Keep Snow and Ice Removal Fleets on the Road

 

 

 

Not All Hydraulic Systems are Created Equal

The reality is that hydraulic systems break down and some installations can be more challenging than others. Not all hydraulics are installed the same way, in fact the hydraulic system can be quite different from one truck to the next. This might be something that operators do not give much thought to until there is a problem.

Many plow trucks are still equipped with poppet style hydraulic quick couplers. Poppet couplers will leak every time they are disconnected, causing contamination on the ground or in your garage. Many operators are not aware that a better option exists.

The Importance of Snow and Ice Removal

When it is the middle of winter and the hydraulic system on your truck has broken down, far more serious consequences beyond lost productivity can occur. Snow and ice removal is critical to commuter safety. Automobile accidents causing serious injury and loss of life can occur on snow and ice covered roads.

Snow removal companies and municipalities must prioritize maintenance on their mobile equipment for reliable performance to keep their trucks on the road when needed.

Hydraulic Challenges with Snow Removal Equipment

Hydraulic Oil Leaks

Hydraulic oil leaks can be a common occurrence with snow removal equipment, although this no longer has to be the case. Quick disconnect of poppet style couplers can cause oil leaks as well as damaged O-rings or broken seals. Using the wrong type of hydraulic quick couplers in the first place can also create leaks. If the wrong quick couplers are in place or they become rusted, oil leaks and loss of pressure can occur which can affect equipment performance or cause unexpected downtime. If loss of oil pressure occurs, water can seep into the hydraulic system which creates additional problems such as freezing in the pump itself.

Stucchi offers flat face hydraulic quick couplers with leak free connect and quick disconnect performance, solving this problem for snow removal equipment.

Quick Connect under Pressure

Quick connect under pressure is another problem that operators face when operating snow removal mobile equipment. Even in freezing conditions, exposure to sun when on the road or parked in a lot can create thermal expansion. This causes problems for many type of hydraulic couplers when operators need to quickly connect an attachment or perform maintenance on their equipment.

The inability to connect under pressure causes delays in getting your snow removal equipment on the road, which creates undue safety risks for travelers. Stucchi offers a solution with quick couplers that easily connect under pressure combined with multi-coupling plates for quick and easy connections and disconnections.

Download your FREE Guide on How to Improve Snow Removal Mobile Equipment Performance

Stucchi Hydraulic Solutions for Snow Removal Equipment

Stucchi is a world leader in providing hydraulic solutions for all types of mobile equipment and many other industries and applications. If your snow removal fleet is experiencing any problems with oil leaks or connecting under pressure, Stucchi has you covered. We offer hydraulic solutions with quick couplers that connect and disconnect without leakage, are resistant to corrosion, and provide the ability to quick connect or disconnect multiple lines at once.

For reliable hydraulic solutions to keep your snow removal equipment on the road, remember it is not the weather that poses the challenge, it is whether you are properly equipped.

Leak-free, Flat Face Quick Couplers

Stucchi offers leak-free, flat face quick couplers that easily connect under pressure such as the APM series and the FAP and FAPZ Series.

APM Series – Stucchi’s APM series of flat face quick couplers easily connect under pressure with no fluid leakage on quick disconnect. See this case study for more information on how Stucchi improved serviceability of one municipality’s snow removal equipment, prevented leakage, eliminating freezing issues and preventing delays on the road.

FAP and FAPZ Series – these flat face quick couplers are resistant to corrosion with carbon steel and zinc plating. They are ideal for use in our multi-coupling plates, allowing for leak free quick connect under pressure.

Multi-Coupling Plates            

Multi-Coupling Plates – Stucchi’s multi-coupling plates provide significant advantages to snow and ice removal equipment operators with the ability to quick connect and disconnect multiple lines at once, with one simple movement. Some equipment manufacturers recommend Stucchi’s multi-coupling plates as a standard installation option.

Stucchi provides hydraulic solutions to the snow and ice removal mobile equipment industry, helping many commercial proprietors and large fleet operators including municipalities and DOT services. Learn more about our hydraulic solutions for snow and ice removal equipment with our FREE Guide on How to Improve Snow Removal Mobile Equipment Performance.

