Power Take Off (PTO) is an essential component in many vehicles and machinery. It allows for the transfer of mechanical energy from the engine to operate various additional equipment. In this blog post, we will delve into the applications, functioning, different varieties, maintenance, and model identification of Power Take Off systems.
Understanding Power Take Off Applications:
PTOs find extensive use in a multitude of industries such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. They provide power to auxiliary equipment, blowers, including hydraulic pumps, generators, winches, and compressors. For instance, in the agricultural sector, PTOs enable the operation of machinery such as balers, mowers, and sprayers, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
How Power Take Off Works:
To comprehend how PTOs work, we must grasp the underlying principles. PTO systems typically consist of a drive gear attached to the engine or transmission, which transmits rotational power. This power is then transferred to an output shaft ( drive shaft), often via a clutch mechanism, where it can be used to drive various external machines. The PTO’s operation is synchronized with the vehicle’s engine speed to ensure the efficient transfer of power.
Varieties of Power Take Off:
PTOs come in various types based on their mounting method, features, and applications. The customer may have a side mount or rear mount depending on their specific vehicle or machinery requirements. Each type offers unique advantages such as easy access, improved versatility, or reduced maintenance needs. By selecting the appropriate PTO, customers can optimize operations and achieve better overall performance.
Power Take Off Maintenance:
To ensure optimal functioning, regular maintenance is crucial. Neglecting PTO maintenance can lead to operational issues, decreased efficiency, and potential breakdowns. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:
1. Regular Inspection: Routinely inspect the PTO for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or loose connections. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
2. Cleanliness: Regularly clean the PTO system, removing any debris, dirt, or contaminants that may affect its performance. Ensure that the area around the PTO remains clean to prevent ingress of harmful substances.
3. Proper Installation: Ensure that the PTO is installed correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Improper installation can lead to misalignment, excessive vibrations, and premature wear.
Finding the Model Number:
For customers seeking replacement parts or identifying their PTO model, locating the model number is essential. Here’s a model identification breakdown:
1. Locate the PTO: First, identify the PTO’s physical location on your vehicle or equipment. It may be near the transmission or mounted externally.
2. Look for Identification Plates: PTOs typically have identification plates or labels attached to the housing. These plates contain crucial information, including the model number.
3. Decode the Model Number: The model number comprises alphanumeric codes, often with specific meanings assigned by the manufacturer. Consult the manufacturer’s documentation or website to decipher the code and determine your PTO’s specific details.
OR
You can provide the transmission model number or PTO model number to K&S and we will be happy to assist in finding the correct PTO that works best for your truck and blower.
Conclusion:
Power Take Off systems play a significant role in various industries, bringing forth efficient power transmission to auxiliary equipment. Understanding its applications, working principles, types, and maintenance practices are vital for customers. By following proper maintenance procedures and knowing how to identify the model number, users can ensure the longevity and optimal functioning of their PTO. Remember, a well-maintained PTO translates into enhanced productivity and reliable performance for the equipment it powers.
Got Questions? Let Us Help!
Kerley & Sears Inc. has been a family-owned and operated business since 1971. We specialize in the sales, service, and repair of pneumatic tools and industrial vacuum parts. With over 50 years in the industry, our customers can expect excellent customer service and can trust our expertise and quality work. We offer resale discounts and free estimates depending on the repair. Give us a callor stop by today!
Trailer maintenance is an essential part of ensuring smooth and efficient operations in the transportation industry. A well-maintained trailer not only saves time but also increases profitability on each load. On the other hand, neglecting trailer maintenance can lead to longer unloading times, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage to the trailer and its components. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of properly maintaining your trailer and highlight some key areas that require regular attention.
1. The Importance of Trailer Maintenance
Proper trailer maintenance is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a well-maintained trailer ensures faster and safer unloading of products. An improperly maintained trailer can experience leaks or cracks in its valves, aeration system, and check valves, which can slow down the unloading process. This not only wastes time but also puts additional strain on the blower and increases fuel consumption for the truck.
