K-Tec ADT scraper uses existing ADTs and improves comfort and handling for the operator
K-Tec pioneered the technology for hooking up an articulated dump truck to a scraper, says Shane Kroeker, vice president, marketing at K-Tec, and is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of their ADT scraper.
This system provides a big advantage for a contractor as they can use an existing fleet of ADTs and convert them into efficient, self-loading scraper haulers. Not only can the trucks be utilized for a new purpose but also that same truck driver can now easily transition into an effective scraper operator behind the same familiar wheel. Using an ADT scraper is a comfortable, forward-facing operation. Also, the truck's six-wheel drive, along with K-Tec's Scraper Automatic Cushion Ride System which acts as a shock absorber, provides a smooth ride for the operator and the ability to travel faster on the haul road for increased productivity.
The operator can face forward all the time by using the truck's factory-installed backup camera with angle adjusted toward the scraper's cutting edge to see the material flowing into the bowl. K-Tec provides additional camera kit options for split screen view of the top of the heap, or scrapers in tandem configuration. This eliminates the need for the operator to keep twisting around to look back at the load.
The ADT is set up with K-Tec's ergonomic padded armrest and multi-function joystick control attached to the truck's operator seat. The display in the cab shows a selection of automatic ejector modes for specific soil types and an even spread of material for excellent compaction. The variety of pre-programmed ejector modes makes training of new operators simpler.
The display also shows automated load-counting productivity and operator service maintenance reminders. Reminder alerts pop up to have the operator or mechanic confirm checks and servicing at predetermined times, such as daily greasing or checking tire pressures and cutting-edges.
Further precision technology can be easily added to the operator's dashboard as K-Tec scrapers come Trimble GPS-ready from the factory. This allows for Trimble's kit to be simply installed for quick GPS integration for finish grading applications. K-Tec's pull-grader land leveller units can be used to bring an earthmoving jobsite to final grade and maintain haul roads.
All K-Tec scrapers have three core technologies built in: Load-Tec, Tensile-Tec and Lube-Tec.
Load-Tec involves K-Tec's hitching system which distributes load weight to maximize the pulling unit's power while minimizing stress on the hitching tongue. With most of K-Tec's earthmovers, 75 percent of the weight is transferred to the scraper's axles, placing less stress on the tractor's rear axle. The system also works to achieve equal pull between the front and rear axle of the tractor. This balancing of the tractor is achieved by adding weight to the front of the tractor, which minimizes the stress placed on the rear axle. For the ADT series, K-Tec has developed a gooseneck hitch pole and quick attach hookup so that 30 percent of the scraper's load weight is transferred directly to the point where the truck is designed to carry weight.
Tensile-Tec refers to the high-tensile steel plating strategically designed through years of field trials and materials performance analysis. This has enabled K-Tec to develop manufacturing and reinforcing techniques that make for the most durable pan scraper available, according to Kroeker. Reinforcement with high tensile wear and structural steel in critical stress areas has established stress standards between 150,000 to 200,000 psi, which is significantly greater than many other scrapers on the market using traditional steel ranging between 40,000 to 60,000 psi. This allows for K-Tec to use less steel, while having superior structural strength.
Lube-Tec refers to minimal, simple, one-minute grease points, allowing the earthmovers to be serviced in only minutes per day. The scrapers have two easy-access grease points that require servicing once a day and four rear-axle grease points which only require greasing every quarter (500 hours) on new scraper models. Greaseless bushings on all other hinge points can run up to 1,200 hours before needing to be replaced. These technological advancements allow labour hours to be dedicated to productively moving material, instead of idle maintenance.
