Pushloading Scrapers: Efficiency and Techniques in Earthmoving Operations

[MikePhua]

Pushloading scrapers have long been a staple in the earthmoving industry, offering significant productivity in applications ranging from construction to mining and roadwork. These machines are designed to move large volumes of material quickly and efficiently, utilizing a process that combines the power of a scraper with the assistance of another machine, typically a bulldozer. While the technique might seem straightforward, mastering pushloading requires understanding the mechanics of the scraper, the equipment involved, and the best practices for maximizing efficiency.
What is Pushloading?
Pushloading is a method used in scraper operations where a dozer or another piece of machinery pushes a scraper to load material more efficiently. In this setup, the dozer acts as a "push tractor," helping the scraper fill its bowl with earth, rock, or other materials. Once the scraper is full, it can transport the material to a different location for dumping, usually in a designated spoil area.
This technique differs from traditional scraper operation, where the machine fills its bowl without external assistance. By utilizing a dozer to push the scraper, the overall loading process is faster, reducing the time spent on each load and increasing the efficiency of the operation.
Advantages of Pushloading Scrapers

1. Increased Loading Efficiency: The primary advantage of using pushloading scrapers is the increased speed and efficiency of loading. The dozer helps to fill the scraper bowl more quickly, which results in more material being moved in a shorter amount of time.
   
2. Reduced Operator Fatigue: Scraper operators can experience less physical fatigue with the assistance of the dozer. Since the dozer does much of the heavy lifting, the operator of the scraper doesn’t need to maneuver the machine into the exact position for loading, which can be a physically demanding task.
   
3. Improved Productivity: With the dozer helping to load the scraper, fewer passes are required to complete a load, and the process becomes more continuous. This allows for higher output over the course of a day, which is critical on large earthmoving projects.
   
4. Better Terrain Navigation: Scrapers are designed for efficiency in moving materials but may struggle in certain terrains, especially where the material is heavy or compact. Pushloading helps to overcome these obstacles by using the dozer to break up the material or push the scraper into better positions.
   
5. Optimized Scraper Use: The technique allows for the scraper to operate more effectively, using its full capacity while being aided by the dozer to achieve optimal loading performance.
   

Components of a Pushloading Setup
The basic components involved in a pushloading scraper system include:

1. Scraper: The scraper is the primary machine used to load, carry, and dump materials. It has a bowl or container that collects material and a blade for scraping earth or rock. Scrapers come in different sizes and configurations, including pull-behind and self-loading types.
   
2. Dozer (Push Tractor): A bulldozer or track-type tractor equipped with a blade is used to push the scraper. The dozer assists in loading the scraper by pushing it into a pile of material, which helps the scraper fill its bowl quickly and efficiently. The dozer is often selected based on the terrain and material being moved.
   
3. Hydraulic System: Both the scraper and the dozer rely on hydraulic systems to operate. The scraper uses hydraulics to lift its bowl, lower its blade, and transport material. The dozer’s hydraulic system helps in pushing the scraper and managing the blade for optimal positioning.
   
4. Communication System: Effective communication between the scraper operator and the dozer operator is crucial for success in pushloading. Operators often use hand signals or radios to ensure coordinated actions, maximizing the productivity of the entire team.
   

Techniques for Effective Pushloading

1. Proper Positioning: The scraper must be positioned properly to receive material from the dozer. The best positioning often requires the scraper to face into the wind or slope to minimize the amount of material spilled during the loading process. The dozer, on the other hand, must align itself to push from behind, applying steady force to assist the scraper’s bowl filling.
   
2. Dozer Power and Speed: The dozer should not only have enough power to push the scraper but also the right amount of speed. Too much speed can cause material to spill out, while too little will make the process inefficient. The dozer operator must carefully judge the right amount of throttle and pressure to apply while pushing.
   
3. Load the Bowl Consistently: Ensuring that the scraper bowl is filled consistently is crucial. The dozer should work in a manner that doesn’t allow material to spill over the edges of the scraper bowl. Consistency in loading will reduce the need for multiple loading cycles, ultimately improving efficiency.
   
4. Effective Dumping Strategy: When the scraper is full, it moves to a designated dumping area. Proper timing and coordination between the dozer and scraper ensure that material is unloaded efficiently. Often, a dozer is used to push material from the scraper into the dump area, especially if the terrain is challenging.
   
5. Use of Terrain: While pushloading scrapers can be used on flat ground, they are especially effective on terrains with slopes or uneven surfaces. The dozer helps to push the scraper into areas where it might not be able to operate effectively on its own.
   

Applications of Pushloading Scrapers
Pushloading is used in a variety of industries, particularly in large-scale earthmoving projects. Some common applications include:

• Road Construction: Pushloading scrapers are used to move large volumes of material quickly when building roads or highways. The technique speeds up the grading process and can help create smooth surfaces in less time.
  
• Mining: In mining, pushloading scrapers are often used to remove overburden and move materials efficiently. By increasing the speed of material removal, pushloading helps mining operations stay on schedule and meet production targets.
  
• Landscaping and Development: Large commercial landscaping or land development projects also use pushloading scrapers to move material quickly. The ability to move large quantities of earth with minimal passes is highly beneficial in these contexts.
  
• Dams and Reservoirs: In the construction of dams and reservoirs, pushloading scrapers can be used to quickly clear large amounts of earth, significantly speeding up the initial excavation work.
  

Challenges and Limitations of Pushloading
While pushloading scrapers offer many benefits, they are not without their challenges. Some of the limitations and issues that might arise in pushloading operations include:

1. Increased Fuel Consumption: Because the dozer is used in addition to the scraper, fuel consumption may increase. The combined operation requires more power from both machines, which can lead to higher operational costs.
   
2. Operator Coordination: Successful pushloading requires close coordination between the dozer and scraper operators. Miscommunication or poor timing can result in inefficient loading or loss of material.
   
3. Wear and Tear on Equipment: The added stress on both the scraper and the dozer can lead to increased wear and tear on components, including the hydraulic system and tires/tracks. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid breakdowns.
   
4. Terrain Limitations: While effective on many types of terrain, pushloading can become less efficient in certain conditions, such as extremely soft ground, where the dozer may struggle to provide enough force to push the scraper effectively.
   

Conclusion
Pushloading scrapers are a vital part of many earthmoving operations, offering increased efficiency, reduced operator fatigue, and higher productivity. By understanding the mechanics of the equipment, the techniques for effective use, and the best practices for maintaining the machinery, operators can ensure that their pushloading operations are as efficient as possible. Whether in construction, mining, or land development, pushloading scrapers help accelerate projects and move large quantities of material with minimal effort. However, proper training, regular maintenance, and coordination are key to fully leveraging the advantages of this technique.