I Just purchased a 1974 Cat 950 81J series. I have been told I need a emergency Steering and braking system to use for a small Placer mine operation. Any thoughts on how I can do this on a budget. Brakes are 4 wheel Disc. Thanks Higgy
If you get the parking brake working right it will lock up the wheels if your brake air pressure gets below 60 PSI. As for the steering there is a supplemental steering option that is driven by the transmission and mounted above the brake drum that will provide some steering while the machine is stopped with a dead engine. Later Bob
Have you ever tried to crank on the steering wheel when the engine is not running and the brakes released ??? …… the steering will not feel direct as if its running it may take 5 or 6 full turns, don't put your foot on the brakes either, but does it do anything let us know what happens...
Like Bob says the Supplemental Steering driven from the back of the transmission drop box is fine and does what it's designed to do - i.e. give you steering control while the machine is moving if the engine craps itself. This enables you to control the machine until you can get it stopped. If it works on a 994 (our machines have it) then it'll work fine on a 950. Not sure exactly what type of "emergency braking" system the mine owner is wanting. Have they given any details about exactly what purpose the emergency braking system is designed to have..?
Nige, the 950 and all bigger cat loaders use the brake power (air or oil pressure) to release the parking brake. If the parking brake is kept in good condition then you have Automatic Emergency Braking. Later Bob
Bob, Good point. However the reaso nfor asking the question to the OP was to see whether or not the mine where he's planning on working actually has any idea of what they're asking (if the requirement came from their Safety Department I'd hazard a guess as to NO) - depending on the answer to that would confirm whether of not the parking brake would actually conform with their requirements.
Nige to those Safety?? People?? an Emergency Brake is just an extra Coffey Break. Later Bob
Bob, you mean someone like this guy..?
Yes we had the same problem with our 1981 -950 at a local mine. The safety police here in BC known as Worksafe BC, have more regulations than you can shake a stick at. We never did get emergency steering or braking system on it, and pulled the machine out of there. It really doesn't make much sense as I have had the motor quit on several different loaders over the years and have never had a problem getting them stopped safely. The bucket supplies quite a bit of friction by itself and the brakes, if set up right work fine in emergency stops same as the parking brake. http://www2.worksafebc.com/publications/ohsregulation/part16.asp#SectionNumber:16.14 "(4) Mobile equipment must have a parking system that does not use gas or fluid pressure to maintain its application and the parking system control must be located so that the operator, in the operator's seat, can activate it. (5) If mobile equipment depends on engine power for stopping and power failure will result in loss of adequate capability to stop, supplementary means must be provided to enable the operator to bring the equipment to a controlled stop." "Note: Under subsection (5) the automatic and gradual application of spring brakes is an acceptable supplementary means if warning devices are installed to warn of low air pressure and allow the operator to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop." Higgy 19 - You might want to look at this rule a bit closer: "(6) If the Board is satisfied that it is not practicable to comply with subsections (1) to (5), the Board may exempt the mobile equipment from their application subject to conditions the Board specifies." Just a thought! Good Luck.