Skip to content
When talking about material handling equipment such as excavators and bulldozers, engines and belts are often mentioned. But less visible components also play a critical role: pins, bolts, bushings and shims. These parts are crucial for reliability, longevity and efficiency.
Bolter: Connects moving parts so that the machine can work with precision and control. They are used, for example, on excavator arms and bulldozer blades to ensure precise movement and alignment.
Bushings: Mounted inside machine parts and act as bearings for pins. They reduce friction and wear, and ensure smooth rotation. Used on everything from earthmoving machinery and construction equipment to agricultural machinery and industrial equipment.
Spacer discs (shims): Compensates for wear and tear in moving joints such as the bucket link, stick or boom on excavators, and protects pins and bushings from unnecessary wear.
How to extend the life of these components?
Below are some suggestions for effective maintenance:
- Regular lubrication: Apply appropriate lubricants to pins and bushings according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This will reduce friction and wear, and extend the life of the components.
- Periodic inspections: Regularly check the condition of pins, bushings and shims for signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Replace worn or damaged components immediately.
- Preventive replacement: Schedule preventive replacement of pins, bushings and shims according to operating hours or manufacturer's instructions. This can help prevent unexpected failures and maintain optimal machine performance.
- Cleaning: Keep pins, bushings and shims clean and avoid accumulations of dirt, lubricant residues or other deposits that may prevent the components from working properly.
- Check the tolerances: Ensure that the tolerances between pins and bushings are in accordance with the requirements. Components that are out of tolerance can lead to premature wear and damage.
By following these recommendations and carrying out routine preventive maintenance, you can extend the service life of pins, bushings and shims on earthmoving and construction machinery, keep repair costs down and ensure reliable operation over time.
Bolts, Bushings, Shims and washers of brand ITR
Every year, USCO ITR delivers more than 100,000 bushings, 120,000 bolts, 180,000 pins and 100,000 shims.
USCO ITR offers perfectly interchangeable pins, bolts, bushings and washers to fit the original parts of excavators and mini-excavators from major brands such as Caterpillar®, Komatsu®, Volvo®, etc.
Contact us at Entrack AS for more information about the individual products. See what kind of parts we supply here