Conversion of a Compact Excavator to Low Ground Pressure at Low Cost
Conventional compact excavators have ground pressures too high to operate on most salt marshes. The width of auxilary track pads is limited by the undercarriage designs. IHI model 35NX was chosen for this conversion because it is the largest unit (8,000lbs) of any make found that includes an expandable undercarriage. Expanded, that feature provides ample space to accommodate 30" wide track pads.
The 12" steel tracks provide the platform for bolting on the 30" nylon-polymer pads provided by Quadrant EPP USA, Inc. The pads are both sturdy and resilient. The ground pressure was reduced from 4.3 psi to 2.2 psi. For more information, contact Al Gettman at agettman@etal.uri.edu.
 |
 |