Expander® System pivot pins for surface mining & quarry equipment maintenance

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Lug wear is a common problem with all machinery. Using a traditional straight pivot pin means you’ll have to do the lug bore repair again sooner or later. Repairs often involve a costly, time-consuming process with significant downtime which must be repeated several times over a machine’s life. With the Expander System, the repair can be carried out directly in the worn mountings without welding and line boring. We specialize in their design to extend operation, shorten downtime, simplify installation and removal, and permanently eliminate lug wear.

The story of Expander System begins in the 1950s, sparked by a simple and reoccurring problem. With a loose joint and a rusty nail, a powerful idea was born to rethink how pivot pins could perform under pressure. What followed was a journey of innovation, engineering excellence, and a relentless drive to solve one of the most persistent challenges in heavy machinery. Today, over a half decade later, Expander System has been installed more than two million times to overcome lug wear and repair challenges all over the world.

Traditional straight pins in heavy machinery pivot applications often present a range of operational and maintenance challenges. These pins are prone to premature failure, which can result in costly repairs and extended machinery downtime. Maintenance procedures such as line boring and lancing are not only time-consuming but also require specialized equipment and skilled labor, making repairs both expensive and potentially dangerous. In addition, the removal and installation of traditional straight pins can be difficult, further increasing downtime and reducing productivity. The wear and tear on lugs caused by repeated pin replacements also adds to long-term equipment degradation and maintenance costs.

The Expander System pivot pins offer a smarter, more efficient alternative that eliminates many of these issues.

• Safer & faster to install and remove
• Lasts longer than traditional straight pins
• No lancing or line boring required
• No lug wear with the expander system 
• Lower downtime for repairs
• Can be replaced in the field

The Expander System pins are available for a wide range of equipment such as Caterpillar Haul Trucks, Komatsu Haul Trucks, Dozers, Excavators, Wheel Loaders and other machinery such as rock breakers. Learn more on the models in the mentioned equipment here.

In northern Canada, around Fort McMurray, vast land areas contain petroleum deposits that are extracted through oil sands mining. These surface-level operations require heavy-duty machinery and ongoing technical support to stay productive.

Just north of Fort McMurray lies one of SMS Equipment’s largest branches—strategically located to support the heart of Canada’s oil sands and mining operations. As a world-class provider of heavy equipment solutions and one of the largest independent Komatsu dealers globally with over 40 branches, SMS Equipment supplies the equipment, parts, and services needed to keep these critical operations running efficiently. The branch employs approximately 600 people and plays a key role in maintaining machine fleets and performing on-site assembly of large mining machinery, such as haul trucks, for industry-leading mining companies.

Based on their positive experiences with Expander, SMS Equipment decided to use Expander pins as original components when piecing together a Komatsu 980E haul truck. This meant that the Expander System was installed on all pivot pin positions of the truck.

Previously, SMS Equipment used Expander pins primarily as a spare parts solution for aftermarket repairs and maintenance. Therefore, the project with the Komatsu 980E was unique since it marked the first time Expander pins were installed in a brand-new Komatsu.

Whether for safety, time or cost saving reasons, SMS Equipment leverages the Expander System for its ability to support technicians in performing safer and more efficient installation, removal, and maintenance on haul trucks. The use of multiple smaller bolts simplifies installation, while the Expander technology eliminates the need for traditional removal methods such as lancing or forcefully driving pins out of the bores. SMS Equipment also utilized the Expander System’s slide hammer, which, once inserted, enables both pushing and pulling of the pins for easier removal.

Watch the video to see SMS Equipment fitting Expander pins on the Komatsu 980E, including the multi-bolt pivot pin and slide hammer in action, and hear them elaborate on more benefits of the Expander System.

Our production facilities around the world are equipped to enable high-speed manufacturing and delivery of complete pivot assemblies. We invest in the latest production technology to ensure maximum capability and quality, and we produce all parts of the Expander System. Based on your needs, we deliver certificates and perform testing. For example, certificates according to EN10204 or Ultrasonic-, Magnetic particle- and Charpy testing.

From rigorous testing based on strict quality standards, in-house and out in the field, Expander products come with a function warranty. Provided installation and maintenance are done correctly, our products will eliminate future lug wear and perform as intended.

Expander offers smart solutions to tough problems – regardless of the make, model or age of the equipment. Afterall, strength of your machine is defined by its pivot.

Web: www.nord-lock.com