Barstow, TX
The project involved cutting through extremely abrasive material, which posed significant challenges to both the speed and longevity of the equipment. The harsh conditions made it difficult to maintain consistent progress, with daily cutting rates limited to less than 700 feet. This slower pace not only threatened the project’s timeline but also led to increased wear on the equipment, further adding to maintenance costs and project delays.
To address these challenges, the team implemented a staggered tooth pattern on the cutting equipment. This adjustment was specifically designed to optimize cutting efficiency by distributing the cutting force more evenly across the teeth, which helped reduce wear on the equipment and improve the overall cutting performance. Additionally, the M5 machine was chosen over a traditional hydraulic machine due to its superior capabilities in handling abrasive materials. The M5’s design, featuring a lower chain speed and higher applied torque at the tooth, further enhanced its ability to cut through tough material while minimizing tooth wear.
With the staggered tooth pattern in place and the use of the M5 machine, productivity saw a remarkable improvement. The cutting rate more than doubled, reaching 1,200 feet per day—far exceeding the original expectations. The M5 machine’s lower chain speed and higher applied torque not only reduced tooth wear but also contributed to a more efficient cutting process overall, significantly improving both the project’s timeline and cost-effectiveness. The combination of optimized cutting and reduced equipment strain ultimately led to a more streamlined operation and better resource management, ensuring the project progressed at an accelerated pace without sacrificing quality.
