On the other hand, heavy-duty equipment is typically expensive to purchase, has more required maintenance, is usually based on a steel frame (although certainly will contain sheet metal and plastic parts), often has true axles with cast-iron housings, is shaft driven, has long-term parts availability and is designed to last for many years with proper care. Most breakdowns on heavy-duty tractors can be repaired, although parts can be very expensive. It is common for users of heavy-duty equipment to "trade up" to a newer model after several years, as with automobiles. This means there is a good supply of used heavy-duty tractors to choose from.

1. Keep a hand pyrometer or a "heat gun" handy. It is an excellent tool for checking drum temperatures. Any drum that is much cooler than others indicates a lack of brake effort on that particular wheel.2. Mike all drums when relining brakes. Both drums on the same axle must be within .010 inches (25 mm) of the same diameter. Never attempt to reline just one wheel on an axle. When you replace brake drums, install new drums on both sides.3. Store drums with the open end face down. Never store them on the sides. When installing drums, use the same crisscross pattern of applying fasteners as wheel lugs on wheels and hubs. These tightening practices prevent drum distortion.4. Never exceed the brake drum manufacturer''s discard brake drum diameter. This figure appears on all brake drums. When checking brake drum diameter for wear, the diameter should not exceed 0.120 inches (3.0 mm) over the original diameter. The recut diameter should not exceed .080 inches (2 mm) over the original diameter. That is, after turning the drum, all at least .040 inches (1 mm) for wear.

Though light in weight, Airbor magnetic drill has a powerful 1.6-hp air motor and 1,600-lb magnetic holding strength. With its extra rack, stroke length is extended to 10 1/4 in. Annular cutter capacity is up to 2 1/16 in. diam. Geared chuck adapter converts the unit to a standard drill press. The Slugger Air Force pneumatic drill, at 24 lbs, 6 1/4" high, is useful for confined area drilling. The drill''s features include a permanent magnet that turns on or off by air power, a cutter capacity of up to 1 1/16" diameter x 3/4" depth and the ability to use ShortSlugger cutters and frame cutters. These cutters'' geometry allows the operator to drill multi-layered truck frames in a single pass.

©2003 www.utility-truck.net All rights reserved.