How To Size Up Your Compact Track Loader For Optimal Performance

There is no doubt that matching your machine to the job should be a number one consideration. Sizing up your compact track loader is the first step of increasing the efficiency and productivity. Compact track loader in fact, is a machine known for its great power and lifting capabilities and is one of the most versatile machines.

When you are selecting a compact track loader, you need to make sure to tell the dealer exactly what kind of machine do you need and for what kind of application will you use it. Do you need a large machine for heavy applications or compact machines that will fit into tight spaces? Are you doing final grading works or picking up material and loading the same into truck? These are important parameters to consider that will surely help your dealer understand your requirements and find the best compact track loader for your application.

One of the most important factors is the lifting performance. The more powerful machines are always capable of lifting loads with any weight, but the less powerful machines are not able to lift heavy loads. So, if you know what kind of loads will you lift with you compact track loader, you will be easier to decide of what size your compact track loader should be. Just keep in mind that bigger compact track loaders are not always a better choice, there are other features to consider.

The operating capacity might be the most important factor. Operators are supposed to move a few materials at once, including even concrete and so they should look for a compact track loader that will be capable of that. The weight of the load and the time spent for transportation depend on the size of the bucket. So, look for a compact track loader which is able to handle all types of material for transporting.

The length and the width of compact track loaders' tracks have a huge effect on the ground pressure (floatation) and traction. The narrow tracks give a better traction and maximize the ground pressure on hard surfaces. The operators should consider a wide-track option to lower the floatation when working in wet, sandy or muddy conditions. It is recommended to spread the weight of the compact track loader over the length and width of the tracks, in order to stabilize the loader.

Compact Track Loader – The Best Compaction Machine

Compact track loaders are known as versatile machines with incredible lifting capabilities and great power capabilities. Skid steer loaders and all-wheel compact loaders are very similar with the compact track loaders and they have only one big advantage, the treads of compact track loaders have a significantly better traction even on the heaviest terrains. So, under certain conditions and for certain applications, a compact track loader is simply the best option. When your compact track loader is matched with the right attachment, it can handle any given task on a job site that requires heavy equipment.

In order to take advantage of the compact track loader's tractive effort, a few attachments can be matched with it. Compact track loaders are extra useful with attachments, whether a laser-guided grading attachment or a box blade. There are cases in which the ground needs to be broken up before it can be prepared for seeding, and dozer buckets and blades can be used to push soil around a job site. For instance, if you use your compact track loader for site preparation, you can attach box blades, soil conditioners, land-planes, dozer blades and tilers.

For operators who often work on wet, muddy or other bad weather conditions, the compact track loaders should be their choice. Compact track loaders are far better for such conditions, because the track has more ground contact than the tires, which gives the machine a greater traction in such circumstances without getting damaged. This means that operators can lengthen their season as they are able to work in such conditions. Less damage to the surface means less rework for the operator later, which saves both time and money. All these factors make the compact track loaders and the operators as well much more productive.

The advantages of compact track loaders are not only the ability to work in bad weather conditions and the increased floatation. Compact track loaders are able to handle better some specific applications on a landscaping job site, due to the improved tractive effort. As the compact track loader has an increased surface contact, the performance and power of the machine is optimized. This enables the operators to easily push and move heavier loads, making the loaders perfect for difficult applications.

At first, the compact track loader seem without too much power capabilities, but it is a heavy machine with great pushing force that allows lifting of large loads. Because of the greater contact with the surface, the compact track loaders provide more tractive effort than skid steer loaders and all-wheel compact loaders. There are compact track loaders with a hydraulic system, which offer even greater overall performance and power. Another feature you may like is the lifting capability of the compact track loaders. All types of compact track loader have high lifting capacity, allowing them to handle heavy loads of aggregates.

Our choice: Bobcat T630

The Bobcat T630 is our choice as the best compact track loader. It features a pressurized cabinet where you can work in comfort and have improved visibility of your working area. Its radius lift path provides you with maximum reach in front at height of a flatbed truck for various jobs. The Bobcat T630 has a power output of 74 horsepower and an operating weight of 9,015 lbs.

Easy Guide To Buying Tool Carriers

The term “tool carrier” is used by many industries, but there is a different machine for each. Generally, it is a versatile machine able to be attached with various tools for performing different jobs. The integrated tool carrier can operate in both directions and has attachment points at both ends of the machine. Small wheel loaders are also used as universal tool carriers, as there are many attachments available for them for performing a wide range of jobs.

There are many manufacturers of integrated tool carriers and each offers different performances and features. Choosing the proper brand is actually a big concern and a difficult task, but our article might help you a lot.