 

This article was previously published at  https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/keep-snow-and-ice-removal-fleets-on-the-road/

Stucchi offers more than 60 years of experience in providing hydraulic solutions to mobile equipment and many other industries. Our hydraulic specialists excel in troubleshooting and providing the solutions to your biggest challenges. Contact us to learn more about improving the performance of your snow and ice removal equipment with leak-free, reliable hydraulic solutions that keep your trucks on the road.

 

Snow and IceEdit"Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Snowplow This Winter Season"

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Snowplow This Winter Season

Winter may have gotten off to a slow start for some of the Midwest, but it always comes sooner or later and making sure your snowplows are ready is critical. Keeping your plows in peak condition throughout the winter is essential to prevent a breakdown and an interruption in your productivity and profits. Snow and ice removal is also an important safety function for your clientele, whether keeping the roads clear for commuters or parking lots for workers and shoppers.

Here are some of the most important tips for maintaining your snowplow during the season:

1) Perform Regular, Daily Visual Inspections

Perform a simple visual inspection of your snowplow by lowering the mold board all the way to the ground and look for obvious signs of damage. Your plow should be stored indoors when not in use and sense most plows are made of steel, the plow should be elevated as storing under a tarp or on the ground can accelerate rusting.

2) Check Electrical Connections

Check all electrical connections including battery terminals to make sure they are tight and free from corrosion. Dielectic grease should be applied to exposed connections at least monthly to prevent corrosion. Make sure that any loose wiring is away from the engine to avoid overheating and sparking.

Check for any burned-out or dim bulbs. Waxing and buffing headlamps helps to prevent ice from accumulating and hindering visibility, maintaining your plow for longer performance.

3) Grease Moving Parts

Lubricate all moving parts on your snowplow such as the pivot, pin and edge to maintain a smooth cut. Help to prevent rust on the lift rod with a chassis lubricant.

4) Inspect Cutting Edge

Inspect your plow’s runners and cutting edge regularly throughout the winter season, maintain and replace according to manufacturer recommendations. The cutting-edge is typically approximately 5 inches long, which will wear down over time and can damage the moldboard. The runners should be replaced if they are not long enough to cut about ½ an inch at ground level. Inspect the powder coating on your edge that can be touched up with a spray can if needed.

5) Check Hydraulic System and Connections

To properly maintain your snowplow you must maintain the hydraulic system. Make sure that all of your hydraulic couplers, rams and hoses do not leak or have any cuts that could cause hydraulic failure. It is recommended to completely drain and change your plow’s hydraulic fluid at the end of the season before storing. During the season, check the level of your hydraulic fluid and add more if needed according to specifications. If you notice the need to add more fluid over a short period of time check your hydraulic system again for leaks.

Outfitting your plow with Stucchi’s threaded, flat face quick couplers and multi-couple plates will provide optimum performance with leak free quick disconnect.

Stucchi Solutions for Maintaining Snow and Ice Removal Equipment

Many plows are equipped with hydraulic quick couplers in the traditional poppet style. Poppet style couplers always leak upon quick disconnect and many operators are unaware that a better option exists. Not all plows are equipped with the same type of hydraulic systems and some can cause challenges such as the inability to connect under pressure and fluid leakage.

Stucchi’s flat face quick couplers and multi-coupling plates allow for quick connect and disconnect with reliable connection, no fluid leakage and easy quick connect under pressure.

Learn more about Stucchi solutions for snow and ice removal equipment with this FREE guide:

How to Improve Snow Removal Mobile Equipment Performance.

This article was previously posted at  https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/top-5-tips-for-maintaining-your-snowplow-this-winter-season/

Stucchi has been providing hydraulic solutions for mobile equipment for more than 60 years. Our hydraulic specialists have provided solutions to municipalities, DOT services and commercial proprietors that maximize equipment usage and prevent unintended downtime. Contact us to learn more about improving your snow and ice removal equipment performance with leak free hydraulic solutions.

 

PRESSURE DROP ANALYSIS FOR HYDRAULIC COUPLERS AND FITTINGS ON MOBILE EQUIPMENT

What Makes Hydraulic Fittings Functional?

