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Track
Hoe Failure
A metallurgical failure analysis was requested on a
track hoe used to offload debris from barges.
Reportedly, the track hoe bucket had several
reinforcements added at the behest of the
manufacturer, and that subsequently the track hoe
boom had failed. The boom failure occurred in a
fillet weld where the bucket hydraulic cylinder
support plate attached to the track hoe boom.
Based on visual examination and photographic
documentation, failure of both the bucket and boom
were the result of operational stresses attributable
to the equipment usage.
Photograph A: Overall view of "dog bone" brace
(marked #3), which reportedly had cracked
and had been replaced. The dog bone
swivel arm connects the lower hydraulic ram pin to
the track hoe lower boom section.
Photograph B:
Overall view of bucket of track hoe.
Photograph C:
Overall view of track hoe boom failure. Topography, texture and color gradation of the fracture surface indicate that the failure was progressive and probably the result of metal fatigue.
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Dr.
R. Craig Jerner, Ph.D., PE specializes in accident
investigation and metallurgical failure analysis,
with over 30 years experience as a metallurgical
consultant and accident investigator. He has
testified as a metallurgical expert in over 250
depositions and more than 70 court appearances. If you or someone you know should need the services of Dr. Jerner and J.E.I. Metallurgical, please visit our web site at the buttons below, or e-mail Dr. Jerner --- 