Caterpillar 24 and 24M motor graders can be upgraded with a High-Performance Circle (HPC) that enhances machine performance, efficiency, and uptime availability when maintaining haul roads at large mines, according to the company.
With 16,000 hours in service life, the HPC eliminates hours of monthly planned maintenance for frequent inspection, wear strip replacement, and circle shoe adjustments associated with conventional circles on Cat 24 motor graders.
Cat proprietary heavy duty planetary gearboxes with integrated forged pinion gear replace the work drive gearboxes and pinion gear system. The gearboxes have sealed-for-life slip clutches that eliminate adjustments and isolate the clutches from the rest of the drive.
The slip clutch assemblies can be changed out in less than an hour and come adjusted from the factory. The brass circle wear strips and shim system is replaced with a fully sealed roller bearing fully integrated with standard machine auto lube.
The HPC dowel locators position motors for easier servicing, optimal tooth contact, and longer pinion life. Its new design improves component reliability to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Less required circle maintenance reduces component handling to properly maintain the machine, which improves safety for service technicians. At 16,000 hours, if the circle teeth have reached their wear limit, they can be rotated 180 degrees to double the component’s service life.
Source: Caterpillar
