Buying for the heavy equipment industry is different from buying basic supplies. First of all, it’s a much larger investment that will require maintenance to keep your equipment running efficiently. You also can’t return equipment that you’re unsatisfied with after you’ve started using it. 

You need to have a good grasp of what your company needs and whether or not you can afford it. 

What is heavy industry equipment, though? And how do you make sure you’re buying the right ones? Here are three general tips.

1. Mobile Vs. Fixed

How big the industrial equipment you purchase can affect its portability and price. You also have to consider whether or not your business needs to bring its heavy equipment on the road. 

For example, a fixed crane is useful for the heavy construction industry. It can lift heavier objects while remaining stable. As a result, you never have to worry about it moving in the middle of a job. 

Meanwhile, a mobile crane is more compact and can fit into smaller areas. You can use them at multiple job sites since they’re easily relocated. They also require less setup and are often more affordable than fixed ones. 

2. Establish Your Budget

It’s crucial to figure out how much you have to spend before making any serious investments. A tight budget can get in the way of buying new heavy-duty equipment. However, there are some options to get equipment if you don’t have a lot to spend. 

Brand new equipment usually comes with a warranty that provides coverage if something breaks down. However, they’re also expensive. Most retailers offer loans or financing to help customers make payments over time. 

Used equipment is much more affordable than new ones, but they won’t be worth as much later on when you want to resell them. There may also be more options when compared to newer equipment. 

3. Buy What You Need

There’s a new lineup of heavy industry equipment released every year. While it’s surely the best stuff you can find on the market, it’s not necessarily what you need right here and now. So buy what you need. 

Some essential heavy equipment machines for construction include a bulldozer, loader backhoe, and excavator. In addition, cranes are necessary for any vertical job, and dump trucks help haul away all the dirt and debris. 

When buying heavy-duty equipment, always look for machinery that would help improve your workflow or add new capabilities.

The Best Quality Heavy Industry Equipment

When buying heavy industry equipment is essential because it’ll be the equipment you use years from now. You want it to work well without costing your company more than you can afford. 

Kor-Pak offers both OEM and aftermarket parts in dozens of product lines. You can find crane and hoist controls, molded and injection rubber products, and more.

Contact us to hear our entire portfolio or check out our products online. 

In engineering, couplings join two shafts together to transport power precisely. As a result, couplings are used in virtually every industrial machine that requires power transmission. These include generators, motors, pumps, and compressors.

A coupling’s principal function is to aid in the transmission of power. This article will tell you all about couplings and how they function.

What Are Couplings?

A coupling is a device that connects two shafts at their ends to transmit power. Couplings are mostly used to connect two pieces of rotating machinery.

A coupling allows for some degree of misalignment, end movement, or both. In a broader sense, a coupling can also be a mechanical mechanism that joins the ends of nearby pieces or objects. 

Couplings are classified into two types: rigid and flexible couplings.

What Are the Differences Between Rigid and Flexible Couplings?

The biggest distinction between rigid and flexible couplings is how they connect things.

• Rigid connections are, well, stiff. The connection enables smooth torque transfer throughout the system
• Flexible couplings generate flexible connections that can lose torque power. While metallic flexible couplings can handle more torque, some torque is sacrificed

Other significant distinctions between rigid and flexible connections include the following:

Requirements for Alignment

Flexible couplings can accommodate slightly misaligned shafts. Rigid couplings have a high torsion stiffness and cannot tolerate displacement.

This is true for shafts that are physically misaligned when at a stop. Also, for components that may produce misalignment during use due to temperature changes.

Backlash Reduction

Rigid couplings can drastically reduce backlash to nearly zero levels. On the other hand, flexible couplings do not provide the same measure of assurance.

The Need for Maintenance

Because rigid couplings are rigid, they do not absorb shocks well. As a result, it can end in premature wear on misaligned components.

Users should inspect rigid couplings for damage and alignment and apply lubricant on a routine basis.

On the other hand, flexible couplings can withstand more shock and vibration with minor wear and tear.

