Engineering Lightweight Cab Structures
Utilizing Aluminum Fabrication and Weldments
For each application, heavy equipment OEMs have different, sometimes very strict requirements for a machine’s operator cab, including size and weight. In the example of a deicing machine, cabs will oftentimes sit at the end of a boom, being positioned around an airplane, and that boom is typically rated for a specific load weight. To maintain safety and durability, however, you still need to ensure a level of rigidity and strength. How do you achieve both design goals? When faced with this challenge, the GS Global Resources team employed aluminum fabrication methods to create a primarily aluminum cab. This allowed us to meet a very strict target weight, even while utilizing a steel substructure to maintain that solid foundation.
“All customers want as much visibility as possible. So the the windows on this cab, we we gave them a range of visibility in front of them, left, right, behind them, and then above them as well. Not only is just to get as much light into the cab, but also keep the operator aware of all of his surroundings.”
There were a variety of other design elements that supported our engineers meeting those weight requirements. For example, as this machine works in cold, often severe, weather conditions, heat and air circulation is a big consideration. To avoid overloading the cab, we utilized a very lightweight electric heat solution. But without an AC element, there is no dehumidification built in to a larger HVAC system. To solve this problem, we utilized a pop-out vented window in the back of the cab, bringing in fresh dry air from outside the cab.
“The design cycle for this cab was relatively quick in terms of populating the inside with the components the customer needed because we offers a wide range of existing designs. So we used a existing GS arm pod design. We were able to populate it with the switch and CAN controls the OEM needed.”
Take a look at the video above as one of our Engineering Team Leads takes a closer look at this lightweight, aluminum cab and how our engineering team works creatively alongside OEMs to meet all technical or application requirement. Contact us today to find out how we can help achieve your next machine and cab goals.
