Crawler Crane Maintenance Tips

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A properly maintained crane can be the difference between life and death on a construction site. On the other hand, a poorly maintained crane brings about several safety threats and is quite a serious situation! 

All cranes need regular and preventative maintenance to ensure longevity! This extends to crawler cranes in the industry. Read below for our guide on how to keep your crawler craned well maintained!

Hydraulic System Maintenance

Crawler cranes have a variety of hydraulic systems onboard to operate the crane effectively. The use of these hydraulics should have daily checks performed before use. If a small leak is evident, it needs repairing as soon as possible before any further work occurs. 

After the workday is done, the operator must take any strain off the hydraulic parts. This will keep any unwanted pressure off the hydraulic seals and ensure the system’s longevity.

Crawler Crane Alignment

After extended years of hard use, a crane can lean to one side causing extra tension on the side that it leans further over to.

Crane operators should check the alignment of the crane every day and report any abnormalities immediately.  If the crane shows signs of misalignment, then a reputable repair service is necessary. The crane needs repairs before any further work is to be done.

Check Chain and Connections for Wear

The chains and connections that form part of the hoist should be able to withstand years of use however they can be prone to rust and wear. Therefore, as part of a maintenance checklist, the chain and connections should be checked daily for any signs of wear. 

If severe wear and rust are evident over time, a professional should be called to repair it immediately. A hoist snapping is a very serious safety threat for everyone on site.

Check Tracks or Tires for Wear

Depending on the kind of outrigger you have, the tracks or tires are one of the most safety-critical components found on a crane. This is because the tires or tracks need a decent amount of thread to move heavy loads around safely.

Once the tread wears away, the crane can lose traction and lose its load in many ways. This should be checked regularly and replaced when needed. If your crane works in snow, the snow tires need evaluation in summer before installation and vice versa for the summer tires. 

Rely on Your Equipment

Operators should be able to rely on their equipment to keep them safe and working hard. By following these simple guidelines and performing routine checks, the job will get done right and on time. Crawler cranes are tough equipment but shouldn’t be pushed past the breaking point!

Are you looking for the toughest parts to repair your crawler crane? Then, head on to our products page and find the very best parts to keep your crane on the move today!

What To Know About Floating Cranes for Marine Construction

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The crane has been essential to construction since the Greeks developed it (around 700-650 B.C). It has helped lift and carry loads during large construction projects. But, what if your project is on the water?

We have created this guide to understanding floating cranes. Read on to learn more about floating cranes and when you might need one for your construction job.

What is a Floating Crane?

Floating cranes are needed when doing marine construction. They are useful when building ports and bridges over water. They move heavy equipment from one place to another.

They take the place of a land crane when using one is not possible for your project. They allow you to complete the tasks of a regular crane but on the water.

Piling

You can use a floating crane barge to drive interlocking metal sheets into canal and river banks. The piling protects the bank and allows for better land retention. However, piling often must be installed from the water,  making a floating crane crucial.

Moving Materials

Crane barges take large amounts of materials to and from worksites. They can carry away materials from demolition sites as well. They will also carry heavy machinery, to the sites such as diggers and trucks.

Dredging

Floating cranes are ideal for dredging waterways. They can clear the sediment and debris from the bottom of the water. Crane barges can then carry away the debris to a deposit site.

Types of Cranes

The type of crane you will need depends on your marine construction project. There are several types to choose from.

Stiff Boom

A stiff boom crane moves general cargo. It is good for moving fragile items because there is little to no drift when lifting. Instead, it lifts straight up and straight down.

It is the best type of crane if your project needs items lifted over a wall. This is because the hoses and cylinders of this type of crane are inside and protected from the elements.

Telescopic Boom

A telescopic boom crane can extend and retract. This feature allows you to place your items precisely. These cranes can also lift cargo with little to no drift.

Knuckle Boom

Knuckle boom cranes are easier to maintain because they have fewer joints. These cranes are not able to lift heavy loads for an extended time. They are meant to load and unload materials.

Their most common use is on vessels with a large deck or fixed platform.

Foldable Telescopic Boom

As its name suggests, foldable telescopic boom cranes can fold into a compact size. It has two booms attached to knuckles so they can move in and out. Think of it as a large human finger!

Floating Cranes and Marine Construction

Floating cranes are essential to the undertaking of a marine construction job. There needs to be a way to move and lift heavy materials when working on the water. The type of floating crane you choose will depend on the type of marine construction you do.

