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Inertia welding is a friction welding process using energy stored in a rotating mass as the source of heat and mechanical work. The process has been described in previous publications. The state of development of this manufacturing process, with respect to complexity of design and dissimilar metal welding, is the subject of this article. The successful applications of inertia welding now in production establish the utility of this versatile process while current developments portray exciting future possibilities.

THE CATERPILLAR FOLDED CORE RADIATOR IS A NEW RADIATOR FOR VEHICLES AND STATIONARY ENGINE APPLICATIONS. THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF THIS DESIGN ARE TO GIVE THE USER AN INCREASED VALUE COOLING SYSTEM BY REDUCING RADIATOR REPAIR COSTS AND IMPROVING AIR-SIDE PLUGGING RESISTANCE. AS WELL AS PROVIDE THE VEHICLE DESIGNER WITH INCREASED APPLICATION DESIGN FLEXIBILITY. THIS IS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED WHILE MAINTAINING PERFORMANCE AND LIFE GOALS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONVENTIONAL RADIATOR. THE FOLDED CORE IS A MODULAR DESIGN HAVING THE MODULES INSTALLED AT AN ANGLE TO THE FAN AIR STREAM RESULTING IN THE FOLDED APPEARANCE. COMMON MODULE SIZES ARE USED ACROSS THE MANY RADIATOR APPLICATIONS REDUCING INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT AND PARTS DEPOTS AND INCREASING INDIVIDUAL MODULE PRODUCTION VOLUME. THIS RADIATOR DESIGN IS REVIEWED FROM CONCEPT TO PRODUCTION.

THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS for the Caterpillar “G” Series Motor Graders were designed to provide for maximum operator comfort, ease of operation, and optimum control of the vehicle and implements. The use of high pressure closed center systems on these machines produces rapid system response and high hydraulic horsepower to the implement cylinders and motors, and operates with minimum size control components. Components were designed to meet specific system requirements for functional performance, reliability of operation, size and placement on the machine. System goals were met through the use of a variable displacement pressure compensated pump, controlled flow four-way implement valves, and a hydrostatic steering system.

For some time, Caterpillar Tractor Co. has been marketing a new transmission control system for wheel-tractor scrapers and off-highway trucks. The new system is composed of an electronic microprocessor control box coupled with an individual clutch modulation hydraulic control. This system has resulted in increased vehicle productivity, improved reliability and serviceability, decreased complexity, and increased commonality of parts. This paper describes the concept, design, and test and evaluation process used to develop the new controls before production.

ISO and SAE static sound power test methods are currently used for construction machinery. The European Economic Community sound committee has been developing a drive-by or simulated work cycle test method using a hemispherical array of microphones. The EEC method is inconsistent due to the changing test surface (moist sand) and the variables of outdoor testing: temperature, wind, and precipitation. The in-place-dynamic test method described provides a disciplined way to evaluate machines with moving track or wheels and operating hydraulic systems. The machine is slightly elevated, resting on stands, so that the wheels are off the ground or the tractor weight is off the track chain. Data obtained from track-type tractor, track-type loader, and wheel loader machines supports the validity of using an indoor, in-place-dynamic test instead of a moving, outdoor test. Results also show that using sound intensity instrumentation permits the option of testing in an untreated, indoor facility.

Two new Caterpillar Wheel Loaders have been developed in the 1.2 cubic meter (1.5 cubic yd.) and 1.5 cubic meter (2.0 cubic yd.) bucket capacity categories. This paper provides a review of the design objectives and summarizes the design features included to meet worldwide manufacturing and marketing requirements.

The under-utilization of “people” assets is generally commonplace. Through quality improvement efforts, time and money are invested into people, as well as machines. This discussion centers around the concept, techniques and results from quality improvement efforts.

TRACTORS operate in a wide range of conditions, from desert to swamp. At all times, the final-drive seals must keep the oil in and the dirt out. In this paper, the authors discuss the latest developments in seal design and the resulting improvements in performance. Efficient performance of a tractor final-drive seal depends upon a number of factors, including: bellows and bellows-boot operation, seal load and area, seal material, wear washer, and gasket structures.

THIS paper presents results which will answer many of the problems facing an engine manufacturer in the selection of the most suitable types and sizes of superchargers to use with a line of engines. Although performance curves of production model diesels are available, decisions are still needed in choosing peak supercharging pressures, drive means, and size and effectiveness of intercoolers, if any. The author describes the use of a typical model to determine response to variation in intake and exhaust conditions, resulting in data which will assist in evaluating engine potentials with any system of supercharging. Thus, supercharger selection for a particular line of engines is aided by knowledge of engine characteristics as a second-stage compressor.

The 528 wheel skidder represents a second-generation machine designed and tested to satisfy the requirements of the large wood areas of the world. Numerous unique features were incorporated in the design to meet the special needs of the logging customer; these are described, along with the development program that yielded the present vehicle.

This paper details the design and features of the 651E, 657E, and 657E Push-Pull Wheel Tractor Scraper. Emphasis was placed on the availability, reliability, and serviceability of these units.

A new Caterpillar Wheel Loader has been developed to provide a loader in the 2 cubic meter (2.5 cubic yard) bucket capacity-category. This paper provides a review of the machine design objectives and summarizes the design features included to meet worldwide manufacturing and marketing requirements.

The small wheel type loader has seen its application range extended such that it is now one of the most versatile machines in our industry. However, its effectiveness in tasks other than bucket loading is limited. In order to provide improved tool control characteristics that contribute to efficient multi-task capability, it is necessary to design these characteristics into the base vehicle. The Integrated Toolcarriers recently introduced by Caterpillar fulfill this requirement. This paper discusses the design objectives and summarizes the development program which preceded their introduction.

The Cushion Hitch is a unique application of vibration absorber theory to a self-propelled tractor-scraper. The scraper mass is utilized as a damper for suppressing predominate bouncing motions of the tractor unit. A more comfortable and safer operator ride, with increased productivity, results from the Cushion Hitch application. This paper describes development of the early prototype design as well as the final production version. Particular emphasis is given to both the hydraulic and the structural characteristics of the system.

Modern data acquisition methods combined with new testing and analysis techniques are revolutionizing product design and development. Detailed analysis of recorded vehicle drive-line data has given today's engineer new insights into drive-line dynamics. This paper discusses how vehicles can be analyzed as a series of torsional springs and inertia masses. A two axle, 300 hp, 15 cu yd earthmoving tractor scraper (model 621) is used to illustrate significant factors. Main emphasis is on drive-line resonant torsional vibrations and shock loading. Diesel engines as torsional vibration exciters and transmission clutches as the major shock load producers are covered in some detail. How analog computers can effectively be used to facilitate vehicle development is briefly discussed.