Complexity in Design 

Flexible couplings frequently contain more parts and are more sophisticated than rigid couplings. This might make the operation and maintenance of the system more difficult. In comparison, rigid couplings are less complicated and easier to use.

Application Usage

In servo motors with low to moderate torque levels and the possibility for shaft misalignment, flexible couplings can be used instead of rigid couplings. Examples of such uses are:

• Machine tools
• Semiconductor production
• Packing equipment

Rigid couplings are the most effective for high-torque applications, shaft support uses, and squeeze and release applications.

The Cost

Cost is a big player in both types of couplings. However, rigid couplings are less expensive than flexible couplings.

Consider Your Application Before Making a Selection

Couplings, both rigid and flexible, have a position in practically any complicated moving system that requires force.

If you’re looking for the ideal couplings for your application, contact us, and our expert team will gladly assist you.

The United States is the second-largest coal producer, accounting for 17% of the global production. It’s also the leading producer of minerals such as Sulphur, soda ash, and beryllium. The country mines most of these minerals through underground or surface mining methods.

If you’re working in the mining industry, you’ll face many obstacles if you don’t know how to work with different types of mining equipment. The mining machine to use for your excavation will depend on whether you plan to carry out below or above the ground mining.

Blasting Tools

These machines use a calculated force to break down materials to remove the minerals from waste material. Blasting is also essential in removing unnecessary materials that prevent personnel and mining machines from getting the seam that contains the minerals you’re searching for.

The blasting tools are commonly used in open pit and underground mining operations. For a successful mining operation, be sure to implement good blast designs. The problem with poor practices is that they can cause damage to the rock structures leading to unwanted caving.

Dragline Excavator

This equipment is commonly used in strip mining, particularly when extracting coal. However, some miners also use it for tar-sand mining. This excavator features a large bucket attached to chains and wire ropes. The equipment lowers the bucket to the excavated area and drags it across the surface before being lifted by chains.

Keep in mind that two distinct cutting methods are used in dragline excavation. A dragline excavator can cut through the surface of an exposed wall, or it may drag across level ground. The larger machines feature pontoons that walk the machine forward, while smaller excavators feature tread tracks that move across the ground.

Earth Movers

This is among the best mining equipment used in above-ground mining, and they help carry loose earth and soil from one location to another. They are common in large mining projects as they ensure a faster, more practical excavation process.

This large mining equipment will remove waste or overburdened material in most mining sites. This makes it easy to remove the mineral or material of interest and creates a working surface for equipment like haul trucks.

Mining Industry Drills

Most miners use this heavy mining equipment for their underground mining operations. First, they place the drills at strategic positions then the machine digs many feet underground. Such drill holes are used to test whether the ground has sufficient minerals for mining work later on.

If it’s necessary to have miners working underground, this equipment will make space for them. It will even create a safe escape passage.

Streamline Your Mining Operation With Effective Equipment

When working in the mining industry, you’ll need to use different types of equipment. They can even help you accomplish mining tasks with precision if you know how to operate them.

Contact us today to discuss the different options with you.

Recent polls show that nearly 40% of tractor-trailer owners use disc brakes in their vehicles. Brake calipers are an essential part of a vehicle’s disc braking system, and a vehicle would be unable to stop without them in place. But how do they work, and what do they do?

Read this brake calipers guide for an overview of how brake calipers work and some brake calipers tips to get you started!

How Do Brake Calipers Work? 

What are brake calipers? Industrial brake calipers are a vital part of a disc brake system. Disc brakes are frequently used in machines and industrial vehicles but are not always as common as other types of braking systems.

These little calipers are usually attached to the front wheels of trucks and other vehicles, although many manufacturers have begun installing disc brakes on the rear wheels as well. This means that each rear wheel will also have a rear brake caliper to go along with it.

But how does it work? As you press on a brake pedal, hydraulic fluid passes through the lines and pushes a piston. This piston, in turn, closes the brake calipers. 

