That's funny, you've told me before that you have to use the slew brake, as it is very unsafe to counter swing and catastrophic damage can result. But only on Komatsu machines.
I do remember, it was on DHS on one of the threads about those 5500's!
all good chris..
all i can say is that i dont really like the fact that the O&K does not have a slew brake and relies soley on CS while in normal operation..so basically you have to drag the bucket through the dirt already in the truck to slow it down if you are a little keen/fast.. they do of course have a slew brake switch to activate whilst walking or whatever..
the hitachi way, inbuilt slew brake is much better IMHO..
A lot of people get confused when you talk about using the slew brake instead of CS on Komatsu's, they think you mean the slew house gear brake or slew park brake as it is commonly related to. Obviously, like the other OEM's it does have the slew house gear brake which can be activated by a toggle switch in the cab, when the machine is shut down or the access ladder or service arm is down. There's no safety feature installed on the slew house gear brake to stop you from engaging it while slewing (same with all OEM's) so in emergencies it can be used to stop you, however, it will be pretty ruthless and would obviously have to be changed out after the incident.
What do you mean by the Hitachi in-built slew brake?
I'm just buggin' ya too Chris. I look at it this way, if you can't bug somebody for being a Komatsu fan, there's not much point getting out of bed in the morning.......lol.
You might be happy to know that the rumour mill says they might be getting a PC8000 to try out at our other mine. Word is they aren't too keen on buying anything from BI these days. Another rumour says we may see some dry leased EX8000s here at our mine.
I thought as much Brian, I guess I have thin skin when it comes to Komatsu. I'm doomed now though as you've found my weak spot, 1-0 to you. Good on ya! :tong
I'm pleased to hear that Brian, I don't need to tell you what I think, I'm sure you already know! To my knowledge the latest PC8000 is the one delivered to Collie's Griffin Coal in WA, Australia. Number 69 she is/will be when they build her. There's a few mines in NSW, Australia who have tendered for some 8000's too, 5 I think it is.
You may be surprised that I'm pleased to hear about those EX8000's too. I was going to say hopefully, but I'll be a sport and say maybe, maybe one day we’ll see a world where there’s nothing but diesel hydraulic shovels and excavators!
Back on the subject, anyone got any inside info of the status of the 9800's? How many are being built, and who's mine has ordered how many?
In the meantime, here's something for you Brian, not sure if you've already seen it. But here's how we "RH400" down under!
YouTube - O&K RH 400