TUBE AS 3637104 - Caterpillar

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN NOVEMBER 06, 2002
EXCAVATORS 385B L (ANS) EXCAVATORS
Component Code(s) 6513SUBJECT: REINFORCEMENT OF THE BUCKET LINKAGE ASSEMBLY
PROBLEM:
A crack may occur at the welded joint of the bar that functions as a cross member tube on the link assembly. The cracks have been reported on the 176-2261 Link and Bearing Assembly for the HB Family and on the 176-2271 Link and Bearing Assembly for the JB Family. The cracks have occurred only in certain severe applications.
SOLUTION:
If the cracked weld is repaired and a reinforcement plate is installed, the cracks should not reappear and the integrity of the link assembly will be maintained. Use the following information for the repair of the cracked welds and the installation of a reinforcement plate.
Illustration 1. Typical Link Assembly
A. The location of the cracked welds on the link assembly.
November 06, 2002
Component Code(s) 6513
Remove all cracks around the bar by gouging. Repair weld the gouged area and at both ends of the bar.
Illustration 2. Fabricated Reinforcement Plate Dimensions
B. 450mm (17.7 inch)
C. 40mm (1.6 inch)
D. 25mm (1.0 inch)
E. 222mm (8.8 inch) for HB Linkage
242mm (9.5 inch) for JB Linkage
F. 20mm (0.8 inch) x 45 degree chamfer
G. 100mm (3.9 inch) radius
Note: Dimension E is approximate. It is important that an actual measurement of the link assembly is recorded for the proper fit of the fabricated plate. The actual measurement of the link assembly minus 1mm (0.04 inch) is the dimension to be used for the fabrication of the reinforcement plate.
Fabricate two reinforcement plates from T1 or A514 steel stock to the dimensions that are shown in Illustration 2. Make sure to obtain an actual measurement for Dimension E. Weld the plates to the link assembly as shown in Illustration 3 and Illustration 4.
November 06, 2002
Component Code(s) 6513
Illustration 3. Link Assembly With The Reinforcement Plates In Position
H. 50mm (2.0 inch) maximum and 35mm (1.4 inch) minimum
Illustration 4. View J-J And Detail K From Illustration 3
Weld the reinforcement plates 4 places as shown in View J-J.
Add a 10mm (0.4 inch) x 20mm (0.8 inch) fillet weld and grind the weld toe at 8 places as shown in Detail K.
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