Caterpillar – The world-wide recognizable yellow brand, Caterpillar, has manufactured seven models of tool carrier. The Caterpillar's models of tool carrier are known for providing a parallel lift and attachment handling capability. These systems are invented to match any specific operating application, encountered by different machine sizes. CAT's product line features its own couplers, available in both vertical and horizontal configuration. But the company itself claims that its VersaLink systems are the perfect combination of carefully selected features.

JCB – The third largest manufacturer of construction equipment in the world manufactures five models of tool carrier, known for their four-cylinder geometry. Not only this features that delivers an exceptional torque for versatile performance, but the integrated tool carriers by JCB feature a load-sensing hydraulics which minimizes the fuel consumption and reduces wear by delivering only the demanded oil flow. JCB's tool carriers also have oil-immersed disc brakes that are mounted in the board.

Volvo – It is safe to say that Volvo is a pioneer of the concept of integrated tool carrier and has designed even twelve models of tool carriers. Volvo equips all its models of tool carrier with its Torque-Parallel linkage system and with its own coupler. The Torque-Parallel linkage is invented for combining the breakout power of the Z-bar designs with the parallel lift feature of the tool carrier linkage. Volvo's tool carriers use brand's own engines and are manufactured with load-sensing hydraulics, which is believed to increase their productivity and fuel efficiency.

John Deere – The American company, John Deere, is one of the most popular manufacturers of agricultural machines in the world. John Deere has produced only three models of tool carriers and their most unique feature is its patented Powerllel linkage, usable with buckets and a coupler. The linkage's innovative design allows the forces to work with the boom, in order to increase the breakout forces in tough operations. These tool carriers have a specific transmission, known as smart-shift technology, which adjusts the clutch engagement just as supposed.

Liebherr – Liebherr is a proud German manufacturer that has invented two models of tool carrier. Both tool carriers have about 120 horsepower, operate with weights of about 12,000 kilograms, a hydrostatic drive system and company's diesel engines. The engines of Liebherr's tool carriers is transversely mounted and that position gives a natural counterweight, which allows an increased tipping load without increased operating weight.

Volvo Construction Equipment

Volvo manufactures a wide range of useful construction machines, offered in more than 130 countries around the world throughout independent or proprietary dealerships. Millions of customers around the world are using Volvo construction machines and services for different purposes and in many different industries, like in energy related industries, quarries, aggregates, road construction and infrastructure, heavy infrastructure, utility works, building construction, house construction, demolition, recycling industry, material handling, forestry and many more. Volvo's product range includes: skid steer loaders, wheeled loaders, backhoe loaders, excavators, articulated haulers, motor graders, milling equipment, tracked forestry carriers, pipe layers, pavers, compactors, scraper haulers, demolition equipment, waste handlers, material handling vehicles, and etc. Most commonly used Volvo construction machines are: the wheeled loaders, the excavators and the skid steer loaders.

Wheeled Loaders. Since 1954, Volvo has been a trusted manufacturer of wheel loaders and compact wheel loaders. These versatile machines are used in many different industries, like for quarrying, material handling, road and building construction, waste handling, block handling, recycling, forestry, agriculture and etc. Customers all around the world buy either new or used Volvo wheel loaders and compact track loaders for many different purposes such as for digging, loading and unloading. The top features of the Volvo wheel loaders and compact wheel loaders are:

• Comfortable, safe and secure cabs, which allow the operator to work with high confidence and to focus on the construction tasks
• Dependable high quality engines with high fuel efficiency
• Excellent lift capacities, height and reach
• Easy maintenance and service
• A range of superior Volvo attachments

Find more information online for available wheel loaders for sale in Australia.

Excavators. Volvo's mini excavators and diggers provide solutions for different excavating tasks. These versatile machines are heavily used in site preparation, excavation, demolition, landscaping trenching, truck loading, utility jobs, piping and many more. Volvo's excavators and diggers provide the following features:

• Dependable high quality engines with fuel efficiency
• Volvo care cabs, providing more comfort and security for the operator
• Easy service and maintenance
• Excellent hydraulic systems with high responsive performance
• Quick lift systems offering versatility for bucket and tool changing

Find more information online about buying the excavator that's right for your needs.

Skid steer loaders. Volvo's skid steer loaders are one of the most useful and versatile machines on every construction site. Depending on your needs, Volvo offers a range of radial lift skid loaders or vertical lift skid loaders. With many attachments available, Volvo's skid steer loaders can be used for completing different jobs like: hauling ground earth, digging postholes, cutting trenches, palletizing materials , breaking concrete and etc. Volvo's skid steer loaders include the following features :

• Easy and safe cabin access through the side door
• Great visibility on all sites thanks to the excellent arm design
• Powerful and fuel efficient Volvo engines
• Easy service and maintenance
• Durability and high performance

Check online for available new or used Volvo skid steer loaders. 

