Testimonials
Almagard 3752 lubricant significantly reduces repair costs and downtime for Cable TV Construction & Installation.
key takeaways
Challenge
Switching to LE’s Almagard® Vari-Purpose Lubricant (3752) significantly reduced equipment breakdowns, repair costs, and downtime by effectively protecting the pivot arm shaft and bearing assembly from harsh conditions.
LE solution
Almagard 3752 is ideal for this application due to its tackiness and resistance to displacement, while its additives help maintain cool operation, safeguarding the shaft sleeve and seals.
Results
Using Almagard 3752 on older equipment like the Ditch Witch 4010 can prevent costly repairs, as seen with the $5100 repair cost for newer models, enhancing profits for Cable TV Construction & Installation.
Almagard 3752 is one of the keys to profits for Cable TV Construction & Installation. - Dana Martin, Owner
for the Ditch Witch 4010 the worst case is that the entire shaft and pivot arm are replaced at a cost of $900 plus 14 to 16 hours of labor, plus as long as a week to secure repair parts. - Charley Norris, Chief Mechanic
Customer Profile
Cable TV Construction & Installation lays most of the underground TV and power cable in the planned community of The Woodlands (population about 35,000) located just north of Houston, Texas. They have been an LE customer since 1990.
Application
The company owns 13 trenchers; eleven of them are Ditch Witch. They also own pickup trucks and trailers. The equipment is loaned to operating crews who are paid by the foot of cable installed. If the equipment is not operating the crews don’t get paid and the jobs are delayed or lost to competition.
Challenge
The equipment and crews operate in very hot, dirty and often wet conditions. Prior to switching to LE’s Almagard® Vari-Purpose Lubricant (3752), equipment breakdowns were common and repair costs were unacceptable. This was especially true of the pivot arm shaft and bearing assembly, which supports and drives the trenching chain. This arm is constantly being hit and covered with dirt removed from the trench. With dirt flying, engine and chain noise often hide seal, bearing and even shaft failures resulting in expensive downtime and job delays.
LE Solution
Almagard 3752 was recommended for this application because it is very tacky and can not be wiped off or pushed out by digging action. Additionally, the Almagard® additives in the product ensure that the shaft and bearings run cool protecting the shaft sleeve and seals.
Results
One example of savings occurred on a Ditch Witch 4010 (vintage 1982 to 1993). Dirt entered the main drive shaft out board side wearing away the seal and then allowing dirt to wear down the bearing, spacers and seal. While significant damage occurred before being discovered, parts. However, newer equipment like the 5110 model, which has heavier components, cost $5100 to repair thus the savings from Almagard 3752 will increase. Owner Dana Martin, concurs Almagard 3752 is one of the keys to profits for Cable TV Construction & Installation.