Underground mining infrastructure systems supplier Becker Mining South Africa (SA) has added hydrau- lic torque wrenches to its range of Simplex hydraulic and mechanical maintenance equipment, which are designed for heavy- duty bolting applications during maintenance on the mines.
“Maintenance crews require a faster and more accurate way of loosening and tightening bolts. For example, filters in refineries need to be changed regularly and require reliable and robust maintenance equipment. Simplex torque wrenches are lighter, faster and more reliable than other products on the market, which is why many companies have standardised on Simplex wrenches and pumps for all maintenance tasks,” says Becker Mining SA product manager Eugene Davids.
He adds that these hydraulic torque wrenches have a light weight, a high torque ratio and cope efficiently with the toughest bolting tasks. Both square drive and low clearance units, which are designed for maximum strength, have an accuracy of about 3%. The slim nose radius enables easy positioning in confined areas and no-leak couplers swivel on a double axis for easy operation.
Simplex square drive wrenches have push through drives in ¾", 1" and 1 ½" models that eliminate the need to pull the drive out of a wrench, to change drive direction. These units are able to switch from loosen to tighten instantly and have a 27º stroke for high performance and speed. An antibacklash mechanism prevents the tool from back driving and an internal reaction arm spline enables the operator to react against the tool body without any risk of damage.
Further, Simplex low clearance torque wrenches have a patented flat cylinder piston design that allows drive units to operate efficiently in confined spaces where conventional wrenches cannot be used. The lightweight construction of these units enables easy carrying and positioning, and special plating, during manufacture, offers resistance against corrosion.
“Optional accessories, including square drive wrenches, sockets and hex adaptors, couplers and gauges, as well as torque power units, are available to enhance performance in any application. Simplex power units, used in conjunction with square drive and low clearance wrenches, provide precision torquing and reduce downtime,” highlights Davids.
Becker Mining SA’s diverse range of hydraulic equipment includes cylinders, jacks, pumps, tools, punches, presses and specially designed accessories. This equipment is designed for use during production, testing, manufacturing, construction and maintenance in diverse industries.