A new loader mechanical bucket  by Keech Australia is dramatically reducing the time required to replace edge wear systems on underground mine loaders. With the Keech Mechanical Bucket (KMB) featuring a complete bolt-on section at the front of the bucket, it differs from standard LHD (load, haul, dump) buckets on the market.

The KMB has been put to trial at the Newcrest Cadia East gold mine in Orange, New South Wales, following a 12-month development phase. The mine is trialing a 12 cubic metre bucket with an Armourblade edge system on two underground mining loaders, and the results so far have been outstanding.

“The KMB bucket front with the Keech Armourblade edge system can be replaced within three hours on site. Operators simply unbolt the front section and replace it with a new one,” said Mark Adams, Regional and Export Sales Manager for Keech.

“Given that the edges on some buckets need to be cut off, which can take up to 35 hours, it’s the KMB will generate significant efficiencies for underground mine applications.”

The ease of removal of the front section also means the bucket can run a welded edge, making it ideal for use in cautious areas such as crusher zones, while still maintaining a quick change out during underground operations to minimise downtime.

The KMB is compatible with the Keech Wearpact^TM edge system or the Keech Armourblade^TM system. Wearpact is a hammerless (GET) system, available in full spade and semi spade configuration, while Armourblade is a welded edge system specifically for use in underground loader applications.

The Newcrest Cadia East trial is also evaluating actual edge life, which to date has tested at approximately 1,000 hours.

“We’re currently investigating how we can extend this to 1,200 hours plus, and are looking at redesigning the corners, which are usually the fastest wearing area, through the addition of tungsten carbide inserts,” explained Mark.

The buckets have been developed by Keech in conjunction with Canadian company Carriere Industrial Supply and are available in a range of sizes from 7 cubic metres right up to 12 cubic metres.

They are manufactured from quench and temper steel, and Keech works with each customer individually to customise a wear protection system to suit the application at hand. The bucket is suitable for all scoop underground loaders.

More information is available at www.keech.com.au.

For sales information: keechinfo@keech.com.au

Pivot wear is set to become a past issue for many machine operators with Keech Australia being appointed distributor for Expander® pivot technology.

Pivot wear has long been considered one of the most common and time consuming maintenance issues facing equipment operators in the mining, agriculture, industrial and rail sectors. However the Expander^® System, distributed through Keech Australia, is changing the playing field, with a cost effective and long wearing solution to pivot wear.

The Expander System, which is suitable for both small and large pivot applications across a wide range of machinery and equipment, eliminates the need to weld and line bore worn pivots. Having undergone more than 50,000 hour’s field testing, the Expander System has proven itself when it comes to reducing downtime and decreasing the lifecycle costs of machinery maintenance.

 “Replacing traditional pivot systems is a time consuming and costly process,” explained Robert Everett, Keech Marketing Engineer.

“The process often takes days due to the fact that it’s often necessary to weld and line bore the lugs prior to fitting a replacement. Using the Expander System though, the new pivot is installed directly into the worn hole. When the fasteners are tightened, the tension washers press the slotted sleeves up the tapered ends of the pin axle and the sleeve expands to conform to the existing wear pattern.”

The system is available in all sizes and for all machinery types. Since its introduction in the United States 30 years ago, the Expander System has been fitted in more than 2,500 machinery makes and models.

“Basically, any machine with pivots can be retrofitted with the Expander System,” explained Robert.

The system’s ease of installation is a standout feature. “It can usually be fitted on-site regardless of restrictions, and even in underground mining applications,” said Robert.

 “Keech was selected as the Australian distributor due to our national network of sales staff, technical backup and our experience in mining, agriculture, construction and industrial markets,” said Robert.

“Across these markets segments, there’s been an overwhelmingly positive response to the system. Operators have been quick to recognize the Expander System as a cost effective and time conscious solution to overcoming one of the most common equipment maintenance issues,” said Robert.

The Expander System comes with a 10 year or 10,000 hour manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.

For more information:             www.keech.com.au.

                                                Keechinfo@keech.com.au

Keech supplies high integrity steel castings for Rail Rolling stock to leading manufacturers in Australia and many overseas countries. With 40 years of experience we have an enviable reputation for quality and service.

