It doesn’t matter where you go in life – you’re going to find maximum capacities. A maximum capacity is simply the highest level that something is rated for. As an example, a rollercoaster can only safely support a certain amount of weight. That’s its maximum capacity. A mug can only hold a certain level of liquid. A car can only support so much weight before components start buckling under pressure. With these maximum capacities everywhere, who exactly monitors them?
Well, in the case of a mug, it’s visibly obvious if you exceed the maximum capacity. The liquid spills over the sides, and there’s a mess to clean up. But consider an excavator on a work site, lifting large piles of debris and moving it to another location. It’s not necessarily easy to see whether the excavator bucket is overloaded or not.
In this article, we’re going to find out what capacity monitoring is, and why it’s so crucial to be accurate.
What is capacity monitoring?
Certain types of machinery, such as excavators and other earthmoving equipment, all have lifting capacities. This means that each machine is built to lift a certain material weight safely. Capacity monitoring is the process of monitoring machines (and operators) to ensure maximum weight capacity isn’t exceeded.
To effectively monitor weight vs lifting/carrying capacity, you typically use a device known as a Rated Capacity Indicator. There are plenty of reasons why capacity monitoring is important, and we’ll touch on these below.
Protecting workers
Practically the most important aspect of any work environment is employee safety. Maintaining a safe work site ensures that workers, visitors, and anybody else on the site can go home to their families. Maximum-rated capacities exist primarily for safety reasons, which is why accuracy in monitoring is so important.
For example, imagine you’re using an excavator to move rubble from a demolition site. You overload the bucket a little bit because you figure the machine can handle it. All of a sudden, the machine can’t handle it. A component breaks, the excavator’s arm falls, and workers are severely injured or crushed. It’s an extreme example, but it indicates how quickly things can go bad if you don’t accurately monitor the weights being lifted by your machinery.
Extending machinery life
Humans are always the primary concern on work sites, but the balance sheet controls many other decisions in the construction industry. Everyone is in business to make money, and that means minimising expenses as much as possible.
In very simple terms, every time you overload a piece of lifting machinery, you put undue stress on internal parts and components. Joints become weaker, bolts may loosen, or even more serious issues can occur. Ultimately, you cause unnecessary wear and tear on machinery by overloading it. This leads to increased machinery downtime. Repair and servicing costs go up. Your machinery also won’t last as long, so you’ll need to invest in new gear much earlier than expected.
So, if you want to continue making good profits, invest in accurate capacity monitoring equipment and look after your machinery.
Regulatory requirements
Another place you’ll find rated capacity indicators is in the rail system. Naturally, trains, trams, and other vehicles also have a rated capacity – a weight that they can safely carry. Vehicles mustn’t exceed their rated capacity to ensure the safety of all passengers and the general public.
So, in the rail network and beyond, you’ll find businesses using dedicated rated capacity indicators to ensure compliance with industry regulations. Using these ultra-intelligent systems removes the risk of human error that could otherwise see you breach a workplace law.
What is a Rated Capacity Indicator?
A rated capacity indicator is a device used to monitor maximum capacities. Here at Earthmoving Technology Solutions, we recommend the GKD Series 3 Rated Capacity Indicator as the premium choice on the market. Basically, its job is to stop machines from lifting or carrying more than they are supposed to.
These rated capacity indicators use a variety of sensors to determine the load, height, and slew of a machine’s operation. The machine is programmed with the maximum capacities of your machinery, so it automatically detects if something is amiss. Operators receive an alert if their machine is overloaded.
Impressively, the GKD Series 3 indicator features motion cut technology. The system automatically cuts the machine’s motion if safe working limits have been exceeded. This is a further safeguard and protective measure against accidents and equipment damage.
Need help with capacity monitoring?
If you need expert advice on capacity monitoring, Earthmoving Technology Solutions is here to help. We supply the GKD Series 3 Rated Capacity Indicator, and our team of professionals always offers honest advice free of charge. If you’re not sure exactly what you need, simply contact our team and we’ll be more than happy to discuss your needs.