The most important functions of hydraulic quick couplers include:

• A proper fit into the port of the component it is intended for
• The ability to withstand system pressure without failure
• Provide adequate fluid flow with little pressure drop

It is standard practice to ensure that the first two points here are followed with a proper fit and the ability to withstand system pressure. The final point, however, of analyzing the pressure drop is often ignored. This can be a costly omission regarding equipment performance and price.

What Is Pressure Drop in Hydraulic Systems?

Pressure drop is the difference between the pressure of a fluid when it enters one end of a hydraulic hose and the pressure of that same fluid as it leaves the other end. The amount of pressure drop is influenced by what is between the beginning and end of a hydraulic hose assembly. Some examples of things that can influence pressure drop include:

• Type of fluid – thicker fluids will exhibit greater pressure drop as they are moved with increased difficulty over more viscous fluids.
• Friction – the friction, or the rubbing of the fluid against the inside walls of a hose assembly, will affect pressure drop.
  Hose assembly length – a longer hose assembly provides greater surface area for friction to decrease pressure.
• Fluid temperature – warmer fluids flow easier with less pressure drop than cooler fluids.
• Hose size (I.D.) – the size of the hose affects fluid velocity for any given flow rate. A higher velocity will produce an increased pressure drop. A larger I.D. hose will produce less pressure drop.
• Flow rate – pressure drop will increase with the flow rate with hoses of the same size.
• Type of quick couplers and hydraulic adapters – any change in direction such as with a 45° or 90° elbow can increase pressure drop.

The Importance of Calculating Pressure Drop

Calculating the pressure drop of all hydraulic fittings is an essential element of designing all fluid power machinery and equipment. Knowing the pressure drop provides critical information to allow machinery designers to find the sweet spot between performance and price.

If hydraulic fittings are undersized, equipment designers will need to subtract the energy required to overcome the flow from the energy available for work. A pressure drop in hundreds of psi from excessive elbows, connections or undersized fittings can reduce the performance of equipment. Using oversized fittings can prevent flow restrictions, although you could be at the same time increasing bulk and cost. An increase in coupler size can also reduce an increased cost.

Proper planning and pressure drop analysis will result in the correct size of coupler, providing the right flow rate at the best available costs to meet your design needs. Hydraulic couplers with soft sealing technology like O-rings provide a reliable seal with a leak free, tight connection and less chance for leakage. Stucchi offers the hydraulic solutions for mobile equipment that meet application and machinery design demands.

 

This article was previous published at  https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/pressure-drop-analysis-for-hydraulic-couplers-and-fittings-on-mobile-equipment/

How to Convert a Takeuchi Skid Steer to Use Stucchi’s VEP Couplers

A common problem with skid steer couplers equipped from the OEM for use in heavy-duty applications such as mulching and land clearing is that overheating is a big issue and the main source is the OEM couplers, that is where a Stucchi solution comes in.
With our kit, you can convert your machine to a one inch size quick disconnect, a heavy-duty thread to connect, flat face coupler, the VEP series, that will:

• Decrease your operating temperatures by up to 15%
• Increase productivity by increasing runtime
• Increase efficiency in time to switch attachments because the VEP series allows you to connect and disconnect with residual pressure on the line

Converting your skid loader with the VEP series provides the following benefits:

• Decrease your operating temperatures by up to 15%
• Increase productivity by increasing runtime
• Increase efficiency in time to switch attachments because the VEP series allows you to connect and disconnect with residual pressure on the line

 How to convert a Takeuchi machine to use the VEP couplers

1. Make sure there is no residual pressure on the Takeuchi machine, with the key on but the engine not running, cycle the valves to relieve any pressure on the machine side
2. Next, remove any couplers or brackets that are in the way that impede your access to the couplers. You will need significant room to unthread the couplers from the block.
3. After this, use a wrench and disassemble the OEM couplers from the block. Make sure you have a rag handy because there is a possibility the oil may spill.
4. Next, thread in by hand the VEP series couplers into the block and torque them with the wrench
5. Install anything that you removed to gain access
6. Check the machine for leaks by turning it on and inspecting the couplers just to make sure that thee are no leaks

After this, you can connect your attachment to the machine and check normal function for that. If you choose to use caps, before you install the VEP series make sure that the cap loop is between the thread and the block, that way they are on the machine while it is connected.

