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Written by Lori Lovely Before the dedicated motor scraper, there was a smaller version: the towed scraper, one of the first bulk earthmoving machines invented. Nineteenth-century scrapers were drawn by horses, but were later adapted for use with tractors. In 1923 Robert LeTourneau designed and built the first modern practical towed scraper. Prior to the development of efficient hydraulic systems after WWII, they were designed to operate behind crawler tractors via a cable control unit. By the mid-1...... continue reading
From: Grading and Excavation Contractor Topics: Equipment, Operations, Scrapers
By Carol Brzozowski
Caterpillar points out in its marketing literature that towed scrapers are a good choice for contractors removing lower-density materials in distances under 2,500 feet, materials with a bank density of less than 3,000 pounds per yard, and no uncompressible items such as large rocks or stumps. In a slowly rebounding market, grading and excavation contractors are seeking to become the lowest-cost producer with towed scrapers, notes Kelly Goossen, sales manager for K-Tec. “K-Tec scraper sizes allow the end...... continue reading
From: Grading and Excavation Contractor Topics: Equipment, Operations, Scrapers
By Lori Lovely
Pull-type scrapers are efficient dirt movers on cut-and-fill jobs with short hauls. In addition to allowing the tow vehicle to become a multi-use onsite tool, these smaller scrapers also provide other beneficial features that enhance and facilitate performance. “A lot of companies switch to a tractor with a pan scraper because they use the tractor for other things,” states Warren Waggoner, owner and president of Waggoner Inc. Newline Construction and Excavation. “It gives them added versatility.” ...... continue reading
From: Grading and Excavation Contractor Topics: Business Management, Equipment, Scrapers
By Janis Keating
A variety of machines will move earth, but wet soil causes particular problems for most of them. Not only is it heavier and harder to manipulate, but the wet ground also makes driving several-ton machinery difficult. Waiting for the soil to dry might be an option, but what if wet is the whole purpose of the site? Davis, CA’s Chris Galloway (CG) Construction faced these challenges when the firm was contracted to reshape a land parcel into a wildlife slough. “Originally, this Sutter County land was marsh—...... continue reading
From: Grading and Excavation Contractor Topics: Environment, Excavation, Scrapers
By Greg Northcutt
Equipped with modular track systems, today’s scrapers can earn money in conditions that would stop a conventional wheel scraper. These high-flotation devices are just the latest in a variety of options and accessories that allow you to equip your scraper to better match your work needs.... continue reading
From: Grading and Excavation Contractor Topics: Scrapers, Towed