Recently Keech has also been appointed National Distributor for Expander® Pivot technology, a cost effective pivot system, available in all sizes for all types of machinery, and which comes with a 10yr warranty.  Information on the Expander® System will be available at our stand.

Come and talk to us at stand 309 to discuss your steel casting requirements or to obtain more information on the advantages of the Expander® Pivot Systems.

Our new website features:

•  Easy to use navigation with drop down menus.
•  Revised and updated content to provide the latest market and product information.
•  Increased technical information about Keech products, available as downloads, to assist our customers in selecting the right product for them.

We hope you find it informative and useful and we welcome your feedback.

The agreement means farmers can purchase Keech products from any one of Agpoint’s 180 Western Australian dealers and 160 South Australian dealers in time for seeding.

“Many seeding and tillage equipment manufacturers are providing the machines with the Keech adaptor already in place, making Keech the obvious and best choice for farmers,” said Agpoint Sales Manager, Martin Schmid. “Having an effective Keech distributor servicing WA and SA just makes life even easier for these farmers.”

Keech Market Development Engineer, Robert Everett, says the company is proud to partner with another Australian-owned company that shares many of the same values.

“Agpoint has a long history of producing and distributing high quality products and we know that they will do an outstanding job for the farmers of WA and SA,” he said.

“There are many similarities between Agpoint and Keech, not least of which is the fact that we’re both Australian companies manufacturing our products right here in Australia,” said Martin. “We’re really thrilled to partner with Keech to not only provide these high quality ground engaging tools to local farmers, but also to support them.

“Our extensive distribution network and ability to hold a lot of stock means we can provide Keech products anywhere in WA or SA very, very quickly. So we can get replacement parts on farm fast. For a farmer whose time is money, particularly during seeding, this is a very attractive proposition.”

Martin says one of the strengths of an Australian-made product such as the Keech range is the high level of local support.

“We work very hard to maintain a strong dealer network and we also stand behind the products we make and distribute 100 per cent,” he said. “Our dealers and distributors know that if a farmer has a problem or question, they need only ring us and we’ll help them solve it as quickly as possible. If they’re not sure what part they’re dealing with, they can trace it on a piece of paper and fax it to us and we can assist in identifying the required part. For 148 years we’ve staked our reputation on that sort of customer convenience and quality of service.”

Martin believes another advantage of using Keech ground engaging tools rather than cheaper, imported products lies in the high quality of the materials used.

“Most broadacre farmers have invested significantly in their seeding and tillage equipment for high levels of precision and performance. In effect, they’ve purchased the Rolls Royce or Ferrari of farm equipment because they know it will get the job done properly,” explained Martin. “So there’s no point putting the cheapest ground engaging tools on your machine – it’s like putting retreads on a Ferrari!

“Particularly in WA where the soils are so sandy and abrasive, it’s important to know that the business end of the machine is tough enough to get you through the season. Keech products use considerably more tungsten than many of the other products on the market, which can make a massive difference to the life of the product and the overall performance of the machine.”

For further information on distributors in other states, contact Keech directly on 1300 4 KEECH  (1300 4 53324)(April 2011) – Western Australian and South Australian broadacre farmers can now access high quality, Australian-made Keech ground engaging tools thanks to a new distributor agreement with Agpoint Australia.

The agreement means farmers can purchase Keech products from any one of Agpoint’s 180 Western Australian dealers and 160 South Australian dealers in time for seeding.

“Many seeding and tillage equipment manufacturers are providing the machines with the Keech adaptor already in place, making Keech the obvious and best choice for farmers,” said Agpoint Sales Manager, Martin Schmid. “Having an effective Keech distributor servicing WA and SA just makes life even easier for these farmers.”

Keech Market Development Engineer, Robert Everett, says the company is proud to partner with another Australian-owned company that shares many of the same values.

“Agpoint has a long history of producing and distributing high quality products and we know that they will do an outstanding job for the farmers of WA and SA,” he said.