For replacement parts and services, contact us today!

Brakes, Clutches, and Friction Materials for the Oil and Gas Industry

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Oil and gas producers in the U.S. are ramping up production. You can’t compete if your equipment isn’t in top condition. This warrants the question: have you looked at your brake systems recently?

The oil and gas industry has specific needs for brakes, clutches, and friction materials. Learn more about it here.

Caliper Disc Brakes for the Oil and Gas Industry

Brakes and clutches have many on-shore and offshore applications in the oil and gas industry. Disc brakes are ideal for these demanding uses.

Caliper disc brakes are well-suited for applications with high torque. They also perform well for high-energy stopping and tensioning uses. This is because caliper disc brakes disperse the energy from the braking process as heat.

Spring-Applied Disc Brakes

Many oilfield braking systems use spring-applied or spring-operated disc brakes. These systems brake and hold components even when the power supply fails. As a result, they can produce higher braking torque than standard brakes.

Spring-applied brakes are a good choice for applications that need extra safety precautions.

Hydraulic and pneumatic (air) spring-applied brakes are options for oil and gas industry uses. The hydraulic or pneumatic force disengages the calipers. This is the opposite of how standard brakes work.

Choosing hydraulic or pneumatic released brakes depends on factors including:

  • Torque requirements
  • System budget
  • Working environment

Hydraulically-released brakes are better for higher torque applications. Air-released brakes are more economical. They’re easy to use and very accurate.

Oilfield Friction Materials

A wide range of friction materials have applications in the oil industry. These materials have uses that include:

  • Drawworks brake blocks
  • Clutch blocks
  • Insulator plates
  • Gear tooth clutch facings
  • Plain rings/Catheads
  • Disc pads

In the past, asbestos was the friction material of choice. However, non-asbestos materials are now the standard due to the health risks of asbestos.

Woven Friction Materials

Woven friction materials can be made from many different types of fibers. The composition you want depends on your application. Possible types of fibers include:

Friction materials can be entirely non-metallic. However, they can include metallic fibers to increase heat dissipation. In addition, the material contains resins with features like suppressing sparks.

A-Block Premium Woven Material

A-Block is a new, non-asbestos woven material. It’s specifically for use on oilfield drawworks and well-servicing rigs.

A-Block offers a range of characteristics that make it ideal for oil and gas industry use. Some of these features include:

  • Less abrasion than traditional materials
  • Constant friction level with excellent fade resistance
  • Resistance to oil, grease, and water

This friction material provides smooth, long-lasting performance.

Molded Friction Materials

Molded friction materials are another popular choice for applications in the petroleum industry. They’re well-suited for heavy-duty brake and clutch systems. In addition, a wide range of friction levels is possible with molded materials.

Molded friction materials are made from:

  • Vermiculite particles
  • Asbestos-free filler
  • Thermosetting resin

Hydraulic pressing is a common production method.

Finding the Right Brakes, Clutches, and Friction Materials for Oil and Gas Applications

Brakes, clutches, and friction materials for the oil and gas industry need to withstand demanding service conditions. To get the best results, you need to find the right solution for your applications.

Kor-Pak has broad experience in the oil and gas industry. We offer a sophisticated line of braking systems and an extensive selection of oilfield friction materials. In addition, we can work with you to design custom products or retrofit your existing equipment.

Contact us today for more information. Then, let’s solve your braking challenges.

Disc Brake vs. Rim Brake: What’s the Difference

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Projections show that the global industrial brakes market will have a value of $1.816 billion by 2028. With such a strong market full of brands and designs, it’s no wonder you’re considering your brake options.

Brakes come in all different styles and sizes, with two of the most common being disc and rim brakes. If you want to compare disc brake vs. rim brake systems, you first need to know what they are and their advantages.

Disc Brake vs. Rim Brake

Disc brakes and rim brakes have a clear difference in appearance, but more importantly, they differ in how they function. This comes down to where the braking force is applied.

Rim brakes apply a stopping force to the outer edge of the rim using brake calipers.

Disc brakes are a bit more complicated. Instead of a rotor mounted on the hub, the caliper is attached to a fork close to the axle.

Disc brakes are closer to the design seen on motorcycles and are also commonly used on mountain and cyclocross bikes. This is because they’re ideal for muddy terrain. On the other hand, disc brakes are less susceptible to clogging.

These two braking systems also use different methods of actuating. Rim brakes have a cable system that controls the caliper. Disc brakes have a hydraulic system; pressure builds when the brake lever is pulled, moving the caliper.

