top of the crane. The abrupt stop would cause a violent shift and a probable break.

But let’s say the speed contact is fine. It’s the stop limit that’s deficient. In this case, the travel of the load might slow, but the operation would continue working to hoist the load, thus bringing about unsafe positioning/swaying.

Most limit switches also contain an “ultimate” stop limit that acts as an override to the stop limit. If it and the stop limit are damaged, the same result will occur.

Parts of a Limit Switch

Most limit switches are composed of actuators, connectors, seals, enclosure cases, and a built-in basic switch. Here’s a bit about each one:

Actuator

External force and movements need to be communicated to the basic built-in switch. This is the component that makes that connection.

Built-in Basic Switch

This component switches an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit allows the limit switch to operate without the need for manual involvement.

Connectors

These protect the internal mechanics of the limit switch, securing the cables and outside connection.

Enclosure Casing

This mainly protects the built-in basic switch from external pressure. It, too, is vital for the overall operation.

Seals

These primarily protect the built-in basic switch and internal components. Since cranes and conveyors often operate in harsh environmental conditions, these are essential for the integrity of the limit switch as a whole.

The interconnectivity of all these components is essential. Therefore, limit switches must be inspected and maintained regularly.

Limit Switches: Essential Safety and Security Components

Limit switches have made industrial and electrical engineering applications safe for workers and the environment for a century. And it’s not changing any time soon.

So don’t overlook this small but essential part. And while you’re at it, make sure you take these additional steps before your next OSHA Inspection.

Working in heavy equipment industry means working with some of the most powerful equipment in the world. Every day, heavy industry workers use complex machinery and equipment that can transport, lift, and cut through thousands of tons of material.

Working around that much weight can be dangerous, and making sure your equipment is reliable is the first step in avoiding accidents and high costs.

Using top-of-the-line parts and services for your equipment is an excellent way to get the most out of your equipment, increase profits, and create a safe working environment.

In this article, we’ll go over the SEW Eurodrive Catalogue of products for 2019, which offers some of the most reliable and highest quality parts available.  

SEW Eurodrive Catalogue: Gearmotors

Choosing the right gear motor for your equipment is crucial.

Picking the wrong gearbox can mean less productivity, higher maintenance costs, and a great chance of break downs.

Luckily, SEW Eurodrive has several gear motors available with two new additions to the 2019 catalog: helical-bevel gearboxes and the new ZN..series servo gear motors.

Helical-Bevel Gearmotors

These high torque, low-maintenance helical-bevel gear motors from SEW Eurodrive are high-performance parts.

With a 200 kW power range, high endurance gearing and incredible efficiency, these gear motors are designed to last while giving a top-notch performance. And with a wide range of combination options for gear units and motors, you can be sure that these gear motors are the right choice for any application.

ZN..Series Precision Servo Gearmotors

Able to provide extreme precision at high acceleration torques, the ZN.. series precision servo gear motors can take on several demanding applications. Available in 12 different sizes, there is a gear motor for every application.

The compact yet powerful design of the ZN.. series makes it easy to install, even in tight quarters, and its excellent overload capacity prevents breakdowns and maintenance costs. Whether you’re looking for torque, stiffness or weight, the ZN.. series precision servo gear motor will meet all of your needs.

Gearmotor Accessories

SEW Eurodrive has also added a new gearbox accessory to their catalog this year which can dramatically increase the life of your gear motors.

Integrated Mechanical Brakes

Upon request, you can now have your gear motor delivered with an integrated mechanical brake, available in both single and double brakes.

These brakes come in a large variety of sizes, meaning that you can find the perfect match for your gear motor. It also has a compact design, meaning less installation space and less installation work as well.

SEW Eurodrive also offers an upgrade to these brakes: a functional and wear monitoring diagnostic system. It provides real-time information about the function and wear of each brake, giving you an advantage when it comes to maintaining your equipment.   

Buy Wisely

SEW Eurodrive has definitely stepped things up this year with the introduction of their helical-bevel gear motors, the ZN.. series precision servo gearboxes, and their new brakes.

The most important part of buying new industrial parts is to make sure you’re buying the right part for the right job. To get all the information you need about purchasing industrial parts and SEW Eurodrive’s catalog, please visit our blog.

Your clients and employees aren’t the only things you should be taking good care of in your business.

Like you would regularly update and care for your computer, your machinery needs maintenance too.

We don’t need to tell you that heavy machinery costs a pretty penny, so its maintenance is not something to overlook. It’s not only good for the lifetime of your machinery but your employees as well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy machinery is responsible for about 404 deaths every year. Avoid injuries in the workplace my regularly caring for your equipment with these five critical maintenance tips.

Grab your hard hat; we’re getting started.

5 Essential Heavy Machinery Maintenance Tips

Put these tips to work today and keep your business running smoothly and efficiently like the well-oiled machine it is.

1. Don’t Overwork Your Machines

It’s essential you know the limits of your machinery and re-check it every once in a while. Know the performance specifications and limitations before using the equipment.

If you’re unsure of this information, consult the manual or manufacturer. Never allow parts to get so worn down that they break and harm your operators or start a fire.

2. Protect Your Machinery from Weather

You probably know that machinery left in the rain will cause rust and corrosion but did you also know that direct sunlight can harm your machines too?

If possible, store or protect your machinery away from wind, rain, snow, and sunlight to ensure optimal and safe performance. It’s best if they’re stored in a cool, temperature-controlled, moisture-free area out of direct sunlight.

3. Keep Up with Routine Checkups

There’s nothing more important than regular maintenance checks on all of your equipment. Do not forget to lock out tag out to avoid injuries accurately.

