Changed my mind about running the cutterhead at full throttle all the time

Used to think max RPM was the only way to chew through tough clay, but after a job in Baton Rouge last summer where I burned through three sets of teeth in a week, I slowed it down to 75% and actually got better production. The material had less bounce and the slurry was more even. Anyone else find that lower speed saves gearbox wear on older rigs?

3 comments

3 Comments

cameron_hernandez691d ago

@cameron_hernandez69 @angela_hart that Florida muck story hits home. Did you notice any change in your hydraulic temps after dropping down to 80%? My old Cat runs about 10 degrees cooler since I stopped flooring it through the sticky stuff.

fiona_kim971d ago

Ever try explaining to your wife why a hydraulic rebuild is a better investment than a beach vacation? That's a tough sell even with free margaritas.

angela_hart2d ago

I blew up a gearbox on a 2005 rig back in '19 after running it wide open for two straight weeks in some nasty Florida muck. Felt like a real genius when I had to explain to my wife why our vacation money went to a rebuild kit instead of a beach trip. Since I dropped to around 80% throttle, I've actually gotten better wear on my tracks too, plus the machine doesn't shake like it's trying to rattle my fillings loose. Idk, maybe my rig is just old and cranky like me.