962G Waste Handler Compactor Wheels
Gough Engineering has played an important role to supply a Caterpillar Waste Handler by manufacturing a custom designed bucket and compactor wheels that have been fitted to the new 962G Waste Handler that has gone into operation in Queenstown.
This 962G Waste Handler is the first machine of its type to be used in a landfill application in Australasia. The concept is most suitable for smaller low volume sites (populations under 20,000) where steep slopes are not a feature of the operation.
Extensive guarding is fitted at the factory and this is complemented by supplemental fittings and the specialized isolator wheel rims manufactured by Gough Engineering. This Waste Handler is capable of achieving compaction densities similar to mid-sized landfill compactors, when used properly. Additionally this one unit can carry out similar tasks to those needed on larger operations, where a specialized landfill compactor and support equipment would be essential.
The bucket is filled with an extended trash guard that increased the bucket capacity and protects the machine. The compactor wheels feature cast Caterpillar Traction tips which fitted with ARM to maximize the life of the tip. The number of tips per wheel and width of the rim has been carefully chosen to provide maximum compaction, the tips and can be replaced. One of the key features of the wheels is the built in isolators that reduce the shock loads to the drive train and the operator. The Isolators support the weight of the machine and transmits the torque that drives the machine. The isolator material was selected from a number of options on the basis of chemical and other environmental resistance factors. It has a high load-bearing capacity in both compression and shear. Physical characteristics include that the material does not change volume under pressure, but undergoes a change in shape to the limit of its strength under load by exerting force consistently in all direction. Once the load is removed the material returns to its original shape. Other key physical properties include abrasion resistance and impact resistance at low temperatures.
The manufacture of the compactor wheels provided Gough Engineering with a number of challenges some of which were eliminated by paying attention to details to the design of components and developing assembly procedures. Key assembly considerations were to maintain concentricity of the product and minimize the risk of heat built up due to welding that would affect the isolators.
The 962G Waste handler was only in operation in Queenstown for a short time before it was clear that its performance is exceeded expectations. Key features such a speed and operator comfort is a signification improvement over the previous machine. Kevin Rigg, Plant Manager for Scope Resources was particularly impressed with the design of the compactor wheels, Caterpillar Traction Tips and the compaction rate that they achieve.
For more information on Gough Engineering’s products please contact:
Andrew Gallington (+64-3) 983-2389 or email andrew.gallington@ggh.co.nz.
Alternatively, you may contact us using the online enquiry form.
