The Nord-Lock Expander System is a specialized pivot pin solution designed and manufactured by the Nord-Lock Group to permanently eliminate lug wear in machinery pivots. It serves as an advanced replacement for traditional straight pins.
Here's a breakdown of the system:
- What it is: The Expander System is an assembly typically consisting of:
- An axle (pin) with tapered ends.
- Two slotted expansion sleeves that fit over the tapered ends.
- Two tension washers.
- Two fasteners (nuts or bolts).
- How it Works:
- The system is installed directly into the existing pivot lugs (bores), even if they are worn.
- As the fasteners are tightened, the tension washers push the expansion sleeves up the tapered ends of the axle.
- The sleeves expand outwards, conforming precisely to the shape of the lug holes, including any wear patterns.
- This creates a tight, pressure-distributed fit, locking the system securely into the lugs from both sides.
- This eliminates the play (clearance) inherent in conventional pin systems, which is the root cause of lug wear.
- The tapered design also facilitates easier installation and removal compared to traditional pins, often using standard hand tools.
Applications: The Expander System is widely used in pivots across numerous industries and heavy-duty machinery, including:
- Construction (excavators, cranes, wheel loaders, bulldozers)
- Mining (haul trucks, shovels, dredgers, breaker booms)
- Forestry (harvesters, grapples)
- Agriculture
- Railways (rolling stock)
- Offshore (meeting specific standards like DNV and API)
- Wind Turbines
- Manufacturing and Processing (steel mills, paper mills)
- Bridges (movable sections)
- Military vehicles
- Custom expedition vehicles