The brake calipers are attached to brake pads, which are the braking parts. As the calipers close, the brake pads press against the wheel’s rotor and apply friction. This friction slows the wheels down, slowing and eventually stopping the vehicle.

Disc brake systems are typically external and vented, allowing air to cool the system from all the heat generated by the friction. This keeps the system functioning far longer without wearing out, which is one of the many reasons disc brakes are the better choice.

Brake calipers need to be properly set to squeeze at the right time and apply the right amount of pressure with the brake pads. Thankfully, you can adjust the calipers and caliper piston with a brake caliper tool, no matter which type of industrial vehicle you’re working on.

Two Types of Calipers

Calipers for disc brakes are either fixed calipers or floating calipers. As a result, they perform differently, although the underlying braking concept is still the same.

Floating calipers move closer or farther away from the rotor. When hydraulic fluid presses the piston, the entire caliper moves with it, pushing the brake pads against the rotor.

As you might guess, fixed calipers don’t move. Instead, pistons push them closed, pressing the brake pads against both sides of the rotor. These brake calipers are generally the better, higher-quality option, but they are also more expensive.

What About Other Brakes?

There are other braking systems found in trucks and other industrial vehicles. However, these systems don’t use calipers to press brake pads against rotors as disc brake systems do. 

Drum brakes are common braking systems and have been in use for quite a few decades. Although they aren’t as good as disc brakes, they still see quite a lot of use. 

The “S” cam brake is a drum brake system that is extremely common in trucks and larger industrial vehicles. It functions well, but it isn’t as good as a disc brake system at stopping a vehicle quickly. 

Learn More About Brake Parts!

While this is a general overview of brake calipers, there’s still a lot more to brakes and braking systems! We want you to feel confident in all your knowledge and materials regarding industrial brakes.

So feel free to contact us with questions or concerns! Our goal is to provide you with the best materials, knowledge, and advice possible, whether for brakes or other industrial products.

The better you feel about your equipment, the happier we are!

Construction workers average 1 in 5 work-related fatalities. The #1 OSHA violation is fall protection for the construction industry.

Crane inspections are a preventative measure to lower the risk of accidents. This article offers a quick and comprehensive guide to OSHA crane inspection requirements.

Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know.

Crane Inspection Procedures

Cranes are covered under OSHA standard 1910.179- overhead and gantry cranes. The crane inspection requirements are outlined in 1910.179 (j) through (j)(4)(iii). 

OSHA requires three different inspection types:

• Initial inspection: before operating new or altered cranes
• Frequent inspection: daily, weekly, and monthly intervals
• Periodic inspection: monthly, semi-annual, quarterly, and annual intervals

Inspection intervals depend on the crane’s critical components. They’re also based on exposure to “wear, deterioration, and malfunction.”

Exposure includes factors like the rate of use and environmental effects. The higher the exposure, the higher the rate of inspections.

Types of Cranes

OSHA defines cranes based on their function and mode of operation. These include:

• Automatic crane
• Cab-operated crane
• Overhead crane
• Power-operated crane
• Remote-operated crane
• Gantry crane

The type can affect your crane inspection checklist. For example, frequent inspections require checking air or hydraulic systems parts daily, which applies to power-operated cranes.

Overhead crane inspections also include rated load-bearing tests.

OSHA Crane Inspection Requirements

All inspectors must meet OSHA standards. This can include any applicable industry and state standards.

For example, the Crane Manufacturers Association of America has industry standards for crane inspectors that include:

• Formal training
• Knowledge of state codes
• 2,000 hours of direct experience

Some states will set their own additional standards.

1. Frequent Crane Inspection Checklist

OSHA requires a frequent inspection for each operational shift the crane is in use. The inspection must be performed by a competent person, begin before the shift, and conclude before the shift is over.

These components are part of daily inspection:

• Operating mechanisms
• Air or hydraulic system parts such as lines, tanks, valves, and drain pumps
• Hooks
• Hoist chains
• Rope reeving

In addition to daily inspections, hooks and hoist chains must undergo a monthly inspection with a certification record entry that includes the date, inspector signature, and part identifier.

