INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY OF OFF-ROAD VEHICLES THROUGH LIGHTER WORKING TOOLS

Productivity of construction equipment can be increased by reducing weight of the working tools such as a loader or backhoe. Less weight means more pay load and lower inertial load. Efficient design with high-strength microalloyed steels offers the designers an opportunity to reach this goal. In applying these steels, the specific service requirements are considered along with material properties and the effects of manufacturing processes such as forming or welding. These factors are incorporated into the design process to insure an increase in productivity through efficient component design. The process of incorporating new more efficient material in the structural design is discussed.