Where would we be without the construction industry? Every day millions of professionals in dozens of different industries use heavy equipment components to aid in demolition, transportation and recycling technology. Be they used CAT parts or state-of-the-art cutting edges, finding the right tool for the task at hand is half the work of a job well done. Using inaccurate or outdated heavy equipment components can, at best, reduce efficiency and, at worst, put workers and companies at risk. Let’s take a look at different types of heavy equipment, what they’re used for and what you should keep your eye on.
Construction In North America
The United States and Canada are some of the leading countries in domestic and worldwide construction. The year 2011 saw the North American market rising as the second biggest for construction equipment worldwide, adding up to a total revenue of $26 billion. By 2015 the global construction equipment market had reached the drastic figure of $145 billion. A few years ago the Illinois-based Caterpillar topped the list of worldwide construction machinery makers, generating over $65 billion with leading skid steer loaders, off-highway trucks and wheel excavators. Wheel loaders were ranked the most important product categories in 2011, holding onto a 9% market share of all North American construction equipment.
Cartridge Valves And Gear Pumps
Also referred to as logic elements or 2/2-way valves, these are used in a variety of industries to manage mechanical factors such as pressure and flow. Hydraulic logic elements, also called cartridges, can handle flows anywhere from five to over 5,000 gpm — these pressures can reach up to 6,000 PSI (pounds per square inch) or higher. Gear pumps are used in the majority of hydraulic systems and are known for having few moving parts, making them both simplistic and highly flexible. They generally operate in pressures up to 250 PSI per bar, though some can reach higher numbers depending on the demand.
Oil And Horsepower
When it comes to choosing your oil filters, reference the rating system. Oil filters are gauged by a beta rating, in which each filter will have multiple beta ratios depending on the different particle size limits — for example, choosing between two or five microns. More thorough oil filtration isn’t always better, however, and depends largely on the demands of the machinery you’re using. When it comes to horsepower, those under 75 can still meet Tier 4 Final emissions targets even without diesel exhaust fluid.
Equipment Breakdown And Errors
The most necessary factor for heavy equipment components is accuracy and reliability. One of the most common causes of equipment breakdown, however, is attributed to user error — when not covered under warranty, these can attribute to over 35% of equipment failure. Another 75% of fluid power failures can be attributed to contamination issues, of which the vast majority can be eliminated through the use of hydraulic filters. With a little caution and regular maintenance, most pieces of construction equipment have a life expectancy of 15 years.
Choosing The Right Equipment
The right heavy equipment components will go a long way in reducing common errors and ensuring your business routinely meets qualifications. Simple two-stroke petrol engines are still the most popular option for high-power, handheld applications and radial piston pumps are required for applications that involve high pressure. When it comes to diesel engines, consider whether or not you need a two-stroke or a four-stroke for your commercial vehicles and generators. The North American construction industry continues to lead the pack in heavy equipment servicing — whether you need bucket pins or heavy equipment cooling systems, you’re in the right hands when it comes to quality service.