What affects ground engaging tools lifespan

Ground engaging tools (GETs) are essential for construction and mining equipment to dig, excavate, and move soil and other materials. And it is crucial to be sure that they will serve you for a long time.

Manufacturing process and Materials

Every ground engaging tool begins with creating a design and engineering specifications.l. This can be done using computer-aided design (CAD) software and may involve testing and refining the design through simulation or prototyping.

Ground engaging tools are generally manufactured through either casting or forging. In some cases, bucket teeth are occasionally manufactured via fabrication.

Cast tools

In the casting process, first, we create a mold for the desired tool. Then we heat up the metal until it’s molten and pour it into the mold. Commonly used metals are steel or other alloys.  After it is cooled, the mold is removed and the resulting tool is heat treated for added toughness and resistance. While cast tools still offer good strength and wear resistance, they are less durable than forged tools. Nonetheless, their relatively low price in relation to forged tools renders cast tools an attractive alternative for some end-users.

Forged tools

In the forging process, steel bars are cut to a specific size and heated until they can be shaped into the desired configuration by hammering or pressing. Once forged, the tools are heat treated to achieve maximum strength and resistance. The forging process allows the metal to have a uniform grain structure which conforms to the shape of the forged part. This results in metal tools that are stronger, more resistant, and more durable than cast tools but the process is more expensive.

Fabricated teeth

Fabricated bucket teeth are manufactured from raw metal materials in two parts, the blade and the clip. Because the blade undergoes the most wear, it is made from stronger materials than the clip. The two are then welded together and heat treated for better wear resistance.

In summary, Cast GETs are cheaper and produced quickly, but less durable. Forged GETs are stronger and more durable than cast, but more expensive. Fabricated GETs are usually the least durable. The quality of materials used during manufacturing also takes a big part in GETs’ lifespan.

Operating conditions

Operating conditions of the equipment, such as the type of soil or rock being excavated, the speed and intensity of the operation and the presence of abrasive materials can all have a significant impact on the lifespan of GETs.

Generally speaking the most abrasive sites contain high levels of hard and abrasive materials, such as sand, gravel, and rock. The least abrasive are those that contain mostly soil, clay, or soft rocks.

Operator

Technical errors in the operation of the equipment can have an impact on the lifespan of ground engaging tools.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the equipment will extend their lafespan. This includes regular inspection, cleaning and lubrication as well as timely replacement of worn or damaged parts.

Yassian provides you with a wide range of GETs that will serve you for a long time. We have solutions for all sites and purposes. You can take a look at our assortment here.