What Is The Function Of An Electrical Switchboard?

An electrical switchboard is a useful piece of electrical power equipment which is used to transfer electrical current from a single power source to other points of termination which are connected to the board. The power source can be an electric power generator or other type of electrical tool which transmit the electrical current to the switchboard, and then transfer the current to other electrical devices where is needed. The electrical switchboard includes many useful features that are especially designed and have function to control the amount of current which is being transmitted. In this way the switchboard can easily prevent any current overloads that can damage the board and the other devices which receive the current.

Several interconnected electrical panels are included in every switchboard. Each electrical panel consists switches in order to control the flow of the current. With the switches in place, the electrical switchboard can control and cam adjust the voltage of the current that is being transmitted to the devices which are connected to the board. Thanks to these switches, the electrical switchboard ensures that the current is not overloaded and any damages are prevented. Therefore the electrical switchboard can be seen as one very essential electrical power equipment or electrical tool that ensures safe operation of many electrical devices, appliances and other machines.

Another function of the electrical switchboard is to transfer sufficient amount of current to the devices that are connected to the board, based on the amount of current that is needed for proper operation of the device. In order to perform this function, the switchboard receives electrical current from a power source, like the power generator. The switchboard then reallocates the current in smaller portions to each electrical device. If one connected device is not active, the flow of the current is controlled and kept at minimum so that any overloads or damages can be prevented. Once the the device is activated the switchboard adjust the current flow to ensure proper operation of the device.

The actual configuration of the electrical switchboard requires that the amount of the current that is being transferred to the connected devices needs to match the amount of the current that flows into the board from the power source. Generally this function is controlled with certain readings between the switchboard and the power source, so that the electrical switchboard can adjust the voltage of the current. An electrical switchboard is a common electrical power equipment that can be found in every home or manufacturing plant, electrical tool that has the capability to control the flow of the current efficiently and effectively. 

Australian Construction Industry: Past, Present And Future

The importance of one industry in one country generally is measured by its contribution to the economy of the country, in terms of the contribution to the country GDP or the gross domestic product. The Australian construction industry has significant part in the total Australian GDP. This sector has been growing with constant speed rate over the last two decades. With an income of $100 000 million in 2009 to a total income of around $300 000 million in 2013, the industry sector in Australia has shown significant growth. The Australian construction industry generally is presented with the construction of many residential and commercial buildings. Road infrastructure and the industrial construction also have significant part in the Australian construction industry. For different construction projects various construction equipment and construction machinery was used, from earth moving equipment to construction vehicles and other light equipment. The following text will present how the Australian construction industry had grown over the years.

Past. The Australian construction industry experienced a minor decrease in its overall growth in 2008. This decrease was result of the the global economic crisis. The worlds economic crisis did affect the construction sector, but however it didn't cause huge damages like in the other western countries, especially the USA and the UK. After the economic crisis, the construction sector experienced a decrease in the segment of residential and commercial buildings construction and sales. The increased prices of the construction materials like steel, metal and fuel resulted in increased construction costs and expensive construction equipment. But very shortly after that the construction sector began to show signs of healing.

Present. The Australian government these days spends large amount of money in terms of stimulative packages in order to promote and to support the construction sector. The figures about the construction industry are far better when compared with those from 2008. Various construction equipment and machines are back on the construction sites for the construction of the residential, commercial buildings, highways, regional roads, hospitals and for many other modern construction projects. The market for available construction equipment is also growing with constant speed, becoming in this way one very profitable business. Today, the building materials and construction equipment experience increase in their demand as a result of the developments in the building sector.

Future. Based on what is happening at the moment, the future of the Australian construction industry looks very bright and perspective. The Australian economists are very positive that the growth will continue in the future with more construction projects on the way and more jobs opened for the Australian people. The construction sector will open new jobs and will create more value in terms of increased GPD in the period from 2013- 2017. The Australian government is also working on a project for creating credit options for the construction sector. The future surely looks bright. 

The Importance Of Safety Equipment In Construction

Safety and health are very important issues in all industries. But there are certainly some industry sectors in which special attention needs to be given to the safety of the workers. The construction sector surely is one of them. In construction the workers deal with different daily tasks which can be extremely dangerous. Any negligence at the construction site can lead to serious accidents and injuries or even death. Therefore it is vital for the construction workers to know how to operate the construction machinery and equipment in the safest possible way, and also to wear the most appropriate safety equipment in order to protect themselves and the others around them. 

