What problem does the Expander®System solve?

The Expander®System solves the problem of wear in the pivot lug holes of machinery and equipment. What happens with a straight cylindrical pin in a pivot is that, with time, the material in the lug ears start wearing and the holes become oblong. Customers are used to having to weld and line bore the holes to get back to the original configuration. This process is both costly and time consuming.

How does the Expander®System work?

The Expander®System has a pin that is tapered at both ends. It has expansion sleeves that are tapered on the inside and slotted, tension washers and fastening elements. When the system is torqued, the washer pushes the sleeves up the tapered part of the pin. The expansion sleeves expand parallel and lock into the lug ears. The system is now locked in and secured at both ends, nothing can move so nothing can wear. The only movement we have now is in the center piece, where we want to have the movement. This area is provided with grease and is designed for movement. Using the Expander®System, the customer will experience longer bushing and bearing life since there is no impact in the pivot with the pin locked into both lug ears.

Is the Expander®System a better solution?

Yes, the Expander®System solves the problem permanently. Welding and line boring is not a permanent solution.

How long does a line boring job last vs. the Expander®System?

Machinery pivot points starts wearing anytime between 2000-4000 hours. For example, if a customer decides to weld and line bore a machine where wear is apparent after 4000 hours, he will not get another 4000 hours use out of his machine before having to go through the same expensive and time consuming process again. In this case, a line boring job will last for anywhere from 1000-2500 hours depending on application and quality of line boring job.

The Expander®System is permanent and once installed the system is likely to outlast the machine, provided that the pivot is being greased according to machine manufacturers’ specification and that bushings or bearings are being replaced accordingly.

What is the cost difference between the Expander®System vs. welding and line boring ?

There has been a study made on the cost savings in specific cases which is available from Expander. In general, repairing with the Expander®System is going to cost less than a line boring job and fitting a conventional pin. Also, with the Expander®System we have solved the problem permanently. Welding and line boring are not a permanent solution. Wear will appear again. Expander offers a Hard Dollar Savings Calculator to figure the savings for you.

How is grease distributed to the Expander®System?

The Expander®System is designed to fit into your existing pivot without having to alter the machine. The system will use the same type of grease distribution as the original pin. How much wear can the Expander®System take up? The standard expansion sleeve expands from 0 to 80 thousandths of an inch (0 – 2 mm) and the standard oversize 80 to 160 thousandths of an inch (2 – 4 mm).Upon request we can also make oversize sleeves beyond this, but we strongly recommend doing the repair at an earlier stage since it simplifies the installation procedure.

Are all CAT 992G bucket pins in an "oil bath"?

Early on the pins were in an oil bath but it was not effective. Now a cartridge pin has replaced the oil bath. Instead of an immersion, the cartridge pin has sealed collets on the ends. The collets are internally lubricated and maintained with a seal.