“There are many similarities between Agpoint and Keech, not least of which is the fact that we’re both Australian companies manufacturing our products right here in Australia,” said Martin. “We’re really thrilled to partner with Keech to not only provide these high quality ground engaging tools to local farmers, but also to support them.

“Our extensive distribution network and ability to hold a lot of stock means we can provide Keech products anywhere in WA or SA very, very quickly. So we can get replacement parts on farm fast. For a farmer whose time is money, particularly during seeding, this is a very attractive proposition.”

Martin says one of the strengths of an Australian-made product such as the Keech range is the high level of local support.

“We work very hard to maintain a strong dealer network and we also stand behind the products we make and distribute 100 per cent,” he said. “Our dealers and distributors know that if a farmer has a problem or question, they need only ring us and we’ll help them solve it as quickly as possible. If they’re not sure what part they’re dealing with, they can trace it on a piece of paper and fax it to us and we can assist in identifying the required part. For 148 years we’ve staked our reputation on that sort of customer convenience and quality of service.”

Martin believes another advantage of using Keech ground engaging tools rather than cheaper, imported products lies in the high quality of the materials used.

“Most broadacre farmers have invested significantly in their seeding and tillage equipment for high levels of precision and performance. In effect, they’ve purchased the Rolls Royce or Ferrari of farm equipment because they know it will get the job done properly,” explained Martin. “So there’s no point putting the cheapest ground engaging tools on your machine – it’s like putting retreads on a Ferrari!

“Particularly in WA where the soils are so sandy and abrasive, it’s important to know that the business end of the machine is tough enough to get you through the season. Keech products use considerably more tungsten than many of the other products on the market, which can make a massive difference to the life of the product and the overall performance of the machine.”

For further information on distributors in other states, contact Keech directly on 1300 4 KEECH (1300 4 53324)

Keech Australia Regional and Export Sales Manager Mark Adams says the patented Wearpact^® bucket edge system is designed to last longer and outperform other brands.

It’s multifunctional and can be fitted to both underground and surface loaders. Wearpact^® will attach to buckets between 5m³ and 30m³ with up to a 15-blade bucket edge system. Wearpact^® is used at almost 70% of Australian mine sites and is gaining popularity globally.

“We’re an Australian owned and operated company. We design the product, we make it and we sell it. We have over 75 years of experience designing and manufacturing innovative ground engaging tools,” said Mark.

Wearpact^® has a Brinell Scale hardness in excess of 500. Mark says Keech Australia is one of only a handful of foundries in the world that is capable of successfully producing such a tough wear and impact resistant steel.

Wearpact^® bucket edge systems have a wearaway weight of 70% before the product has to be replaced. “Most competitors’ products wearaway at 50%” said Mark.

Wearpact^® not only protects the bucket, but also improves loader performance. “Wearpact^® protects the bucket, reduces maintenance, reduces machine downtime and improves loader availability and reliability,” said Mark.

As an example of the benefits of Wearpact^®, a mining company based in South Australia uses Wearpact^® exclusively on its fleet of loaders. The decision to use Wearpact^® has reaped financial rewards for the company, according to Mark. The mine has reduced its inventory from one spare bucket for every two loaders to a ratio of one spare bucket for four loaders.  “A bucket costs about $150,000, so reducing the required ratio is a major saving for any company. This mine and other mines know when they use Wearpact^® they’re getting exceptional bucket longevity that’s up to 30% better than competitive products.”

“The low profile bucket edge system has been designed to be as low as 50 millimetres. The Wearpact^® low profile system allows it to have better bucket penetration when mining,” said Mark. “Loaders fitted with the Wearpact^® low profile bucket edge system aren’t working as hard as loaders fitted with other designs that can only go as low as 125 millimetres. As a result Wearpact^® provides fuel cost savings for operators, better engine temperature control and reduces cycle times of loaders.”

The Wearpact^® design also features a hammerless installation system. There’s also no welding required. “No company can afford or should have to suffer costly downtime because of replacing castings.  A Wearpact^® change-out can be done in a matter of minutes not hours,” said Mark.

For more information about Keech Australia’s mining products call 1300 4 KEECH (1300 453 324)