Components: The building blocks

When purchasing new equipment, you need to know what the capabilities of the machine are, what the benefits are in terms of performance gains, and whether or not it will do the job that needs to be done.

These elements for consideration can boil down to the very structure of a machine, to its DNA. You might think that you are looking underneath that glossy exterior but that too is a component with as much thought behind it from OEMs to make the right choice in protecting your investment from corrosion and its resale value.

One company tackling the problem of corroding parts is Germany-based Stauff, which has developed a new coupling series, which, the company says, offers particularly high corrosion resistance for use in stationary hydraulic systems.

Rust prevention

Stauff explained that the new series – QRC-ID – is suitable for users looking for a compact, convenient plug-in coupling for rough ambient conditions and a rated pressure up to 400 bar. This coupling series, says Stauff, is suitable for adverse operating parameters due to highly effective corrosion protection.

The zinc-nickel-based corrosion protection coating offers resistance against red rust/base metal corrosion.

After intensive testing, it is therefore the preferred coating at Stauff and has already proven successful in other series. Stauff claimed that the coating exceeds the highest requirements of corrosion protection class K5, which are defined in the standards of VDMA, the mechanical engineering industry association.

To release the coupling, the operator only has to actuate the push sleeve. Coupling is achieved by simply pushing in the coupling while actuating the push sleeve. A high-quality cone valve ensures good flow rates and reliable shut-off of the media line.

The series is available from stock in four sizes, for operating pressures up to 400 bar (depending on coupling size).

Tyres of the future

The introduction of self-driving and electric vehicles is speeding up in construction.

BKT, which manufactures Off-Highway tyres for agricultural, industrial, earthmoving, mining and ATV vehicles, is now experimenting with a range of solutions around the challenge.

In the case of electric vehicles, the type of energy and load distribution has led to the creation of specific tyres. Owing to the high torque, as well as the strengthening of the bead between the rim and the tyre, the design of the flaps of agricultural tyres, for example, must be adapted and could require a reduction in the depth of the tread and an increase in the robustness of the flaps.

In order for electric vehicles to be able to carry heavier loads, different compounds are being researched, since they must be able to work at lower temperatures.

It’s quite possible that the tyres of the future could be constructed using nanotechnology. BKT is working to develop better performing compounds using nanomaterials or nanocompounds. These are said to offer advanced thermal and mechanical stability. The BKT Research & Development Center is also conducting nanotechnology studies and experiments on natural fibres such as nanoclay and nanocellulose.

Another element which the company is trialling is graphene, which provides higher resistance to wear and puncturing and higher resistance to traction, as well as better resistance to rolling and exceptional duration.

Graphene is a strong alternative, according to BKT, being 200 times more resistant and six times more flexible than steel. Incredibly thin, it alo has an extraordinarily high level of conductivity for both heat and electricity, making it an ideal material for heavy-duty applications.

Proactive part replacement

Machines are also being programmed to alert operators in advance when downtime is going to occur. BKT is adapting its tyres for this generation of work vehicles, with sensors mounted on the tyre. These sensors can inform the vehicle of the level of tread consumption.

Astrak’s TerraTrack Plus features toughened steel links, connected by continuously wound anti-rust high tensile steel cords, which are encased in an advanced abrasion-resistant rubber carcass to provide increased durability and performance.

The newly developed interlocking steel link configuration has been designed to avoid troublesome detracking issues, even when used on the most demanding of terrains.

The anti-vibration qualities of the system ensure the smooth running of track rollers and offer increased operator comfort and potentially greater alertness. Reduced vibration also means sound levels are suppressed. Compared with standard tracks being recorded at 107.4 dB, TerraTrack Plus technology is measured at 104.5 dB.

Each of Astrak’s six UK & European locations stock tracks from 230mm wide to 450mm wide and the TerraTrack Plus range is available to fit a wide array of tracked machinery.

Next-generation alternator launched

Nidec Leroy-Somer has introduced TAL 0473, its latest next-generation alternator based on the .3 technological platform. Like the entire TAL product range, the TAL 0473 is suitable for all electric power generation applications, other than marine.

The TAL 0473 is the latest addition to the range based on the .3 platform, replacing the TAL 047 and benefits from improved performance. The new alternator delivers a nominal power between 400 and 660kVA at 50Hz (from 495 to 825kVA at 60Hz).

The alternator features a SHUNT excitation system and an R150 regulator as standard. An AREP+ auxiliary winding excitation system with R180 regulator version is also available to further improve transient performances and provide high overload capacities.

It is interchangeable with the TAL 047 (shaft height and feet configuration) and can be coupled with all diesel engines on the market for this power range.