A roller load test is one of three standard services utilized to provide a complete roller circle assessment (center of gravity test + roller load test + rail spall test):
A roller load test provides answers to the following questions:
- How uniformly distributed are the loads on the roller circle?
- Are there any oversized or undersized rollers?
- What are the forces on the rollers relative to radial position?
- Is cracking or spalling in the rails or rollers likely and if so when?
- Have the rail pads been correctly machined?
- Was the revolving frame properly supported during rail pad machining?
- Are the lead in tapers on the end rails designed & machined properly?
- What is the mesh geometry between the revolving frame, rollers, and tub structures?
- Is there a pinch point that will reduce the component life?
- How do my dragline’s stresses and forces compare to others?
- What is the remaining useful life of the roller circle components?
