TM 5-3800-205-10-1
ADVANCED OPERATION AND OPERATOR TIPS - CONTINUED
0006 00
OPERATOR ADJUSTMENTS - CONTINUED
(2) If material removed is to be stockpiled, the goal will be to load and dump as quickly as possible.
b.
The scraper is most effective when there is a moderate "blade load" maintained ahead of the elevator flights, to be
lifted into the bowl. Too little load and the machine is not working to full potential.
c.
When too much load builds forward of the bowl, the elevator linkage pivots upward, increasing the mouth opening.
When this happens, the flights are not at the proper angle to excavate the material as effectively.
d.
The operator can make numerous adjustments during loading and unloading to optimize performance. These adjust-
ments control depth of cut, amount of bulldozing in front of elevator during loading, degree of material reduction (or
drying) during lift, depth of spread during unloading, etc.
2.
Cutting Depth (Loading) and Lift Height (Unloading) Adjustments.
a.
During loading operations, the cutting edge is typically 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) below the plane established by the tractor
wheels. The operator can lower the cutting edge 6 in. (15 cm) below this plane.
b.
The deeper the cut, the coarser the material that will be lifted by the elevator into the bowl.
During unloading operations, the material's lift height is established by raising the cutting edge above the plane of the
c.
tractor wheels. The higher the lift needed, the higher the cutting edge is raised. Typical lift height is 2-4 in. (5-10 cm).
3.
Elevator Speed Adjustments.
a.
To reduce amount of material being bulldozed in front of elevator, increase elevator speed from low to high.
Also reduce travel speed or depth of cut to reduce bulldozing effect.
b.
High elevator speed also reduces material more than if it were lifted at low speed.
c.
Use high elevator speed to assist in drying material that is wetter than desired.
4.
Travel Speed Adjustments.
When loading or unloading scraper, limit travel speed to 1st or 2nd gear. The operator must listen to engine and
a.
back off throttle and downshift as required to prevent engine from lugging down.
It is recommended that the novice operator operate in 1st gear with shallower cuts.
b.
The more experienced operator may operate in 2nd gear, to increase productivity.
c.
Elevator "Banging". If operator adjustments are out of sync, elevator "banging" can occur. "Banging" occurs when
5.
elevator flights contact undisturbed ground. This will cause damage to elevator. Elevator "banging" can mean any
one of the following:
CAUTION
Elevator "banging" will damage elevator system. If banging occurs, operator must make adjustments in
operation to eliminate problem.
a.
cutting depth is excessive for material being loaded;
b.
travel speed is excessive;
c.
elevator should be operating at high speed; or
d.
elevator clearance is not adequate.
0006 00-3