During regular maintenance checks, look for signs of wear, leaks, cracks, or any other kinds of damages.

4. Clean Often

One of the easiest ways to keep your equipment safe is to keep it clean. This means regular removal of dust, dirt, grease, rust, and product corrosion.

Keep a special eye on vents, filters, and electrical equipment that they are clear and clean to avoid the risk of injuries.  

5. Don’t Forget to Lubricate

If you’re looking to extend the life of your machinery, you’ll need to lubricate.

The lubrication process reduces friction, reduces the risk of equipment wear, and keeps the internal parts clean and running smoothly. Keep a regular lubrication schedule and always make sure you’re using the right kind of lubrication for your machine.

Need Parts? We Can Help

When it comes to keeping your heavy machinery in tip-top shape follow these tips so you can not only extend your machinery’s life but your company’s as well.

If you do need equipment parts or machinery servicing, trust the Kor-Pak Corporation to take care of all your machinery part needs.

Head to our website and check out our repair services or order parts today.

Have you heard the slogan, “No Safety, Know Pain?”  How about “Safety Rules Are Your Best Tools?” Safely operating anything should always be of primary concern.  Here’s how to safely use an engine hoist in your shop or workplace.

First, this.  There are three main types of engine hoists.   These hoists can be used for other heavy lifting applications besides engine removal.  

Types Of Engine Hoists

The most common type, the hydraulic engine hoist, is mobile (it rolls on casters) and can be used indoors or outdoors, as long as there is a flat, hard surface.  

Construction of a hydraulic hoist consists of a primary vertical post to which other parts of the hoist are attached.  There are two horizontal legs with casters which allow the hoist to roll across the floor (or your driveway).

The top of the hoist has an extendable center boom, often with locking positions for different engine compartment depths.  At the end of the boom is a steel grab hook. That is where lifting slings or chains can be attached to your engine.

A hydraulic cylinder located in the middle of the hoist and attached to the boom and the main post performs the lifting action.  You use a handle and pump it to increase pressure in the cylinder (just like a hydraulic jack for changing a tire).

The other two types are the manual chain hoist and the electric hoist.  These two both require fixed mounting above ground (usually to the ceiling or special scaffolding) to perform their lifting action.  So, they are not considered portable engine hoists and are more commonly used in other applications.

Overall, the excellent lifting capacities of hydraulic hoists (typically 1 to 2 tons, but with greater capacities available), their mobility, and their ease of maintenance make them ideal for both professional and do-it-yourself mechanics.

We will focus on choosing and safely using hydraulic engine hoists.  

Safety Tips

1.  Choose Proper Lift Capacity

When selecting a hydraulic hoist, it’s best to opt for one which has a greater lift capacity than what your engine weighs.  So, even though your engine doesn’t weigh 2,000 lbs, you should buy a hydraulic hoist rated for 1 to 2 tons.

Why?  The laws of physics tell us the actual weight capability of the engine hoist decreases as you extend out the hoist’s boom.   It’s the lever principle.

So, you need to know what your engine weighs, and then purchase your hoist accordingly.  Here is a representative sample of engine weights for cars.

Hydraulic hoists also come in foldable models so you can collapse them for storage purposes.  This is ideal for do-it-yourselfers because you can free up space in your garage once the engine has been safely extracted and placed onto an engine stand (or wherever you are planning to work on it).

2.  Assemble Your Hydraulic Hoist With Care

Hydraulic hoists are relatively large, so they usually come disassembled. Be sure to follow all assembly directions from the manufacturer closely. Figure on a timeframe of up to two hours, depending on instruction detail.  Make sure to double check tightness of all nuts and bolts.

Now, read the instruction manual and ensure you understand how to operate it!

Okay, so your hoist is assembled, you know how it works, and you are ready to lift out your engine.  Here we go.

3.  Clear Your Workspace

Position your vehicle so that there’s plenty of room to maneuver the hydraulic hoist around it. Make sure there are no obstacles that would hinder safe footing and freedom of movement.  Organize all tools and necessary equipment.

Make sure your work area is clear of unwanted persons (especially children).  Wear proper attire – no loose-fitting clothing or jewelry that could snag on the hoist mechanism.

Secure the vehicle (i.e., with the parking brake) to ensure no unwanted movement during the engine removal process.

4. Operate Your Engine Hoist In A Safe Manner

• Disconnect, store, and label all engine and transmission mounting bolts, as well as connections for hoses, wires, etc.  Take pictures, if it will help you.
• Find a spot at the rear of the engine where you can attach the chain or lift slings you are using. This could be the exhaust manifold bolts, or any other location that you are sure can support the weight of your engine. Consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle for recommendations.
• Find a spot at the front of the engine to attach the other end of the lift slings or chain. Align such that the engine stays level as you lift it and loose enough that you can connect to the hoist hook.
• Center the hoist on the engine and connect your lift slings or chains to the hoist hook. Start raising the engine slowly (by pumping the hoist jack handle) to be sure everything in the engine bay is properly disconnected.
• Keep pumping the handle until the engine is clear of the vehicle.
• Move the hydraulic hoist slowly and carefully to where you want the engine to rest for maintenance purposes.
• Word to the wise:  Do NOT get under the engine while it is being moved to the engine stand or blocks.  You are tempting fate if you do.

• Slowly and carefully lower the engine onto the engine stand or blocks, by turning the bleed valve a little bit at a time.

• Make sure the engine is properly secured in its holding device before removing the lift slings or chains.

Stay Alert – Don’t Get Hurt!

Hydraulic engine hoists are safe to operate and very effective in what they do for you, provided you follow this simple guide.

We offer a full range of products to suit your needs.  Contact us for more info.