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The paper provides mechanical and performance specifications for a giant 650 PS bulldozer and cites the outstanding features of this machine. The new bulldozer offers improvements in dozing, ripping, and pushing. It has an electropneumatic system employing solenoid valves and air cylinders, and it can be controlled by radio for unmanned operation in dangerous sites.

The development of an innovative electric transport vehicle of self-supporting plastic sandwich construction (FRP/PUR sandwich) is described. The specific advantages inherent in this plastics technology as applied to electric transport vehicles are illustrated. A short survey of the production technology as well as of the materials behavior is given. The propulsion and control concept in addition to the design of the source of energy are clarified. The test results obtained with the prototype, undergoing testing since one year, are given, and an automated data processing system for evaluating the test results described. The battery change technique is outlined and the important features discussed. Vehicle and operating costs of the innovative electric transport vehicle are indicated in brief.

A recently introduced Japanese electric light truck, the Daihatsu S-37, is described. Its dimensions are: length 9.84, width 4.25, and height 4.25 ft. The truck's maximum speed is 40 mph. The driving range per charge with a payload of 450 lb and two persons is 40-50 miles. The vehicle contains a series-wound traction motor of 10 hp peak power rating, an SCR chopper speed control unit, and six 12 V batteries of 150 AH capacity. In Japan many Daihatsu S-37 vehicles are in commercial use as delivery trucks for milk and other goods and have acquired a good reputation.

The development of modern heavy earthmoving equipment requires up-to-date laboratory facilities employing current computer technology to aid test engineers in acquiring, reducing, and analyzing laboratory test data. This paper describes one manufacturer's approach to the problem. Included are descriptions of the laboratory data area, signal flow, computer hardware, and computer programs to implement the system.

Analysis of used lubricating oil for products of wear can indicate the mechanical condition of engines, transmissions, final drives, and hydraulic systems. Laboratory equipment is available and techniques have been developed which allow the servicing dealer to perform this analysis in the field. Test results can also be interpreted by the servicing dealer. The time lag between sampling and reporting is reduced, and the servicing dealer can utilize guide lines available from the manufacturer while taking full advantage of familiarity with machine history and local operating conditions. Maximum results are achieved only when sampling is done on a continuing basis.

This paper describes the design of the Ford gas turbine engine. The discussion includes basic design parameters, mechanical arrangement, functional and material requirements, and the aerodynamic and mechanical design of the major components and associated systems. Component and engine test results are discussed briefly, together with some of the major problems encountered and their solutions.

Oil analysis is a maintenance tool that shows great promise in the construction and aggregate industries. Properly administered, it can save the user much money through reduced maintenance costs and improved machine availability. The paper describes an analysis program based on the reporting of periodic samplings taken in order to determine the presence of contaminants in the lubricants of various compartments of heavy-duty equipment. Locations of excessive wear can also be identified. When the oil sample program is operational, a monitor maintenance program serves to let the customer recognize and treat minor problems before they become major problems. Preliminary statistics are cited, indicating the new program's performance to date, and difficulties encountered are noted.

The Wabco Model 150-B mining truck was announced in late 1970, and during 1971, over 40 of them were delivered to various customers in this hemisphere. It employs various powerplants up to 1600 hp, which gives it a very favorable horsepower-to-weight ratio for vehicles in this size category. The 36 X 51 in tires provided are more than adequate for this vehicle, as the low air pressure at which these tires can be operated minimizes tire failures from road obstructions and provides extremely long life. The d-c drive system recently developed by General Electric for vehicles of this size class utilizes operational principles and design features that were successfully employed in smaller drive systems of this type, currently installed in over 1300 vehicles with engines up to 1000 hp. This paper describes the features of construction of this vehicle and the unique attributes of the pneumatic and hydraulic system.

The need for a compact, lightweight rear dump truck of large capacity has generated a new concept in the 200 ton class truck market. The dimensions of the load-carrying body and tires for the given capacity were set forth at the basic parameters inside of which the structure of the truck was to be accommodated. Recent development of an exceptionally small 7500 lb, 1850 hp, gas turbine-alternator package permits ideal amidship installation of the powerplant. Dual tires on the front and rear axles gives low body loading height and 50-50 weight distribution, both empty and loaded. Electric motors allow simple, convenient drive to all wheels for 100% traction capability in propulsion and dynamic braking.

The introduction of the gas turbine engine into automotive transport will depend, to some extent, on the achievement of an efficient working cycle. Implicit in this requirement is the operation of the turbine at inlet temperatures in excess of 1500 K where metallic alloys have insufficient strength and corrosion resistance. Of the ceramic materials being considered for this environment, silicon nitride is the most attractive because of its low coefficient of thermal expansion, good thermal shock resistance, and high strength at these temperatures. The techniques and processes used in the production of reaction-bonded and hot-pressed silicon nitride are sufficiently advanced to enable predictions of material costs to be made. Consistent material is now available with well-established physical properties and having potential for further development.

