What is the role of excavator counterweight

When you see the big sexy ass of the excavator, have you wondered why you should carry iron? Why add a burden to the already slightly bulky excavator? Doesn't it cost gas?

First of all, this piece of iron on the bottom of the excavator is called a counterweight. Of course, some are concrete, some are iron sand or others. Different brands may use different methods, but the truth is the same. So, what exactly is it used for?

The weight of the walking chassis of the excavator is basically fixed, and the center of gravity is relatively low. However, the position of the center of gravity on the upper part of the excavator changes greatly, because the position of the working device often changes during the operation of the excavator, the full or empty bucket of the bucket, and the reaction force of the soil during excavation, which will cause excavation. The position of the center of gravity of the upper part of the machine slewing platform is constantly changing.

The counterweight is to balance these moments ， so that the center of gravity of the excavator is always kept near the center of rotation and the overall balance is maintained.

In recent years, many excavators have been modified with extended arms to meet the needs of engineering. Due to the lengthening of the large and small arms, the overall center of gravity deviates too much from the excavator, and the weight of the excavator itself is not enough to make the excavator work securely. Therefore, it is necessary to add a certain amount of counterweight. Of course, the increase of the counterweight depends on the tonnage and the modified extension arm. The 30-tonne 18-meter model does not require an additional counterweight. Based on this standard, you can appropriately reduce the tonnage or extend the arm. In the case of a longer point, add 1-2 tons of counterweight. The specific weight of the counterweight that needs to be added still needs to be communicated with the designer to avoid the danger of working due to insufficient counterweight affecting the balance of the excavator, and avoid excessively increasing the counterweight to increase the excavator’s compliance and reduce the use of the excavator life.

There is also the material, although Q235 can be used, after all, the yield is a bit low, it is recommended to use all Q345 boards.

Huitong will help the excavator calculate the weight of the counterweight that needs to be increased in terms of counterweight, and give customers a reasonable counterweight increase plan.