WPT Power is continually working with customers to extend the useful life of its products, reduce maintenance, and facilitate their installation. With that in mind, let’s talk about enhancing the life of brakes used in most modern wire rope mining shovels, such as CAT® and P&H®. These rope shovels utilize a series of electric motors with spring-applied pneumatic release brakes to operate their hoist, propel, and swing motions.
Types of Sensors
Most brakes are equipped with limit switches and temperature switches for onboard diagnostics. These sensors alert the operator if the brake’s operation is in a condition requiring maintenance. They can include:
- Temperature Switch – Indicates when the brake is working above a non-recommended temperature.
- Release Switch – Indicates to the operator and the control system that the brake is released.
- Wear Switch – Indicates that brake lining and the discs are worn, and the brake needs an adjustment.
Why WPT’s Kits?
Our Actuator Switch Kit for mining rope shovel brakes has an improved design over previous generations, allowing for easier adjustment and appreciable serviceability. Shims during installation are one modification that allows greater adjustment and is provided in the kits. Shims can be added on top of the cylindrical standoffs to adjust the wear switch’s trigger point or beneath the aluminum target block to adjust the release switch’s trigger point.
The real-time monitoring of the brake’s temperature and wear and preventative maintenance will provide optimized performance and safety over the brake’s lifespan.
WPT Power has available sensor kits for:
| Wire Rope Shovels | Brakes | Part Numbers |
| Bucyrus 459HR / CAT 7495 HR | Hoist | W25-99-A00 |
| Bucyrus 459HR / CAT 7495 HR | Crowd Y Swing | W21-99-A00 |
| Bucyrus 459HR / CAT 7495 HR | Temperature | WEX2606046 |
| P&H 4100 XPB / P&H 4100 XPC | Hoist | W25-99-A03 |
| P&H 4100 XPB / P&H 4100 XPC | Crowd Y Swing | W21-99-A01 |
For more information or help selecting the right sensor kit(s), contact us at info@wptpower.com or 940-761-1971 with your current brake model or sensor part number.
Written By: Claudio Arranz Araya, Sales Manager South America