The most common reasons why the safety equipment at the construction sites is essential are:

• An employee or civilian could be injured. This is the most important reason why safety equipment is necessary at the construction sites. People can be injured or even die if appropriate safety equipment is not included in their work. Every employer has a responsibility to provide safe working environment for his employees.
• The construction industry is one very dangerous sector for work. The number of accidents and injuries at the construction sites is growing every year. Therefore safety and health polices need to be implemented, in terms of safety equipment, so that the number of injuries, accidents and deaths can be reduced.
• The employers and the contractors can be fined or even banned from further working. If the local authorities found that safety equipment and safety polices are not implemented in the work, the contractors could be fined and even sued.
• The construction projects can be compromised or even terminated. If a major accident occurs at the construction site because the workers aren't equipped with the necessary safety equipment, it is very likely that the project will be terminated immediately.

The safety equipment includes everything from hats for head protection to medical aid kits. Such safety equipment is known as PPE or personal protective equipment. The personal protective equipment includes all the necessary protective items that a worker needs to wear or hold at the construction sites for increased safety. The most commonly recommended PPE items are: safety glasses for eyes protection, gloves for hands and fingers protection, hats or helmets for head protection, ear plugs for ear protection, respiratory masks for protection against dust and other hazardous gases that can damage the respiratory system, and safety footwear for protecting the legs. Appropriate usage of the PPE increases the safety at the construction site. Every construction worker needs to know how and where to use the PPE safety equipment. It is vital for the construction workers to be well trained and instructed how to use the PPE every time they are exposed to certain risks at their work. Check online for available safety equipment for sale. 

How To Select A Pump - Part 2

Continuing from part 1...

Temperature. The fluid temperature inside the pump is very important because the vapour pressure can have big impact on the performance of the pump. Other fluid characteristics like the viscosity and the density can be affected as well by the changes in the temperature. For instance, in the case of the rotary lobe pumps, the cooling of the liquid in the discharge line will have a significant effect on the pumping process of the fluid. The temperature of the fluid could also have big impact on the selection of what elastomeric materials or liquids to be used.

Flow Characteristics. For the selection of the right pump, it is important to consider and to determine the type of the flow. This is especially important for the rotary lobe pumps. Under some circumstances the fluid will appear to flow like a layer in a smooth and regular way.

Velocity. The velocity of the fluid is described as the distance the fluid travels per unit of time. The fluid velocity can be very important especially when using rotary lobe pumps for pumping out slurries and other fluids that contain solids.

Vapour Pressure. The vapour pressure of a particular fluid is described as the pressure at which the fluid that is being pumped is going to change into vapour, and it is presented as absolute pressure. Each fluid is characterized by its own vapour pressure and temperature relationship.

Fluids Containing Solids. When the fluid is being pumped it is essential to determine if the fluid contains any solids, and if contains solids to determine the size and the concentration. The lobe pumps require special attention when abrasive solids are being pumped. Determining the size of the solids is very important, and the pump inlet needs to be large enough for the solids to travel without any problems.

Performance Data

Capacity. The capacity or the flow rate is the volume of the fluid that moves through certain area per time unit. For different fluids, the most usual units for capacity are: liters per hour l/h, cubic meters per hour m3/h, UK or US gallons per minute gall/min. For the mass of the fluid the most common units for capacity are: kilogram per hour kg/h, tonne per hour t/h, pounds per hour lb/h.

Pressure. The pressure is described as the force per unit area. In the universal SI system, the unit used for pressure is the Newton, or shortly N, and the area is presented in square meters. Therefore the pressure is presented by units of Newton per square meter, N/m2. This unit is known as Pascal. Different types of pressures can be identified: atmospheric pressure, gauge pressure, absolute pressure, vacuum, inlet and outlet pressure, differential pressure.

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH). The inlet side of the pump need to enable one smooth flow of the liquid, so that the liquid can enter the pump at the required pressure so that cavitation can be avoided. This is known as the Net Positive Suction Head or shortly known as NPSH. The pump manufacturers usually provide data about the net positive suction head that is required for proper pump operation. When selecting and choosing a pump it is very important the net positive suction head in the system to be bigger than the net positive suction head which is required by the pump.

For more information on lobe pumps click here...