Some of the benefits that you should be able to measure are:

• Decrease in operating temperature by up to 15%
• Increase productivity because it will take you less time to connect and disconnect your attachments
• Increase in efficiency

Stucchi offers many solutions for mobile construction equipment like Auxiliary Hydraulic Kits and other coupler conversion kits.

For more information about our other solutions, visit our website under the Hydraulic Solutions page, under the Knowledge Base section to access:

• Our FREE Guide to Mulching and Hydraulics
• Case Study on Mulching and Land Management Solutions

Please contact us for more information about our Stucchi solutions or if you have any questions about upgrading your Takeuchi or any other brand of skid steer for higher flow with the Stucchi VEP, heavy-duty, threaded, flat face couplers.

This article was previously published at  https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/how-to-convert-a-takeuchi-skid-steer-to-use-stucchis-vep-couplers/

 

How to Use the Stucchi Hydraulic Diverter Valve Solution for Excavators

 

Excavators can use a variety of attachments ranging from a digger bucket with a hydraulic thumb, that is oftentimes permanently attached, to other attachments like a hydraulic breaker. The excavator operator needs a quick and efficient way to switch between these attachments.

STUCCHI DIVERTER VALVE FOR EXCAVATOR SOLUTION

This is where the Stucchi diverter valve for excavators provides a quick and efficient solution. Included in the diverter valve kit are all of the adapters needed to plumb from your machine to the diverter valve, as well as an adapter to plumb your thumb and a quick disconnect to connect those attachments.
The diverter valve allows the operator to select between using the thumb or using a hydraulic attachment, without time-consuming disconnections and reconnections that wear out quick couplers and cause fluid leakage.

The video shows you detailed steps to mount the diverter valve on excavators and how to switch between attachments.

WATCH HOW-TO VIDEO HERE: HOW TO USE THE STUCCHI HYDRAULIC DIVERTER VALVE SOLUTION FOR EXCAVATORS 

FIRST, MOUNT DIVERTER VALVE ON THE EXCAVATOR WITH THE INCLUDED BRACKET

There are many different ways the diverter valve can be mounted on an excavator. One of the most common ways is to:

1. Weld the included bracket to the machine, then paint that bracket to match the machine color.
2. Most of the time, a diverter valve is mounted on either side of the arm just based on how the excavator is plumbed.
3. Another way to mount the diverter valve is to drill and tap into the excavator arm and mount directly to it with the diverter valve with the included bolts.

SWITCH BETWEEN ATTACHMENTS

Once installed, the diverter valve can be used by selecting which circuit the operator wants to use.

1. To use hydraulic thumb: simply actuate the valve so that the line comes in from the machine and points to the thumb adapter.
2. To switch to an attachment:
   1. Connect the attachment to the machine
   2. Then attach the quick disconnects to the attachment
   3. Then turn both ball valves so that the line points from the machine to the quick disconnect port.

 

BENEFITS OF STUCCHI’S EXCAVATOR DIVERTER VALVE

There are many benefits for using the Stucchi Diverter Valve Kit, including:

• Increased Productivity
• Decreased environmental impact and
• Increased machine life due to less contamination introduction and less air inclusion

You will find that your excavator operators will have increased productivity because they are able to switch between these attachments with less downtime. There is less environmental impact, because instead of opening the lines to the environment and spilling oil, this allows for a clean solution to make that connection.  You will experience improved machine life because there is less contamination introduction into your system as well as less air inclusion.

This is just one of the many Stucchi solutions we have for mobile construction. Stucchi offers auxiliary hydraulic kits for excavators, compact track loaders (CTLs) and various skid steer equipment.

Stucchi offers hydraulic quick connect solutions for excavators used in many mobile construction applications including heavy duty construction and demolition applications. Contact your Stucchi representative for more information on the diverter valve solution for excavators.

This article was previously published on https://www.stucchiusa.com/blog/how-to-use-the-stucchi-hydraulic-diverter-valve-solution-for-excavators/

Easy CUP: the System to Manage Connections Under Pressure

 

One of the intrinsic phenomena in hydraulic circuits used in many industries is the formation of pressure inside closed hydraulic circuits due to the increase in temperature of the surrounding environment. In fact, during a working day, the hydraulic circuits absorb heat, generated by the fluid inside them, from the active machinery and from the sunlight: but, except for extreme

conditions, this effect is considered when the system is designed and does not therefore hinder its correct operation.

