What’s one thing every mining operation has in common? Hands down, their incontestable need to be in constant operation. Equipment downtime comes at a staggering cost. And frankly, there just isn’t time (or money) for it.
West End Radiators (WER) knows this firsthand, so their promise is to reduce potash and salt mine equipment downtime by 70 per cent. This includes anything from a complete radiator rebuild for any heavy-duty OEM, to manufacturing a custom aluminum or copper-brass core that can withstand high heat and constant debris in an extreme work environment. The heavy-duty radiator shop has been in business for the last 65 years, with three locations in Saskatoon, Estevan, and Winnipeg.
But how do they promise mines 70 per cent less downtime? By delivering on the fastest lead times in the industry. In just days, WER can build a new heavy-duty industrial radiator for any open-pit or underground mining equipment. This is compared to the two- to three-week turnaround competitors offer. Hence, 70 per cent less downtime when you choose WER.
For an even closer look at this, check out a radiator rebuild WER did for a MESABI mining haul truck.
The MESABI radiator (pictured) had reached the end of its service life. The haul truck in which the radiator came out of was due for a complete rebuild, which happens approximately every two years if it’s being used 24/7 and in extreme conditions.
As a preventative measure, WER’s shop technicians identified that the radiator needed to be completely rebuilt to withstand the next extreme tour of duty.
So, they started by using the shops’ significantly large overhead cranes to remove the huge radiator off the flat deck trailer it arrived on. These cranes can easily hold up to 4,000 lbs; one of the many tools that sets WER apart from competitors.
Once the radiator was in place on the shop floor, the team began the inspection, testing and rebuild in process. Then they removed every tube and seal from each of the cooling frames. The frame was then flushed, cleaned, and prepped for installation of new seals and tubes.
Finally, the individual frames were pressure tested to ensure there were no leaks. Next came reassembling the entire radiator and painting it with a fresh coat. Then they put the shroud back on so it was ready to be shipped back to the client and get into operation again.
No matter the size of the mining radiator, West End Radiator’s heavy-duty certified mechanics are ready to take on the job. They’ve designed all of their service shops to be able to adapt quickly when a rush job comes in with overhead cranes that can easily lift thousand-pound radiators.
Their team of 30+ skilled technicians specialize in servicing and rebuilding radiators, cores, charge air coolers, and oil coolers for all types of mining equipment, including but not limited to haul trucks, loaders, diggers, drilling equipment, generators, and light towers.
To learn more, visit westendrad.ca.
