Martin Engineering introduces new technology to improve material flow

The company’s Cougar® MDC12-400/700 vibrators offer powerful bulk material movement for concrete pump trucks, salt/sand/gravel/fertilizer spreader trucks and volumetric mixer trucks. They are capable of being retrofitted to most standard brackets, with the high efficiency design using less current and running at a lower temperature, while retaining the same power as comparable models. The result is longer equipment life with lower operating expense and maintenance costs by reducing material buildup, slow unloading, clogging and bridging.

Allen Twidell, Mobile Market Manager for Vibration at Martin Engineering, said: “Slow discharge or blockage occurs for several reasons – humidity, material consistency, etc., but out in the field, the most aggravating reason is when vibration equipment fails.

“When that happens, everything stops and operators need to take steps to manually dislodge material using shovels or rods to poke at the clog, or mallets to bang on the side of equipment. These actions can result in equipment damage or sudden discharge, which can be dangerous. The extra time and labour also raises operating costs and reduces productivity.”

Powered by a high efficiency 12-volt DC motor with a maximum draw of 13 amps, the oversized permanent magnet design of the MDC12 Vibrators reduces demand on the vehicle’s electrical system. Drip-impregnated armature windings carry the current, and sealed, oversized bearings eliminate lubrication requirements, keep contaminants out and ensure ongoing performance with minimal maintenance. Martin Engineering claims that a more sustainable operating temperature, combined with high temperature Class F insulation, puts less stress on internal components, leading to improved efficiency and durability.

The internal components are housed in a heavy duty aluminium alloy case, and deliver a centrifugal force output of 400 lbf (90 N) for the pumper/spreader model or 700 lbf (160 N) for larger spreader applications. The unit only weights 18 lbs (8 kg), and features a compact design. In order to eliminate moisture penetration, the company’s designers placed the terminal box underneath the vibrator to better secure the electrical wiring, then filled the box with silicone rubber for added protection against moisture and other contaminants.

Featuring machined surfaces and sealed with O-rings to create dust-tight and water-tight protection, the vibrator carries an IP-66 rating, making sure that it is capable of dealing with harsh winter and summer environments. The external surfaces are smoothed and painted to ensure there is no buildup of fugitive material.

The MDC12-400/700 is able to fit most existing brackets, and has a specially designed mounting base with three holes on each of the four legs. This permits selection of four different mounting patterns. With a 10 in. (254 mm) pigtail cord ending in a two-prong plug, the unit fits most truck electrical systems.

Twidell added: “Even before this vibrator went into full production, it was adopted by a specialty snow removal equipment manufacturer as their standard unit for the hoppers of their salt spreaders.

“With the more efficient compact design and Martin’s performance guarantee, this vibrator has received a positive reception from the industry for its superior construction and lower cost of ownership.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/product-news/09112017/martin-engineering-introduces-new-technology-to-improve-material-flow/