Crankshaft Storage and Transport
Crankshafts were generally stored or transported on timber pallets. During transport back to the workshop, incidents can occur as the timber pallets are easily weakened and damaged with the weight and structure of the crankshaft putting pressure on the pallet during road transport.
Particularly in emergency braking situations, timber pallets can fail. They can also pose a danger when used in storage, with collapse incidents in racking.
Another consideration is rust prevention, with basic stretch wrap or film not providing sufficient protection in harsh Australian conditions. This also damages components as the moisture can’t escape the film, which creates a further risk of rust.
Cost in Crankshaft Write-off
Crankshafts for mission-critical mining equipment are a sizeable investment. So, when something goes wrong, the costs span to component repairs and potential replacements. Loss of productivity due to the downtime of the equipment that was waiting for the crankshaft also becomes a significant cost to mining operations.
The key driving factor for partnering with DAYWALK was the write-off of a crankshaft. This piece of equipment suffered massive damage during transport TO the workshop, which resulted in the crankshaft being written off. This was due to unsuitable transport measures for the component – and the use of timber pallets.
Losing a component of this magnitude was substantial: with the replacement cost around $200k+.
This estimation didn’t include additional considerations surrounding the secondary cost of delays or equipment downtime. The $200k+ was simply the price of a replacement for the badly damaged crankshaft.
The crankshafts were wrapped in film and kept on the floor of the workshop at times.
Wooden pallets in racking were previously used for workshop storage.
Xyphos pallets were brought into fix storage and transport issues.
STEEL PALLETS
Failsafe Component Transport
Proven transport solutions with safe, pre-engineered pallets that go the distance.
Storage & Transport
DAYWALK pallets can do double duty as both storage in workshops or warehouses, as well as a transport method for components.
Certified Compliant
You can rest assured that we certify our pallets, to provide optimum safety and compliance at an economical price point.
Moving Towards a Solution
An immediate solution was required to prevent further replacements and equipment downtime.
DAYWALK’s off-the-shelf steel pallets fit the bill, with these economical and long-lasting certified transport pallets already in stock and ready to be dispatched to the workshop.
The solution provided benefits including:
- The pallets are certified for transport, so it’s a safe and compliant alternative to timber pallets
- DAYWALK steel pallets can be used as workshop storage as well as transport for ease of operations
- Steel pallets don’t require repairs or regular replacements; generally lasting 5 to 10 years when timber alternatives may last 6 to 12 months
- Downtime and delays are controlled with the strong and safe transport pallet
Cost-Savings with Steel Pallets
A cost-effective solution came in the form of the Xyphos Steel Pallet range — pre-engineered, certified, and readily available off the shelf. For our client, the shift to Xyphos was a game changer. The result was improved safety, better manual handling, increased operational efficiency, and reliable, compliant transport of critical components — without any headaches.
Rust Prevention for Crankshafts
We also recommended Vci rust protection, which is the optimum solution for rust prevention. Unlike basic stretch wrap of film, Vci works to remove moisture and fully protect components in any climate.
