|
There are two types of power trains currently in use with chain trenchers. In recent years, the hydrostatic drive has been perhaps the most common method of delivering power to moving parts. But the hydrostatic drive does have some short comings, including power lost due to heat, inherent inefficiencies with hydraulic pumps and motors, system complexity, high maintenance cost, and a short band of digging speeds. The mechanical drive, on the other hand, offers a range of positive benefits.
- Increased torque- More than 90% of the engine horsepower can be delivered to the cutting tool.
|
- Increased productivity- The cutting tool tends to break out more and larger pieces of material thanks to the slow-moving digging tooth and the force delivered by the high torque.
|
- Broader range of chain speeds- There is a transmission in the Trencor mechanical drive that lets the operator choose a digging speed that matches the digging conditions.
|
- Reduced fuel cost- The additional horsepower delivered by the system gets more work done in the same amount of time.
|
- Ease of repair- The system is much less complex. In most cases, a simple visual inspection can lead to the diagnosis of a problem.
|
- Lower repair cost- The components of the system are mostly off-the-shelf parts that can be replaced at a relatively low cost. There are also fewer moving parts to wear out or break.
|
- Long machine life- A mechanical drive system can better absorb the pounding shocks of trenching operations. The average life of a Trencor mechanical power train trencher is quite long-which permits amortization of the machine over a longer period of time. More than 90% of the engine horsepower can be delivered to the cutting tool.
| |