Secondly, maintaining the trailer’s pop-off valve and gauges is equally important. If these components malfunction, there is a risk of over-pressurizing the trailer. Over-pressurization can cause the relief valve to go off, potentially leading to damage to the product line during unloading.
2. Check Gauges
One crucial aspect of trailer maintenance is regularly checking the gauges. Faulty gauges can lead to over-pressurization of the trailer and cause the relief valve to activate. To ensure the gauges are working correctly, visually inspect them for any signs of damage or fluid leakage. Broken needles or leaking gauges should be replaced immediately. Additionally, check the lines connected to the gauges to ensure they are clear of any product buildup that could result in false readings or no pressure reading at all.
3. Check Trailer Relief Valve
The trailer relief valve is responsible for releasing excess pressure to prevent damage to the trailer and its components. It is essential to remove and pressure test the relief valve regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly. If any issues are detected, such as failure to release pressure or excessive pressure release, the relief valve should be replaced promptly.
4. Inspect Check Valves
Check valves play a crucial role in preventing product backflow and maintaining the proper flow direction during unloading. Regular inspection of the check valves is necessary to ensure they are functioning correctly. The lid of the check valve should be removed, and the flapper inspected to ensure it is correctly sealed. If the check valve fails to seal properly, it can lead to clogging of the trailer, causing the product to bypass into the blower. This can result in overheating, damage to the blower, and other components.
5. Inspect Aeration
The aeration system in a trailer helps to maintain product flow during unloading. It is vital to check the aeration system for any leaks, including the manifolds and hoses. Additionally, inspect the hopper savers and the blue cones inside the tank for any signs of damage or wear. Faulty components such as the Solimar disk or hopper savers can allow product and pressure to escape back into the lines, causing clogging and prolonging unloading times.
6. Inspect Pads
If your trailer includes pads, it is essential to regularly check them for obstructions, build-up, and damage. Ensure that the pads are in good condition and free from any debris that could hinder unloading operations. If the trailer has flo cones, inspect them for signs of wear or damage.
7. Check Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are critical for controlling the flow of product during unloading. Regularly inspect the butterfly valves to ensure they are opening, closing, and sealing properly. Check for any signs of wear on the rubber seats and the valve disk. Damaged or faulty butterfly valves can cause pressure to escape, forcing the blower to work harder.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your trailer is essential for efficient and profitable operations in the transportation industry. Regularly checking and inspecting various components, including gauges, relief valves, check valves, aeration systems, pads, and butterfly valves, will help prevent potential issues and ensure a smooth unloading process. By investing time into trailer maintenance, you can save time, reduce fuel consumption, and increase overall efficiency per load.
The Proper Way to Lubricate Your M-D Pneumatics Blower
Pneumatic blowers are essential components in various industrial applications, providing the necessary air pressure for pneumatic conveying systems. To ensure the longevity and efficient operation of your M-D Pneumatics blower, proper lubrication is vital. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of lubricating your pneumatic blower to keep it running smoothly and avoid potential damage.
Understanding the Importance of Lubrication
Before we dive into the lubrication procedure, it’s crucial to understand why proper lubrication matters. Every M-D Pneumatics blower is factory-tested, oil-drained, and shipped dry. Therefore, it is essential to fill both oil reservoirs to the proper level before starting the blower. Neglecting lubrication can lead to excessive wear and tear, gear and bearing failure, and ultimately, blower failure, which might void the warranty.
Selecting the Right Lubricant
M-D Pneumatics recommends using their MD PLUS full synthetic oil, which is supplied with every M-D Pneumatics Transport Blower. However, before filling the blower, it is essential to confirm the amount of oil required. For applications that require food-grade lubricants, make sure to use only MD FG full synthetic oil.
Filling Procedure
To ensure the proper oil level in your pneumatic blower, always follow this filling procedure:
1. Remove the Fill Plugs: Start by removing the fill plugs from both gear end and drive end oil covers. This will allow you to pour in the oil.
2. Slowly Fill the Oil: Carefully pour oil into the blower until you see oil appearing in the oil sight glass. Keep pouring until the oil level reaches the center of the sight glass.
3. Check the Oil Level: After filling the oil, verify that the oil level is correct in both the gear end and drive end sight glasses.