Both of these types of brakes use friction to generate stopping power.

Advantages of Rim Brakes

While disc brakes are often seen as the superior brake design, rim brakes still offer several advantages.

A rim brake system weighs less than a disc brake system. They also tend to offer better aerodynamics. This makes it easier to reach higher speeds.

Rim brakes also cost less to manufacture, and they’re easier to repair. These cost benefits make them the standard choice for budget bicycles.

Advantages of Disc Brakes

Many older bike frames aren’t made to support disc brakes, but that’s changed since they appeared on Peloton exercise bikes. In terms of functionality, disc brakes are generally considered better than rim brakes for several reasons.

Disc brakes generate greater stopping power, which is the primary purpose of brakes. This is ideal for long descents. The braking is also more precise, which helps prevent wheel lockup.

On long descents, rim brakes will heat the rim, which can cause the tire to blow out. There is no risk of this with disc brakes, and they perform better when wet.

Rim brakes don’t offer much customizability, but with disc brakes, you can change the size of the rotor to adjust the braking power. They’re also better suited if you want to use wider tires.

The design of disc brakes has led to the technology being used outside the bicycle sector. For example, you might find industrial disc brakes in ski lifts, elevators, amusement rides, and aerospace products.

Which Brake Is Best for You?

When comparing disc brake vs. rim brake systems, you must consider your needs and budget.

Advancements in technology make disc brakes more popular, but it will be cheaper and easier to stick with the rim brakes if you’re already using them. However, if you’re looking for industrial brakes to serve your industrial business, disc brakes are something you should consider.

Kor-Pak is a leading supplier of various types of brakes. Contact us today if you have questions about our products or need help making the best choice,

Which Industries Use Kevlar Materials?

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Did you know that Kevlar was first utilized in racing tires in the 1970s as a substitute for heavy steel? Stephanie Kwolek, an American chemist, invented it.

Kevlar materials in various applications, ranging from commercial products to industrial technologies and body armor, are the primary driver of the global Kevlar market’s expansion.

Kevlar is a composite material that has a specific chemical composition. It’s a member of the aramid family of fibers.

Kevlar’s distinguishing characteristics include tensile strength, heat resistance, lightweight, specific stiffness, and wear resistance. Because of these properties, it’s used to produce a wide range of industries. Learn more below.

What Are Kevlar Materials?

Kevlar is a para-aramid-like poly para-phenylene terephthalate (PPD-T). The structure comprises benzene rings responsible for the high thermal conductivity and para substitutions, resulting in increased strength and modulus.

Fiber filaments are molded during the spinning of the starting material. The non-uniform properties of the extruded shaft para-aramid structure are very high. The axial direction has higher strength and stiffness, and the transverse direction has lower strength and stiffness.

How Is Kevlar Manufactured?

In a condensation reaction, you create Kevlar by combining 1,4- PPD-T and terephthalic acid. Because of the existence of aromatic rings on amine groups, it forms a shaft-like structure with a high melting temperature and low solubility.

The polymer chains are joined together by hydrogen bonding. The makeup of the fiber structure is of smooth-oriented molecules that are parallel to each other. These form a crystalline nature likened to synthetic plastic.    

Fibers are made by melting PPD-T solution and spinning it through a nozzle, then chilling it to solidify it.

Induction heated extruders heat the solution to the necessary viscosity. Then, from a nozzle, the melt enters an air-cooled stream. Here it solidifies into a thread.

These threads are then spun into a yarn. Finally, this yarn is wound onto spindles used for several different applications.

Kevlar Applications

Kevlar’s outstanding and one-of-a-kind properties allow it to be used in various applications. The worldwide market for kevlar encompasses:

  • The consumer market – includes the communication market, sportswear, clothing, surfboards, etc.
  • The auto industry – tires, gaskets, brake pads, car armor, hoses, etc.
  • Industrial uses – helmets, belts, protective gear, etc.
  • Electronic and telecommunication industry 
  • Agriculture and farming sector

The various applications are:

  • Defense and ballistics
  • Materials used in aircraft structural components
  • Automotive hoses and belts for heating and cooling systems
  • Cables made of fiber optics and electromechanical components
  • Gaskets and friction products
  • Sealants and adhesives
  • Automobile and aircraft protective clothing

As you can see, the high strength of Kevlar has many benefits in our day-to-day lives. 

Give Me Strength!

We all benefit from some of nature’s most remarkable materials, such as Kevlar materials, whether directly or indirectly.