2. Periodic Crane Inspection Checklist

Periodic inspections are scheduled in advance at specified intervals. A periodic inspection includes the frequency checklist and:

• Members, bolts, and rivets
• Sheaves and drums
• Brake system parts
• Load, wind, and other indicators 
• Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants 
• Chain drive sprockets and chains
• Electrical apparatus 

Cranes on stand-by will have a frequent inspection semi-annually. For example, a crane idle for over a month but less than six months will undergo a routine inspection, while a crane will have periodic inspections over six months.

Finding the Best Crane Inspection Near Me

Meeting OSHA crane inspection requirements is one of the best ways to prevent workplace accidents. Lax standards are illegal, dangerous, and costly.

If you’re searching for certified and licensed inspectors, Kor-Pak Corporation is dedicated to the highest workplace safety standards. We’re customer-orientated and results-driven.

Connect with us to learn more about our wide range of services, including overhead crane inspection and construction equipment repair.

Have you ever wondered what type of parts can power a vehicle the size of a crane? It takes some pretty reliable, high-quality parts. And that’s exactly what SEW Eurodrive parts provide.

Today, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about SEW Eurodrive parts. Consider this article your all-inclusive guide.

We’ll talk about the company that makes them and the performance you can expect from them.

Who Is SEW Eurodrive Parts?

SEW Eurodrive Parts is the premier part supplier for heavy equipment. They provide car parts and parts for vehicle safety equipment. You can even purchase a SEW Eurodrive motor if your vehicle needs a replacement.

The company is a longstanding leader in the industry. SEW Eurodrive has been in business since 1931. They have a long history of being an innovative leader in the industry.

One of their most groundbreaking innovations is making the first variable speed gearmotor. This technology is so common among big machines now. Work, as we know it today, wouldn’t be possible without the pioneers at SEW Eurodrive.

Another one of their cutting-edge technologies is revolutionary changes to the motor as we know it. The professionals at SEW Eurodrive brought energy efficiency to the common motor. They did it by installing copper rotors and pioneering the use of electronic drives.

Types of SEW Eurodrive Parts

SEW Eurodrive is not only a leader in the industry, but they also offer a wide range of parts for your industrial machines. Their frequency inverters and industrial gearboxes offer some of the highest-density torque available.

These premier parts also have one of the longest lifespans in the industry. They also are available with backlash reduction technology and special design features specifically for agitation applications.

One of their most notable products is the Varimot Variable Speed Gearmotor. The innovative design of this gearmotor allows for easy use and more starting torque on your machinery. SEW gearmotor also meet all international efficiency level requirements.

We can’t mention SEW Eurodrive parts without mentioning their AC motors. This simple and innovative motor design can handle all motor variants with just one series. It boasts a compact design which helps you save on space and costs. 

The AC motor is also customizable and can handle integration with other motors. This means it’s more energy efficient. It can also accommodate three different brake sizes.

This is yet another way the AC motor from SEW Eurodrive Parts can help you cut costs.

SEW Superheroes

Our team at Kor-Pak can help you with any SEW Eurodrive Parts. We offer the SEW gearmotors, frequency inverters, gearboxes, and AC motors.

If you have any questions about an SEW Eurodrive motor or other parts and how they can help you with equipment safety, contact us at any time. We are more than happy to help and will do anything we can to get you and your team’s equipment running in tip-top shape.

There are a vast number of clamp types. Some are bulky, while others are discrete. The key is finding ones that are accurate and produce repeatable actions.

Did you know that hydraulic clamps are superior to other clamps?

This article will cover how hydraulic clamps improve productivity. We’ll also share how hydraulic clamps work and why you need them.

Improved Productivity

Hydraulic clamp systems improve productivity and reduce cycle times. Most workloads need equipment changes with bolts tightened to the proper torque. But with hydraulic clamps, you place the item in the fixture and push a button or flip a switch.

