Canadian Biomass • March-April 2017 • New Gear

4B Components Ltd. Has released the all-new fourth generation Watchdog control unit for preventative maintenance monitoring of bucket elevators and conveyors.The Watchdog Super Elite (WDC4) is easy to install and simple to set up. The system processes signals from up to 27 sensors for belt slip, belt misalignment, bearing temperature, pulley misalignment and plug conditions on bucket elevators and conveyors. When an alarm condition is detected the system will log the details, sound an alarm and provide shutdown control of the elevator/conveyor and feeding system.

A new 3.5” colour graphic LCD screen displays the entire system status at a glance. The WDC4 model now supports belt speed monitoring for variable frequency drives (VFD’s), and belt misalignment inputs for contact, pulse and temperature (brass rub block) sensors. The WDC4 also has jog and acceleration monitoring for detecting any equipment issues during the startup sequence.

The controller settings are password protected, and can be set up either directly on the LCD screen, or by a free PC software application and transferred to the WDC4 via an SD card. The Watchdog Super Elite can be connected directly to a PLC using Modbus TCP/IP (standard) or Ethernet/ IP protocols. It can also be integrated into HazardMon.com, a secure cloud based solution that provides live system status, graphs and historical data that is viewable on any web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, desktop PC). The Watchdog System is Class II dust hazard area approved by CSA/NRTL for use in Canada and the U.S. www.go4b.com/watchdog

The Martin QB1 Cleaner HD can be retrofitted onto any existing Martin Engineering tensioners, as well as most competitive systems. The QB1 HD design features a square mainframe positioned to shed dust and spillage. The urethane blade formulation Can accommodate belt speeds of up to 900 fpm (4.6 m/sec) and service temperatures of -40° to 160°F (-40° to 70°C). The QB1 HD is available in lengths of 18 to 96 inches (457 to 2438 mm) and can also be ordered in 10-foot (3.05 metre) sections, allowing distributors or customers to cut to length for increased versatility.

The new cleaner features Martin Engineering’s unique CARP (Constant Angle Radial Pressure) technology to maintain the most efficient cleaning angle throughout service life, with a no-tool replacement process that can be performed safely by one person in less than five minutes. The new design also features a special alignment system to facilitate precise installation. The new design is one of the many belt cleaners covered by the company’s new Mr. Blade program, under which Martin Engineering’s mobile technicians provide fresh, factory-direct replacement blades, delivered and custom-fitted on site and installed free of charge.

The distribution of Seppi products in Canada has changed. Instead of one company now there are two distributors working side by side: Maximum Equipment and Western Mulching & Crushing Equipment (WMCE). Maximum out of New Brunswick has been distributing Seppi products for several years and now is servicing all of eastern Canada including Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The newly formed company WMCE is operating out of Saskatchewan and is covering all the western provinces including Manitoba, B.C., and Alberta. Both companies have staff with hands-on experience in the field of mulchers, crushers, and mowers, whether it be related to heavy equipment or agriculture; and each distributor is able to help with spare parts for older machines according to model numbers.

Caterpillar’s Cat 950 GC wheel loader is now available in North America and is configured to meet Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions regulations. The loader is well-suited for stockpiling, load-and-carry work, hopper charging and truck loading. Caterpillar’s Z-bar loader linkage on the 950 GC delivers excellent digging capabilities and a breakout force of 33,238 lbf. It also offers best-in-class hinge pin height of 13’9” (4 188 mm) and 12’0” (3 649 mm) loader arm clearance for easy loading of high-wall trailers and charging of large hoppers.

A range of available work tools include Performance Series buckets, which boast a long floor, wide opening and curved side plates. The Cat Fusion quick coupler and controls are also available, allowing the 950 GC to use a number of Cat work tools across multiple wheel loader models for added versatility.

The Cat C7.1 ACERT engine generates a maximum power rating of 241 hp (180 kW) and meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions standards with a fully automatic and passive regeneration system. This system lowers operating costs without the need for an ash service interval and has an overall DEF consumption of just 2 to 3 percent of fuel burned. No operator intervention is required, nor is there an impact to jobsite productivity.

The interface panel display contains six analog- like gauges, coloured indicator lights and an LCD screen, all within view of the operator. Low-effort, pilot-operated implement controls, along with optional joystick implement control, feature an integrated kick-down switch and a remote directional shift switch.

To further enhance machine operating efficiency and assist with loader preventive maintenance and servicing, the 950 GC can be equipped with Cat Product Link telematics. Deeply integrated into machine systems, Product Link allows remote monitoring using VisonLink.