However, the additional pressure is not disposed of and remains inside the pipe even when the machinery has been switched off and this causes problems when connecting or disconnecting the lines, since this pressure creates a thrust that, in turn, creates a resistance and prevents the operation from being performed.

In cases like these, it is possible to resort to special procedures to eliminate the residual pressure, but this takes time, which must be multiplied for each connection and disconnection operation during the day; in the case of earthmoving tools, these moments of machine downtime can become very frequent.

EFFICIENT CONNECT AND DISCONNECT UNDER PRESSURE WITH STUCCHI CUP TECHNOLOGY

To maintain machine operation and operator safety, Stucchi offers an efficient solution to connect and disconnect under pressure: Easy CUP technology.  Easy CUP technology (Connection Under
Pressure) allows for connections under pressure to be made easily and safety and it is compatible with a wide range of our couplings.

Its versatility makes it possible for it to be used in very different industries and fields of application, while always meeting customer’s needs. The following are available:

Flat face couplings: the “APM” male flat face quick coupling series allows for manual coupling with residual pressure in the circuit thanks to a triple valve system to discharge pressure and increase tightness;

Flat face screw couplings: the VEP-P, VEP-HD and VP-P series use special threaded rings that allow the quick coupling to withstand strong impulses and extreme conditions of use, by neutralizing premature wear and the brinelling effect; their strength and compactness is accompanied by a triple valve system which allows for connections under pressure;

Multi-couplings: the DP and GR series combine the lever system, which allows for several lines to be connected and disconnected quickly and without effort, with a triple valve for connections under pressure;

Monobloc: Saturn Block and Saturn Block HD allow to connect three and five lines and have been created in close collaboration with important earth moving companies to make them the ideal choice for machines with multifunction accessories; a special manual valve allows for the simultaneous discharge of the residual pressure of all the lines.

These solutions feature the best resources of Stucchi technology, integrating innovative and patented solutions: contact us for more information.

This post first appeared here: https://www.stucchigroup.com/en/easy-cup-the-system-to-manage-connections-under-pressure/

 

Blow Out Prevention, BOP, Quick Couplings for Safety in Oil & Gas Plants

Safety is a priority in any work environment, but in some sectors, the consequences of an accident are much more serious than in others.  Take Oil & Gas, for example, where the operators work daily to extract materials which, without adequate protections, could be harmful to their health and cause fires or even explosions in the event of naked flames or sparks.

In these working conditions, the machinery must operate at maximum efficiency and resist all types of stress. In the event of malfunction, they must be fitted with safety mechanisms which prevent accidents from happening.

A crucial factor, in ensuring that these conditions are met, are quick couplings which guarantee that the hydraulic fluid circuits operate without leaks or pressure drops, thus allowing coupling and uncoupling operations to be performed quickly without the need for additional tools.

INNOVATIVE HYDRAULIC SOLUTIONS FOR OIL AND GAS

Stucchi has been operating in the quick coupling sector for sixty years, providing reliable and innovative solutions to major international companies in the Oil & Gas industry. The products of the VP, VEP, VEP-HD, VOF and VOFX line are BOP certified, i.e. Blow Out Prevention, and offer a greater degree of safety for hydrocarbon well drilling.

The Blow Out Prevention system is a fundamental safety device for the Oil & Gas industry. Its action prevents the fluids in the drilling well from rising up to the surface due to pressure and spreading toxic, flammable and explosive material in the work area.

Given the importance of BOP in guaranteeing safety on oil and gas drilling platforms, Stucchi offers Lloyd’s Register Type Approval certified quick couplings in compliance with the API 16D standard (Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment).

This allows Stucchi to offer the quality of its quick couplings in areas which call for high safety standards under extreme and demanding operating conditions: discover all the hydraulic solutions offered by Stucchi – contact us now.

This post first appeared here: https://www.stucchigroup.com/en/bop-quick-couplings-for-safety-in-oil-gas-plants/