In the spring of 2015, the American Cement Company, based in Sumterville, Florida started looking for a competent chain technology partner. It needed to develop a unique limestone recovery system. The team from KÖBO USA took on the project and turned it into a success story that they are still writing together today.
Even from the very first look at the coarse limestone it was obvious that the wear protection for the chains and buckets posed a very particular challenge. In addition to the size of the limestone, its moisture content and toughness were a real problem. With the previously used system, this continuously led to considerable damage, with the buckets regularly breaking off at the welded seams of the chain attachments. “Due to the circumstances with the crusher and the extreme general conditions in the underwater mine, this was also a unique optimization project for us,” explains Carlos Soteldo, Engineer and Sales Manager for KÖBO USA.

After some tests conducted together with American Cement, Carlos Soteldo and his team came up with a chain design capable of complying with all the dimensions. The key factor was having more power for the dynamics with a new size of socket. Furthermore, the link rhythm was adjusted so that each bucket now has to draw less material – but with the same performance. “Our customers have experience in their industry. But when it comes to the chains, sprockets and attachments, we are the experts. That is why it is important for us to work hand in hand. This is the only way to develop successful solutions,” states Dominik Stracke, CEO of KÖBO USA.

The entire system was delivered in autumn 2015, just six months after the initial contact. The installation was carried out single-handedly by American Cement itself. Particularly pleasing is that with a higher chain weight, it was still possible to reduce energy consumption. This is due to the KÖBO rollers that are specially mounted on the outside. These rollers minimize the friction and can be altered when rollers are replaced without taking apart the chain.
There is still a high level of communication between KÖBO and American Cement today. The company therefore reports that its limestone output is significantly more balanced and that the system also remains in long-term operation without problems. “The continuous material flow has also helped us with the downstream processes. Thanks to the support of the CHAIN PEOPLE from KÖBO USA we are now literally carrying out more,” says a satisfied Osmarino Rogacheski, Maintenance Manager at American Cement.