The effects of transmission selection on the performance and fuel economy of a gas turbine powered automobile are analyzed. Both single-shaft and two-shaft turbines are considered. Examples are given of fuel economy for an urban cycle, and performance of these engines with an infinitely variable transmission and with a power shift automatic transmission. The primary conclusions are that the infinitely variable transmission is necessary for a single-shaft engine and highly desirable for a two-shaft engine, and the use of an infinitely variable transmission with the single-shaft turbine eliminates any need for the wider output speed range of a two-shaft engine.

The world's largest mining end dump truck, the Vcon 3006, utilizes several new innovations to raise vehicle performance limitations significantly and to increase the productivity per operating cost. Its capability of hauling 250 tons on eight 36.00 X 51 tires with equal load distribution and reduced load variations at increased ton mile per hour values is provided by a walking beam frame and four independently suspended oscillating bogies on liquid spring suspension struts. Individually powered wheels with single tires provide exceptional traction and reduce tire scrubbing in turns to a minimum. Its 3000 hp diesel locomotive engine provides a low fuel consumption, high performance, and reliability unmatched for a vehicle in this class. The Vcon 3006 design concept provides it flexibility to match power requirements to the job and provides for potential future trolley applications.

The principles of the magnetic-perturbation method of flaw detection and the Barkhausen noise residual stress measurement method are briefly reviewed. It is suggested that they provide very powerful tools for assuring improved ball bearing performance. The methods are applied for the evaluation of ball bearing races. Typical experimental results are presented along with metallurgical sectioning correlation.

New methods of nondestructive testing applicable to automotive industries include xeroradiography, a high-speed, low-cost method of x-ray inspection without use of films or darkroom processing, for tires, plastic parts, welds, and castings; optical holographic nondestructive tests for detection of anomalies and lack of bond in tires; magnetic field tests which measure hardness (or case depth) in engine parts, steering knuckles, and door hinges or latches; x-ray television systems which permit direct, in-motion viewing of plastic, metallic, and tire assemblies; and advanced eddy current test systems with a variety of sorting, dimensional control, and defect-detection capabilities. These supplement presently available methods such as film radiography, magnetic particle, liquid-penetrant, ultrasonic, and visual inspection, and sampling destructive tests, in quality control for reliability in the automotive manufacturing industries.

This paper identifies some of the motivational characteristics inherent in Japanese culture. Much of Japan's strength today is derived from the diligence and dedication of its people to their country, companies, and families. The Japanese have effectively combined their above-average literacy with hard work to mold a work force that produces enormous quantities of products at high production rates. Rather than perpetuate their image as imitators, the Japanese today are emerging as an innovative people determined to establish their nation as an industrial leader. Some insights into the reasons for this determination are presented here. The author became a student of the Japanese way of life during six years of living in Japan while working for Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. The material is based upon personal observations and discussions with the Japanese and noted authorities including Howard VanZandt, vice president, ITT Far East, and Pacific Inc.

The increasing emphasis on automotive safety and reliability through product assurance has further stimulated the development of new and improved inspection methods. Nuclear techniques are finding ever-increasing application in this area, and have been used successfully in a variety of automotive inspection problems. Some of the unique methods which have been developed are presented to demonstrate the versatility of nuclear techniques when unusual inspection problems arise. Applications described include: measurement of oil consumption of production engines, monitoring composition of continuously cast bearing material, detection of internal voids in plastic-foam parts, and measurement of the moisture content of foundry sand.

Acoustical holography is a real-time nondestructive testing technique which produces a visual image of the internal structure of the part being examined. This technique uses ultrasound to visually detect the presence of any anomalous condition in the material under test. Since the visual image presented shows the position and orientation of all flaws, the integrity of the material is immediately determined. The detection of cracks, voids, nonbonds, and other anomalous conditions interior to metals, ceramics, and plastics can be carried out on a high-volume, production-line basis. Various applications to the automotive industry are discussed.

For many years, design engineers have considered their duties finished when the design was finished, leaving all maintenance problems to the operator-mechanic. Presently, however, the operator-mechanic sees no relevancy in the work left to him to perform. This paper suggests ways to deal with the problems resulting from this situation and recommends many solutions, including an SAE serviceability panel.

The growing national concern for preservation of the environment presents a real and difficult challenge to the mining industry and manufacturers of earthmoving equipment. Perhaps the greatest challenge is the development of equipment that will relocate strip-mined spoil with a greater degree of efficiency than is presently possible with conventional bulldozers. The relatively short distance that spoil must normally be relocated is a guideline for research and development of techniques and attachments for conventional bulldozers, designed specifically to handle large volumes of spoil over lateral distances of 50 ft or less.

Waste disposal is no longer a simple matter of finding landfill areas and dumping in the refuse cast off by the public and industry. As this paper emphasizes, landfill must be considered as salvageable real estate useful for later development. This requires specialized techniques and specialized machinery, all of which have identifiable needs that are unlike those of the usual earthmoving operations. How much these needs differ and how they can be satisfied by design changes to produce efficient machines capable of handling continuous, all-weather landfill programs are highlighted. The urgency of findings ways to handle an ever increasing burden of trash and waste is a compelling reason for solving the problems of this industry.