The 1263ADT scraper by K-Tec Earthmovers Inc. offers a capacity of 63 cubic yards of soil, an increase of nine yards over K-Tec’s previous model, the 1254ADT, which claimed the record in 2009.
While holding the world capacity record is a feather in K-Tec’s cap, the company’s founder and president Ken Rempel notes the new model resulted from a thorough analysis of the older 1254ADT using strain gauge testing technology to complete a real-life stress test analysis.
“We recognized areas where we could adjust material types and optimize stress flow,” says Rempel. “To improve durability and longevity of the machines, we modified the sidewall and gate assemblies. In doing so, we recognized that the change would also increase capacity of the unit from 54 cubic yards up to 63 cubic yards, so we were able to increase capacity and improve our structural design durability simultaneously.”
He notes the additional nine cubic yards will allow contractors to bid more competitively, especially with the level of pencil-sharpening apparent in many current bids.
“Our earthmoving scrapers provide an advantage to drive down the cost per cubic yard,” says Rempel. “Contractors can carry more material in the scraper bowls, resulting in less trips to the cut and greater production efficiency.”
A truck hauling a single scraper provides fuel savings over two trucks hauling smaller capacity models, he says. It’s also more efficient than multiple scrapers arranged in sequence.
“When compared to train configurations, the 1263ADT single scraper can load and unload in a shorter distance than train scrapers as well as manoeuvre better in tighter job sites,” Rempel says. “The scraper’s performance also thrives on job sites having a mile-long haul road or further, to utilize the fast transport speeds of the ADT.”
K-Tec suggests the newest model will achieve the greatest economies of scale in projects ranging from 250,000 cubic yards and up. Suggested applications include: roadbuilding, land transformation projects, ranch acreages, cattle feedlots, airport runway expansions, oil field preparation, coal processing, mine reclamation, stripping overburden and transporting rock.
Even current 40-ton articulated dump trucks may not have the horsepower to achieve K-Tec’s target loading time of between 45 and 75 seconds, especially as the big scraper approaches a full load. The scraper is outfitted with a roller push block to allow a smooth dozer-assisted boost. Using a K-Tec Ox Block pusher accessory also allows a tractor to efficiently perform that function.
The scraper isn’t merely a chunk of structural metal. A series of monitors and sensors provide operator feedback on anything from productivity to safety. The model offers an electronic load sensor to monitor the performance of the hydraulic system. A display screen provides hydraulic pressure readings for lift, ejector and gate functions and provides a list of fault codes alerting the driver to any abnormalities.
“The electronic load sense system also provides load counting,” says Rempel. “Additionally, the system has pre-programmed auto-eject load settings, which allow for less experienced operators to perform at a higher level.”
K-Tec scrapers continue to be manufactured in Canada at the company’s assembly facility in Rosenort, Man., about an hour’s drive south of Winnipeg.
“We’ve exported the 1263ADT to customers in Kansas and Texas,” says Rempel. “We’ve even shipped them as far as Queensland, Aus. inside a 40-foot-high sea container.”
