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Equipment: Loaders
Machines to Suit: CAT 998, 990, 992 & 994

The Geographe Solid Pin Conversion Kit is uniquely engineered to eliminate the problem of collet seizure, which normally creates difficulties in extracting standard pins. By decreasing bucket changeover time, this design innovation significantly reduces maintenance costs and equipment downtime.

Loaders are commonly used in severe environmental conditions associated with coal and iron ore mining. The original pins used in these loaders are claimed to be ‘sealed for life’ however over time, particles of clay, dirt and other abrasive materials can force their way into the seal clearance, eroding seal lips. This causes the seals to leak, draining oil until eventually, the bearings seize up. Sometimes loaders must also endure the effects of a corrosive environment, for example, coal machinery washes that use saline water causing corrosion of the pin to the bucket bush. Whilst it may not affect operation of the machinery, it complicates change outs particularly when old pins need to be cut out, extending downtime.

The loss of lubrication and seizure of bearings is attributed to the original pins having seals that are unable to sustain harsh wear conditions. To overcome the issues incurred by the problematic pin assembly, Geographe has engineered a field-serviceable pin and bush kit. The Geographe system uses pressurized lubrication to ensure that the bearings are always well-greased, even in arduous conditions. It has seals applied to the bucket bushes and an internal application of a Molykote lubrication film. This eliminates collet seizure and avoids the difficulties of extracting seized pins. The Geographe Solid Pin Kit is proven to operate for up to 8000 hours in hard rock mining applications without regular servicing, whereas standard oil-filled pins have a lifespan of only 600 – 800 hours.*

Over the same period a standard pin may require changing up to eight times. A Geographe pin takes 2 - 4 working hours to change and welding is not required. In comparison, it takes 12 to 24 working hours (1 - 2 shifts) to change a standard pin and a boilermaker is required thus requiring a hot work permit.*
Therefore, a Geographe Solid Pin Kit significantly reduces maintenance costs by maximising the availability and productivity of both equipment and labour.
 
* Reported by a key customer on the 994D Series Loader

Product Benefits

• Conversion kit allows faster and simpler bucket changes
• Increased operational life of the part
• Reduction in time spent on maintenance
• Molykote reduces corrosion in the static bushes and friction in the moving bush
• Seals in the bushes stop corrosive elements from getting into the part, making it easier to dismantle
  

Solid Pin Kits To Suit:
The assembly kit is a complete set of parts to replace the oil-filled bucket pins used on CAT 988, 990, 992C, 992G, 994C, 994D & 994F series loaders.

Equipment Modification Required
On CAT 988, 990, 992C, 992G, 994C & 994D & 994F Series Loaders, the Geographe Solid Pin Conversion Kit requires a standard auto-lube system to be fitted, a simple procedure that provides additional flexibility and usability to the machinery. As part of the kit, blocks are welded to the bucket to accept the pin retaining bolts and collet replacement bushes are fitted to the bucket ears. On CAT 994F Series Loaders line boring is required on the frame.

Manufactured and supplied by Geographe Enterprises Pty Ltd ABN 65 008 754 596.  Manufacturer's names and descriptions are only used for reference purposes only.  It is not implied that any part listed is the product of the OEM.