InfraStructures - June/July 2015 - New ContiTech Bushing Impresses With Long Service Life

New ContiTech Bushing Impresses With Long Service Life

Heavy transportation loads and uneven terrain: Components in construction vehicles have to withstand the most extreme conditions. ContiTech has developed a heavy-duty bushing for Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) for use in particularly challenging applications. Mounted on the rear axle, it ensures optimum damping in articulated haulers of the full-suspension (FS) type.

For several years now, Volvo CE has been using elastomer bushings in this type of construction vehicle as the connecting element between the hydraulic spring strut and axle. Volvo CE approached ContiTech Vibration Control in order to substantially reduce maintenance work on this component. ContiTech Vibration Control acted as an engineering partner and assisted Volvo CE in developing a bushing with a much longer life than the component used to date.

“Our engineers faced a particular challenge in terms of the material,” reports Dr. Stefan Narberhaus, Head of Industry Development at ContiTech Vibration Control. “There should be minimal loss of shape to the material, even under heavy loads. But at the same time, the component should retain its rigidity and fit into the available space without changing the connecting parts. We found the right rubber compound to combine these properties.” The engineers also adapted the geometry of the bushing, thus optimizing its durability.

Source: ContiTech AG

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