Using the right ground engaging tools can help optimize your equipment’s performance

For optimum performance, it is essential to use the correct ground engaging tools (GET) for each application, according to Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) Ryan Harrison.

“GET includes a variety of wear items such as teeth and cutting edges that protect your buckets and blades from excessive wear,” said Harrison, who is based in Oklahoma City, Okla. “Which ones you use will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of material you are handling. For instance, if you are using an excavator in hard rock, twin tiger or single tiger teeth — perhaps even a rock chisel — are going to be most effective. Standard teeth work well in most sand and dirt applications, but you might consider a flare tooth for scraping sand.”

Harrison added that there are times when a flat cutting edge may be the best GET for your excavator. The same can be said for wheel loaders, which also use both teeth and cutting edges.

“In soft materials, cutting edges tend to be the best choice,” said Harrison. “Teeth are used for more abrasive materials. In quarries, you’ll want a combination of teeth and wear shrouds to protect the bucket.”

Cutting edges for dozer and motor grader blades are typically bolted on. Most are reversible, so as one side wears down, you can flip it to have a “new” cutting edge. Once that side is worn down, it’s time to swap it out.

“Flipping and swapping are fairly simple and straightforward and only take a relatively short time to do,” Harrison noted. “Changing teeth has become a lot simpler with newer systems that often involve turning a wrench as opposed to hammering out pins. Of course, if customers want us to assist them with those tasks, we’re happy to do it.”

Here to help

Harrison emphasized that KSM PSSRs can help customers choose the proper GET for their equipment.

“We want our customers to be their most productive, so we will gladly talk with them about which tools will be most effective, whether it’s for their dozers, excavators, graders and wheel loaders, or teeth for a milling machine.”

Harrison added, “Fortunately, we maintain a good inventory of GET at all our locations. If a customer needs to replace teeth or cutting edges, or needs something different for a new project or application, we can get it to them quickly, or they can pick it up. Just give us a call!”