As we have shown, Kevlar is a multifunctional material. As a result, it’s used everywhere, from mundane to insane, from aircraft to car tires.

Why not use Kevlar products in your next large project? Contact us now to get your quote. We will get back to you promptly!

What Is Kevlar? A Short Guide

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Projections show that the global aramid fiber market will reach a value of $1.4 billion by 2027.

Aramid fibers offer a range of benefits and suit various applications because of their unique properties. For example, Kevlar is one of the most popular aramid fibers available — but what is Kevlar? And why is it so useful?

What Is Kevlar?

Kevlar is a material that’s well known for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. It’s plastic but far stronger than many plastics we see in everyday applications. This is due to its molecular structure as well as the way its fibers are woven together.

There are two types available: Kevlar 29 and Kevlar 49. The DuPont chemical company manufactures both.

Benefits of Kevlar

The unique benefit of kevlar is its strength relative to its weight. When compared to steel wire, the specific tensile strength of Kevlar is over eight times higher.

Kevlar materials are far more heat-resistant than other plastics. It can be exposed to extreme temperatures and will only start to break down at around 850°F (450°C). Kevlar can be ignited, but it will stop burning once you remove the heat source.

Kevlar also does well in low temperatures. DuPont has tested it at temperatures as low as -320°F (-196°C) and found it had little to no effect.

Extended chemical exposure can cause Kevlar to degrade, but it can easily resist chemical attacks without any issues. DuPont has also tested how it reacts to moisture and found that 200 days of exposure to hot water had essentially no effect on it.

Kevlar also works well as a friction material due to its low wear rate, low abrasion rate, and impressive oil resistance. In addition, it has good friction properties even when wet and will not wear or rub a metal surface that it’s in contact with.

Kevlar Applications

The most well-known use is Kevlar protection in stab-proof and bulletproof vests. This is because the incredible strength makes them difficult to penetrate, and the low weight makes it easy for the wearer to move around.

It’s used for various vehicle applications, such as reinforcement in tires and parts of car bodies. Boat and aircraft bodies also sometimes include Kevlar components.

The strength-to-weight ratio is perfect for sports equipment. There are many Kevlar uses in the sporting world such as:

  • Skis and snowboards
  • The inner lining of bicycle tires
  • Interior of ping pong paddles
  • Basketball shoes

Kevlar is sometimes used in buildings and structures, but only in specific areas. Despite its impressive tensile strength, it has a low compressive strength, so it isn’t suitable as a primary structural material.

The friction properties of Kevlar make it perfect for use in brakes. It can replace other materials and last much longer in the same conditions. In addition, it provides smooth clutch engagement and won’t be affected by moisture.

The Possibilities of Kevlar

You’re no longer wondering, “what is Kevlar used for?” and may already know how it can benefit you. The uses above are just some of the more common uses, but there are plenty more. The strength, heat resistance, and flexibility make it a very versatile material.

Kor-Pak supplies high-quality friction materials serving a range of industries. If you have any questions about what we offer, click here to contact us today.

The Importance of Friction Materials in Safety Systems

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Friction is essential in braking and safety systems to be safe and work efficiently.

Materials are added to brakes and clutches to ensure that a system has sufficient friction. These friction materials are typically created from durable, heat-resistant materials that can endure high amounts of physical stress.

Here’s a quick guide on the different types of friction materials and how they are used in industrial braking and safety systems.

Uses of Friction Materials

Friction materials use a textured or rough surface to stop or slow down their processes of:

  • Clutch and brake systems
  • Operating systems
  • Automotive equipment
  • Gear tooth systems
  • Industrial machinery

Friction materials come in a range of types and shapes to adapt to various applications. However, their form determines their use, as each shape and configuration will only perform specific functions.

Friction Disc

Friction discs are an essential part of a disc brake system. The discs consist of friction material attached to a metal plate with an adhesive or rivets.

This allows them to slow the motion of industrial vehicles so that they can turn or stop.

Clutch Disc and Facing

Clutch discs connect and disconnect the transmission of manufacturing equipment and large machine motors, whether electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic.

They attach to the transmission’s shaft and engage the engines when the clutch releases. When the clutch disengages, it also disengages the transmission, allowing the machine to change gears.

Clutch facings help make clutch operation smooth and consistent, reducing the amount of noise produced.

Brake Pads and Lining

Brake pads and lining are a barrier between braking components to boost friction levels and keep parts from breaking down too quickly.

