Application Technology

Expander System permanently eliminates lug wear 08 September 2017

Operators of heavy machines such as excavators, cranes, or dumper trucks rely on a smooth pivot of steel rods inside lugs as they position drills, move objects across a site, or empty the dump bed. With time, however, they are likely to find that their job becomes harder and harder

Jens Carlsson, area manager for construction at Expander System, explains: “At one point or another the operator will notice that things start to feel loose as the lug begins to wear out. Sometimes they won’t even be able to use the equipment exactly as they want to.” This results in extra time needed to do the job, inaccuracy, and even accidents.

A traditional solution for pivot wear is not only costly but also a time consuming process with significant downtime. The worn out part will normally be taken to a workshop where a hole slightly larger than that made when manufactured is drilled into the lugs. Then, a replacement bushing is welded into the lug. This is in fact a temporary solution and the need for line-boring and welding can occur several times over the machinery’s lifetime.
Expanding options
This is where the Expander System comes into the picture. The Expander pivot pin – which includes a tapered axle, expansion sleeves, washers and fasteners – can be slotted straight into the lugs. Then the fasteners are tightened and the expansion sleeves are pushed up the tapered axle, gradually expanding, until they fit into and ‘even out’ the pattern of wear.
Even if the hole has been worn into an oval shape, the Expander System fills out the ovality and gives a secure solution without any preparatory machining. The Expander System creates a perfect fit into the lug and locks the pin both radially and axially, eliminating the need for welding. The backlash-free joint prevents further wear. The result is a stable and secure joint, and the machine operator can continue with his or her job as planned without having to down tools.
The price comparison for the Expander method versus line-boring suggests that the on-site method is about a third of the price when the equipment downtime and man-hours are taken into account. Expander System is a proven solution minimising production shortfalls and lowering the life cycle cost of the machinery and equipment.

Expander System from the get-go

Given the advantages of the Expander System, some manufacturers are keen to fit the element from the very first days of the machinery. 

One of the construction equipment manufacturers field tested the Expander System in the steering cylinder position on their wheel loaders for 50,000 hours. The loaders were running 24/7 loading clay into massive ovens. The usage of the Expander solution extended the life of the equipment by at least three times and even up to 10 times the original longevity.
To put it another way, there is a good chance another element will wear out first or the operator will want to replace the machinery before the Expander System fails.

Content Director

Will Lowry Content Director t: +44 (0) 1727 743 888

Biog

Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.

Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.