The hydraulic clamp gives you the exact right amount of working hold. This pressure is consistent and applies an even amount of pressure, giving you a precise amount of hold, unlike a manual clamp.

Productivity means creating a reliable and repeatable process. When production elements are accurate and in place, you gain efficiency. One of the culprits of poor productivity is the misalignment of a component held by a manual clamp.

Hydraulic clamping systems allow you to position clamps in a precise manner.

The clamps also provide the exact proper movement and force. This maximizes efficiencies and is predictable in determining your manufacturing capacity.

Well-defined specifications drive the manufacturing configuration and its installation.

Selecting a suitable clamp for your application reduces future calibration delays. It also reduces downtime and provides a great ROI. The proper configuration also reduces maintenance time.

Hydraulic Clamp Manufacturers

Manufacturers for hydraulic clamps include:

• Enerpac
• Roamheld
• Fabco-Air
• Steel-Smith
• AMF
• Clamptek
• SPX
• Merkle
• Monroe
• Olmec
• Berg
• Lupold
• Vektek
• Kurt Manufacturing
• Hydrokomp
• Guthle
• Jergens

Hydraulic Clamp System

Hydraulic clamping systems are more than the sum of their parts. Selecting the right components for your environment is critical to your productivity. In addition, the materials, fabrication process, and any machining work affect the configuration.

The fabrication process impacts the clamps needed; for instance, an articulating arm or the stroke length factors into the process. This may also affect your power source and safety needs.

Materials also factor into the original build. The rigidity and size of the material affect the clamping position and force. Even the tensile strength may need a certain level of calculated precision in the design.

How Hydraulic Clamps Work

There are three basic types of hydraulic hold-down clamps: single-acting, double-acting, and swing cylinders.

Single-Acting Cylinders

This hydraulic device works in one direction. First, the hydraulic fluid pushes the piston rod. Then, another force returns it to the start position. These use little oil and need less valving and plumbing.

The retraction speed is much slower than the push.

Double-Acting Cylinders

This hydraulic device works in two directions. First hydraulic power moves the piston rod in both directions for faster movement, thus better controlling the clamp release.

Swing Cylinders

The swing stroke involves a piston and an attached arm that rotates 90º for placement. There is a second stroke for clamping. Once released, the clamp arm raises back out of the way for workpiece loading.

Designing Your Hydraulic Clamping System

Hydraulic clamps with suitable characteristics help you save time and boost productivity. The selection process looks at cylinder types, environment, fabrication process, and materials.

Kor-Pak can examine your needs and resources. Then we can give you a long-term solution with a great ROI. So contact us today to open a helpful discussion that will drive your productivity.

Did you know that the global heavy equipment market is projected to hit $162.4 billion by 2027? For practitioners in field-based industries, heavy equipment machinery is a necessity. However, getting the right tools for an industrial or construction project is quite daunting.

You need to evaluate your project needs and pick heavy machinery suited for that job. In this article, we discuss the five common types of heavy equipment machinery:

1. Excavators

Excavators are among the most common heavy equipment machinery used in the construction sector. They consist of a cab, bucket, dipper, and boom. The cab, which houses the operator, sits on top of an undercarriage ferried by wheels or tracks.

Hydraulic excavators rely on hydraulic motors, hydraulic cylinders, and hydraulic fluid to function. They are ideal for digging foundations and trenches, forestry mulching, and material handling. You can also use them in general landscaping, open-pit mining, and snow removal.

2. Bulldozers

As a large-tracked heavy machine, a bulldozer has excellent mobility and ground holding capabilities. Their distinct application areas include mining, construction, and road building. Thanks to their wide tracks, they can move over muddy or sandy grounds without sinking.

Bulldozers comprise transmission systems that offer great tractive force when in use. Its machine parts include a heavy metal blade used in shoving debris/soil and pushing objects. In addition, bulldozers come with a ripper on the back used to break ground surface rock.

3. Compactors

Compactors come in three designs, which include the road roller, rammer, and plate compactor. Road rollers help compact crushed rock on slabs or stone foundations. Due to their smaller feet, rammer compactors help compact backfills in narrow trenches for gas or water supply pipes.