They are manufactured from either semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic, or ceramic materials.

Brake Shoes

Brake shoes are crescent-shaped components that have friction material applied to their surface.

They serve the same function as brake pads and lining. However, brake shoes apply friction by moving up and outward to make contact with drum brakes.

Drum brakes use hydraulic pressure to push the shoes against the interior surface of a mechanism’s spinning portion to slow the device’s motion.

Brake Block

Brake blocks consist of a hard resin, wire, viscose, or glass that presses against a wheel to stop motion.

While this may seem more straightforward than other braking devices, they have many applications. This includes slowing the speed of mining, engineering, and industrial machines.

Types of Friction Materials

To determine which friction material is most suitable, you will need to consider the following:

  • Speed at which friction can stop the object or system
  • Frequency of use
  • Budget
  • Required chemical and wear resistance
  • Required energy absorption
  • Permissible heat generation
  • Coefficient of friction

Friction materials with rougher surfaces are more efficient but require more energy, while smoother surfaces help transport materials more efficiently. Rubber is one way to enhance the ability of brake and safety systems to produce friction.

One of the most popular friction materials is asbestos fibers. However, ceramic has grown popular as an alternative because of the health concerns associated with asbestos exposure.

Semi-metallic brake materials are also often used, as they have similar durability to ceramic. These materials use brass, copper, and steel wool bonded by resin.

Improving Safety Systems Through Friction Materials

Quality friction materials help ensure braking and safety systems work well, are safe to operate, and will have reduced wear and tear.

Different applications have different requirements for friction material. Kor-Pak will work with you to ensure you receive the best friction material for your industrial machines.

If you need advice, products, or services, contact us today to find out more about our friction materials and braking systems.

How to Spot Wear and Tear on Brake Drums

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Did you know that the industrial brakes market is worth $1,816.70 million and is climbing in value?

One of the most dangerous things you can do is neglect to maintain your drum brakes. If you don’t check on them regularly, then it’s only a matter of time before they fail. The last thing you’d want is to break and find out that they aren’t working as they should.

Are you wondering what to look out for? Keep reading to learn how to spot wear and tear on brake drums.

Spotting and Measuring Wear

When it comes to brake drum wear and tear, you can start the inspection by removing the dust cover. This will give you much more visibility of the brake drum. Next, look at the wear edge and if it has almost been reached.

It’s even possible for the wear edge to be so worn that it can’t be seen clearly. In either scenario, the next step would be to withdraw the hub assembly. This can give you access to the inside diameter to measure the wear at the deepest point.

Check the Clearance

Another way to determine if you should replace brake drums is by checking the distance between the drum and the brake lining. Too much distance is a red flag.

While excessive clearance is a sign of wear, there’s a possibility that the issue stems from a misaligned slack adjustor. This is why it’s important to have a professional assess the situation and give you a certified diagnosis.

No matter the reason for the extra distance, you should repair it before operating the vehicle because the issue can end up resulting in total brake failure.

Harsh Treatment From the Brake Linings

In some cases, it’s possible to have minimal wear on your brake linings but excessive wear on your brake drums to the point when brake drum repair is necessary.

Are you wondering how this is possible? While it may seem like an impossible contradiction at first, this disparity is often due to the harsh treatment of the brake drum from the brake linings.

The best solution to this issue is a brake drum replacement and an upgrade of the brake linings to a manufacturer of higher quality.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Brake Drums?

From brakes and cranes to clutches and industrial friction material, you can count on our experts to service your parts or replace them with even better ones. We have significant experience with a wide range of industries.

Feel free to contact us with questions.

Wichita Clutch: An Overview of Wichita Clutches and Brakes

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Did you know that the global industrial brakes and clutches market is predicted to reach $1.6 billion by 2026?

Of all the options out there, Wichita is one of the most highly-revered brands, known for providing the industry with dynamic engineering capabilities and the best quality tools. But would this brand work for your needs? We’re here to help you answer that question.

Read on to learn all about Wichita clutches and brakes and learn which one might be right for you.

Air Brake

These brakes are air-cooled for light and medium-duty tasks. The torque transmitted is proportional to the air pressure and is unaffected by centrifugal force.

Wichita creates combination clutch/brake units, a Model LK brake, a Model LKB brake, and a Model LKT Clutch or brake. Here are a few other options:

  • Motor brakes
  • AirMakks SSB Brakes
  • CCB combination clutch/brake

The great thing about Wichita clutch/brake systems is that they’re designed to prevent the clutch and brake from engaging simultaneously.