4. Replace Fill Plugs: Once the oil levels are confirmed, replace the fill plugs that were removed in the first step.
Remember never to mix different types or grades of oil in your M-D Pneumatics Transport Blower, as this can cause serious damage to the gears and bearings.
Precautions and Warnings
Before starting the blower, it is crucial to ensure that oil is present in BOTH ends of the blower. Check BOTH sight glasses to confirm that the oil levels are correct before starting the blower. Failure to do so and operating the blower without proper lubrication can lead to blower failure and void its warranty.
Additionally, it is essential never to attempt to change the oil while the blower is in operation. Changing oil during operation can result in equipment damage and serious personal injury. Always check the oil level while the blower is not running and the truck is parked on a level surface.
Maintenance Schedule
Proper maintenance is vital for the optimal performance and longevity of your pneumatic blower. Follow the maintenance schedule below:
Daily: Check and maintain oil level and add oil as necessary. Also, check the air filter restriction indicator and clean the air filter if necessary.
Weekly: Check the relief valve to ensure it is operating properly.
Monthly: Inspect the entire system for leaks and check the condition of the oil. Change the oil if necessary.
Semiannually: Inspect the drive line bearings for any signs of wear or damage.
As Needed: Change the oil approximately every 500 hours, or as specified in the product manual. Note that the T855RS blower has an oil change interval of up to 4,000 hours, but recommended sooner depending on operating conditions.
Blower Service & Repair
While regular maintenance can significantly prolong the life of your pneumatic blower, major overhauls should only be performed by factory-trained technicians. If you need repair or service for your M-D Pneumatics transport blower, contact us today.
Recommended Lubricants
M-D Pneumatics recommends their MD full synthetic lubricants for their blowers and vacuum boosters. These lubricants are formulated with unique additives that provide maximum protection and extend the life of the product compared to mineral oils or semi-synthetic lubricants. Ensure that you always use the recommended lubricant for your specific blower model and application.
Conclusion
Proper lubrication is essential for the efficient and reliable operation of your M-D Pneumatics pneumatic blower. By following the correct filling procedure and adhering to the maintenance schedule, you can extend the life of your blower and ensure it continues to perform optimally for years to come. Regular maintenance and using recommended lubricants will not only prevent costly repairs but also keep your warranty intact, providing peace of mind for your pneumatic conveying operations.
Pneumatic Blowers: A Guide for Maintenance and Operation
Pneumatic blowers are an essential tool used in many industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation. These blowers are responsible for creating and maintaining a steady flow of air, making them crucial for various processes. To ensure their proper functioning, regular maintenance and operation are necessary. In this guide, we will discuss the steps required to maintain and operate pneumatic blowers effectively.
Daily Maintenance
The first step in maintaining a pneumatic blower is to check and maintain the oil level. It is crucial to monitor the oil levels in both the drive end and driven end of the blower and fill them as needed. Different blowers have specific oil requirements, so it is essential to use the recommended type of oil. For the first year, MD oil is recommended, followed by Amsoil. Complete oil changes are recommended every 500 operating hours for stationary units, while truck-mounted blowers should be changed when the truck oil is changed.
Another important aspect of daily maintenance is checking and cleaning the air filter. A clogged air filter can significantly affect the efficiency of the blower and cause overheating. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the air filter as necessary to ensure optimal performance.
Weekly Maintenance
On a weekly basis, it is crucial to clean the air filter if you have not yet within the week. This step helps prevent any build-up of dirt and debris that may have accumulated over time. It is also recommended to check the relief valve to ensure it is operating properly. The relief valve is responsible for regulating pressure within the blower, so it is essential to check its functionality regularly. Additionally, greasing the u-joints on the drive line is necessary to prevent any friction or damage.
Monthly Maintenance
Monthly maintenance involves inspecting the entire system for any leaks and checking the oil level once again. Any leaks can signal potential issues that need to be addressed promptly. It is also important to inspect the condition of the drive line, as any signs of wear or damage should be addressed before further operation.
