Tractor Shovels, Tractor Dozers, Tractor Scrapers

The key to the successful use of any tool, more than anything else, depends upon proper application assignment. To achieve this, the individual having such machine responsibility must maintain fresh knowledge of technical improvements that broaden machine uses. 8.3-1. Tractor Shovel. This type machine is available in a wide range of sizes mounted either on crawler tracks or rubber-tired wheels, with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive. The original concept in both crawler and rubber mounting was that of an attachment to be added to a tractor already in existence. This served as an important expedient for the introduction of the tool, but the basic tractor proved to be inadequately designed for the additional loads. In spite of these structural inadequencies, customer acceptance generated sufficient revenue that further development could be financed for product improvement. The evolution of the product is continuing in many ways-including engines, drive line components, tires, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic valves, structural steel, etc. With each improvement, the operating capability of the machine is extended. This is resulting in the rubber-tired, four-wheel-drive concept making an invasion of the job applications that were formerly considered suitable only for crawler-track mounted machines. Both rubber- and crawler-mounted tractor shovels have invaded the market of small excavator shovels. Larger tractor shovels are challenging the larger size excavators. It is important that each job application be carefully considered so that the proper machine is put in operation. The performance varies widely in operating cost, production efficiency, and job flexibility. Factors to be considered in equipment selection are: 1. Nature of material to be moved 3. Distance material must be moved 2. Surface over which material must be moved 4. Quantity to be moved 5. Secondary or alternate use capability