Water Cooled Brakes

Water-cooled brakes allow high thermal capacities in several challenging use cases. In addition, it provides high heat dissipation compared to the competition and provides a longer lifespan than other options.

They’re available as KK/SS, equipped with “passive brakes” for emergency engagement.

Disc Brake Systems

Disc brake systems come in a few options:

  • Direct-acting caliper brakes
  • Spring applied caliper brakes

Spring applied brakes can be retracted pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically (depending on the caliper design). Most direct-acting brakes have some form of positive retraction device equipped.

You can also get several accessories for these brakes, like electro-hydraulic power units and monitoring units.

Air Clutch

Wichita air clutches come with a smooth start-up, and a few different high cycles, high speed, and even low inertia designs are available. There are a few air clutch options you can choose from Wichita, like:

  • Combination Clutch/brake
  • Low inertia clutch
  • LI high torque clutch
  • Standard vent clutch

There are more options available, but those are a few basics.

Hydraulic Clutch/Brakes

Most hydraulic systems you purchase will be clutch/brake combinations, except the Model HC clutch.

The Model HC clutch is oil-immersed and designed for end-shaft or through-shaft mounting configuration. It can be used as a stand-alone device for disconnecting service or conveyor soft starts.

Other clutch/brake combinations are also oil-immersed, utilizing a self-contained cooling oil pumping system. In addition, they’re quill-mounted units that can also be used for end of shaft or through-shaft designs. These unique designs also eliminate the possibility of engaging the clutch and the brake simultaneously, meaning — less danger on your part.

Wichita Clutches

Now that we’ve gone over a few of the best Wichita clutches and breaks, are you ready to try any for yourself? At Kor-Pak, we understand the importance that prime clutches and brakes play for many businesses, and we’re here to help you find the perfect one to fit your needs. 

Contact us today to get started, and rest assured that you’ll have everything you need in no time.

A Short Guide to Freight Railroad Parts

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Before the late 1820s, transporting valuable goods across a rapidly growing United States was a time-consuming and costly process. Freight carried via boats worked only along coastal regions, and horse-drawn carts were dependent on the endurance of the individual animals, limiting the amount they could carry.

With the industrial revolution came the introduction of railroads and trains. This created a way of not only transporting people across the United States but products at a previously unseen scale and speed.

Today freight railroad services are still the go-to method of moving freight. However, with constant use comes wear and tear that, if left unchecked, can have devastating results.

Read on for information on some of the most valuable rail parts to keep in top shape.

Brake Pads

Arguably the most crucial part of any locomotive is its brakes. Relying on the friction of a metal pad pressing up against a railcar’s wheels, even the highest quality of emergency brakes can take over a mile to stop a train going 55 miles per hour.

As friction stops a railcar’s wheels, those in the freight railroad industry need to be on top of how much use a brake pad has gotten. It’s recommended to replace brake pads once they have seen 25,000 to 65,000 miles. Then, depending on the type of brake pad and railcar used, they can be easily examined, serviced, or replaced.

Rubber Parts

Rubber is a valuable part of both railcars and railways. Providing extra friction on brake pads, insulating against extreme temperatures, and adding a little extra shock absorption proves itself in various uses. 

Rubber parts can come in various forms, pure rubber gathered from a natural source, synthetic rubber from a lab, or rubber mixed with other materials to add to its sturdy nature.

Picking the correct type of rubber for the job is a necessity. For instance, does something need to last for as long as possible — use natural rubber.

Is the part in question need to be flexible and can be replaced often?

Synthetic is the best option.

With the availability of custom products, finding the right type of rubber is as simple as a consultation.

Maintenance on Freight Railroad Parts

Having a strict schedule of maintenance and checkups on a freight train is a must. It allows you to spot and prevent debilitating issues soon. Replacing the rubber pedestal liners, keeping an eye on parts being worn down by friction, and staying on top of any minor fixes that need doing may be tedious but can save thousands of dollars in the long run.

When Replacements Are Necessary

Even with constant observation and maintenance, there will come a time when a part will need to be replaced. For example, perhaps a brake pad reached the end of its lifecycle or a rubber liner finally broke. A prompt replacement will be needed to ensure your freight railroad locomotive can continue its job.

The Kor-Pak Corporation has your back in any of these situations. With our catalog of parts for any type of locomotive and special custom orders available on-demand, we can get you what you need. So check out our catalog today!