Semi-Monthly Maintenance
Every two weeks, it is crucial to inspect the drive line u-joints for any wear or damage. These u-joints are vital for the smooth operation of the blower, so any issues should be addressed immediately. Additionally, oil should be changed even if the blower has not reached the recommended 500 operating hours for stationary units and truck blowers.
Oil Capacity
The oil capacity varies depending on the type of blower. For Gardner Denver T9, T12, and T-13 blowers, the oil capacity is 2.75 quarts, and one end is required to be greased.
For MD T850 and T1050 blowers, one quart of oil is required on the drive end and one quart on the driven end. These blowers do not require greasing. However, if the blower is laid horizontally in operating conditions, it will hold 1.5 quarts of oil.
For MD T855 and T1055 blowers, 1.6 quarts of oil are required on the drive end, and 1.75 quarts are required on the driven end. Similar to the previous blowers, greasing is not required.
Summary
Proper maintenance and operation are key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of pneumatic blowers. Daily checks of leaks and air filters, as well as regular greasing and oil changes, are necessary to prevent any issues and keep the blowers running smoothly. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and understanding the specific requirements of each blower, operators can maximize the performance and lifespan of their pneumatic blowers.
Pneumatic trailers are a type of commercial trailer that are commonly used to transport materials that are dry, granular, and flowable. They are used primarily to transport commodities such as cement, sand, grains, flour, and plastic pellets. If you have ever seen a large commercial vehicle on the road that has a conical shape and a series of connections running along the sides, you have likely seen a pneumatic trailer. In this article, we’ll explain what a pneumatic trailer is and how it works.
What Is a Pneumatic Trailer?
A pneumatic trailer, also known as a dry bulk trailer or tanker, is a specialized commercial trailer that is used for hauling dry, fluidizable materials like grain, fertilizers, and other types of bulk commodities. They come in different sizes and configurations, ranging from smaller tankers to larger tankers that can carry up to 3,000 cubic feet of material.
Pneumatic trailers are composed of a large cylinder that is mounted on a trailer frame. The cylinder has a number of internal compartments that are used to transport various types of materials. The trailer is self-contained and is powered by a compressor that is mounted on the tractor, which supplies pressurized air to move the material out of the trailer’s compartments.
How Does a Pneumatic Trailer Work?
When a pneumatic trailer is being loaded with material, the commodity is fed into the top of the cylinder. The material then enters the individual compartments where it is held until it is ready to be unloaded.
The pneumatic trailer’s compressor will start to generate air pressure, which is used to push the material out of the compartments. The compressor typically generates air pressure between 10 and 20 PSI, which is enough to move most types of materials.
Once the material has left the compartment, it is transferred to a hose that is connected to the side of the pneumatic trailer. The hose is then connected to a storage bin or other container where the material will be stored until it is needed.
Pneumatic trailers can be unloaded in a variety of ways depending on the type of material being transported. For example, some materials like sand or grain can be unloaded by gravity, while others like cement require a powerful blower to remove the material from the trailer.
Advantages of Using a Pneumatic Trailer
There are several advantages to using a pneumatic trailer to transport bulk materials. One of the most significant advantages is their ability to unload quickly. Unlike other types of trailers that require manual unloading, pneumatic trailers can be unloaded automatically, which can save a significant amount of time and reduce labor costs.
Another advantage is that pneumatic trailers are designed to carry a wide range of materials, from lightweight powders to dense aggregates. This versatility makes them an ideal option for hauling multiple types of materials on the same haul.
Pneumatic trailers are also safe and reliable, as they are designed to withstand the rigors of transportation. They are equipped with heavy-duty brakes, suspension systems, and other features that ensure they can handle rough roads and extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Pneumatic trailers are a crucial tool in the transportation industry, especially when it comes to transporting materials that are dry, granular, and flowable. Their ability to transport multiple commodities and unload materials quickly and efficiently has made them an integral part of the bulk transportation industry.
If you are in need of transporting dry bulk materials, a pneumatic trailer is an excellent option to consider. By understanding how it works and its advantages, you will be better suited to decide if it is the right option for your specific transportation needs.
Got questions about pneumatic trailers? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
What Is a Pneumatic Trailer and How Does It Work?