Plate compactors come with a vibrating baseplate used to compress gravel or soil for a stable subsurface. Both rollers and plates rotate rapidly to compact the matter underneath them. Choose a compactor with adequate power to compact soil or stones in the required depth.

4. Cranes

Cranes come equipped with sheaves, chains, and a hoist rope to lower and lift materials. They help load and unload freights in the transport industry and assemble materials in the manufacturing sector. You can also use them to move materials in the construction industry.

Tower cranes are the most common types of cranes used in constructing tall buildings. They are usually attached to sides of horizontal structures or fixed on a concrete slab. Choose a crane depending on the moving distance, lift height, and weight of the load.

5. Concrete Pumps

Concrete pumps help transfer liquid concrete into the area where you need to lay it down. They can either be mounted on a trailer/truck (line pump) or attached to a truck or semi-trailer (boom pump).

Evaluate your concrete output for a construction project before choosing a concrete pump. You should also consult with a heavy machinery mechanic to see if the pump specification suits your project.

Looking to Buy Heavy Equipment Machinery?

The heavy equipment machinery discussed above is suited for different projects and job sites. Always identify your need for getting the equipment and learn the maintenance needs before buying/renting it.

We offer an extensive collection of hoists and cranes for diverse industrial applications. Our experts also provide repairs, modernizations, and upgrades on the tools sold. We’ll help you get the right equipment once you contact us.

In most manufacturing companies, buying industrial parts is an essential task in running daily operations. However, it can be expensive, so it is crucial to have the proper procurement and purchasing process.

You want to buy high-quality equipment that is the best fit for the job at a reasonable price.

Here are things to consider before committing your budget.

Price Negotiation

When considering where to get industrial parts, you should compare quotes from several different suppliers. You may be able to negotiate the price down if a supplier is prepared to beat a competitor’s offer. You might also be able to negotiate a discount for buying parts in bulk.

Decide whether you will buy used or new industrial parts. If you’re on a tight budget, buying used equipment could be an option.

Keep in mind that the lowest price may not be the best option if it compromises on quality. On the other hand, more expensive equipment may cost less in repairs over the long run and offer higher precision that minimizes costly mistakes.

Workforce Engagement

Determine how much work your employees will need to do to manage different types of equipment. Fully automated systems require a smaller workforce, freeing up the budget for other areas of the business. You should ensure you know how many employees you will need to install the parts and keep the equipment running.

Consumption Needs

When you buy industrial parts, you need to know how much power they will consume and the type of connection they require. If the equipment requires large amounts of energy, you may need to install a commercial electricity connection.

You should be aware of how much energy the equipment will consume and whether different industrial parts have different consumption patterns. That will help you to plan the energy costs involved in your operations.

Maintenance

You should make sure you understand the maintenance requirements for the parts you purchase and whether they are suitable for your equipment. For example, when buying crane parts, the safety of the equipment is of the utmost importance to prevent accidents and comply with industry standards.

Find out whether you will need to install equipment such as ventilation to get the best out of the machinery. Will you be able to do the maintenance work yourself, or will you need to arrange and pay for regular servicing? Some suppliers offer tailored contracts for parts and maintenance as part of their aftermarket services.

Warranty and Insurance Coverage

Given the expense of buying industrial parts, it is essential to have warranty coverage. Check the details of the supplier’s warranty and what it covers. You may opt to buy an extended warranty for extra coverage.

You might also need to buy an insurance policy for construction equipment to cover damage caused by a natural disaster or fire.

Get Advice on Selecting the Best Industrial Parts

Buying industrial parts for your business is an important task that requires extensive research. You need to make sure the parts are a good fit for your equipment, are straightforward to install and maintain, and come with the right coverage in case something goes wrong.

Kor-Pak can help. Contact our team for a consultation on selecting the best industrial parts for your equipment. We can help you achieve the most efficient production, avoiding costly downtime.