How To Select A Pump - Part 1

There are plenty of definitions regarding what actually is a pump. One of the simplest way to define the pump is that the pump is generally a machine or device which is used to transfer different quantities of fluids or gases from one location to another. There are many different types and models of pumps for different purposes, like centrifugal pumps, hydraulic pumps, rotary lobe pumps and many others. But generally the pumps are classified into two main categories:

• Rotodynamic Pumps
• Positive Displacement Pumps

The first category, the rotodynamic pumps have the ability to transform the rotating mechanical energy into kinetic energy in form of fluid pressure and velocity. The liquid ring pump and the centrifugal pump are the two main types of the rotodynamic pumps. These pumps utilize centrifugal force in order to transfer the liquid which is being pumped out. The second category, the positive displacement pumps, is generally represented by the rotary lobe pumps. The rotary lobe pump is the mostly utilized positive displacement pump type, and the main function of this pump is to move the liquid that is being pumped directly from the pump inlet into the outlet in discrete volumes.

For a proper selection of a particular type of pump, generally two type of data is required:

• Product or Fluid Data. Such data includes density, specific gravity, viscosity, temperature, flow characteristics, solids content and vapour pressure.
• Performance Data. This data shows the capacity or the flow rate and the discharge pressure.

Because different fluids, gases or materials have their own unique characteristics and are pumped under varying conditions, it is very important all product and performance data to be known before selecting a pump.

Product or Fluid Data

Viscosity. The viscosity of a particular fluid or gas can be described as a measure how resistant the fluid or gas is to flow, and it is comparable to friction of the solid bodies. This force transforms the kinetic energy of the particular fluid that is being pumped into thermal energy. How easily a fluid pours is an indication of its viscosity. Two general viscosity indicators are mainly used: kinematic and absolute viscosity.

Density. The density of the fluid is described as the mass of the fluid per unit of volume, generally expressed as kilograms per cubic meters kg/m3. The density of the fluid is presented by the symbol p.

Specific Weight. The specific weight of the fluid is described as the weight per unit volume and it is presented with the symbol γ.

Specific Gravity. The ratio of the fluid density and the density of the water gives the specific gravity of the fluid. Because it is a ratio no unit of measure is used.

Continue reading to part 2...

Benefits Of Rotary Lobe Pumps - Part 2

Continuing from part 1...

The rotary lobe pumps are ideal replacements for the centrifugal pumps for different slurry and sludge applications. The centrifugal pumps can be affected by air or by inadequate NPSH, or net positive suction head. If the centrifugal pumps are not operated within 10% of their best efficiency point, any operation can cause shaft deflection, cavitation and also vibration, which in turn damages the internal parts of the pump and also minimizes the effective life of the centrifugal pump.

The rotary lobe pump on the other hand has the capability to pump out the air and water, it will not cavitate or vibrate because of the inadequate net positive suction head. The lobe pumps are very efficient at all points during their operation. Unlike the centrifugal pumps, the output provided by the rotary lobe pumps is generally not affected by the viscosity. The rotary lobe pumps operate at 200-300 RPM's for abrasive applications, and at 500-600 RPM's for non abrasive application. The centrifugal pumps on the other hand operate at 1800 RPM's. The difference in the speed shows that the centrifugal pump mix and agitate the fluid that is being pumped out, whereas the rotary lobe pump operates at much lower RPM and slowly moves the liquid out of the pump.

Another significant benefit provided by the rotary lobe pumps is the fact that the lobe pump has the ability to create a vacuum which captures the liquid inside the pump and makes it self priming without separating the air from the liquid. In addition, the centrifugal pumps need to be equipped with special separate mechanism in order to separate the air from the liquid. Such mechanism can be easily clogged by various solid or viscous materials. In the case of the centrifugal pumps, additional force is required to bring the fluid into the pump.

The rotary lobe pumps can be used in various liquid transfer process that involve thick or thin sludge, slurries or even mud. They posses the following benefits when compared with the progressive cavity pumps:

• The rotary lobe pumps have the ability to operate in dry condition for certain period.
• They require lower maintenance and bear lower repair costs.
• Do not require large space. In addition, the progressive cavity pumps require larger space when removing the rotor and the stator.
• The seal and the wear plates of the rotary lobe pump can be replaced easily without removing the attached piping.

When comparing the rotary lobe pumps and the progressive cavity pump in terms of the efficiency provided, it is essential to separate the volumetric efficiency from the overall efficiency. The pump tightness generally is described by the volumetric efficiency. Small sized progressive cavity pumps with smaller displacement capacity provide higher volumetric efficiency. The rotary lobe pumps with larger displacement capacity have greater volumetric and overall efficiency. Other significant benefits of the rotary lobe pumps are: small overall dimension, higher capacity, high efficiency, no vibrations, less friction provided by the rotary lobe pump, easy lobe change, stable operation in wear situations, fast running pump.