An enterprising team from Field Machinery (Maintenance) {FM (M)} of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has successfully overhauled a long-down BEML chain dozer model BD-155, thereby significantly enhancing its lifespan and operational reliability. This innovative effort, accomplished using in-house resources, has resulted in substantial savings for the company.
The dozer, procured in 2011, had been non-operational due to a defective engine assembly, hydraulic pump, worn-out undercarriage rollers, and a rusted cabin body. With the monsoon approaching, the need for a functional chain dozer at the coke ovens and Traffic & Raw Materials Yard became critical. Previously, dozer requirements in these areas were managed by shifting equipment from the CFO or CPP-I areas, leading to increased wear and tear on moving parts and road damage. The FM (M) team in the RMD zone took up the challenge to revamp the BD-155 dozer to address the issue.
The overhaul of the BEML chain dozer involved several key steps, including the overhauling of a Cummins engine of the same horsepower and modifications to the engine foundation base, coupled with the dozer’s power transmission system. A new hydraulic pump replaced the defective one. The undercarriage rollers were dismantled, reconditioned, and refitted along with the chain assembly. The dozer cabin was repaired, with all accessories and the electrical wiring system successfully installed. Finally, the dozer was painted and tested for optimal operation. These refurbishments are expected to extend the dozer’s life by another five years, ensuring reliable deployment at the operational site.
It is worth mentioning that the company would have to spend around Rs. 3 Crore to procure a new chain dozer. The in-house repair cost of the equipment was only Rs. 3.55 lakhs, which also resulted in a cost saving of around Rs. 40.00 lakhs due to the in-house reconditioning of the engine and track rollers. The revamped dozer was tested successfully and pressed into service on 26th July 2024 in the presence of Mr. R N Rajendran, CGM(M) and Mr. Ravi Ranjan, CGM (Design & Shops).
The high performance FM (M) expert technicians comprising Mr. K B Sahoo, Mr. Sarat Parida, Mr. Manmohan Behera, Mr. Badri Maharana, Mr. K C Bandha, Mr. G N Murmu and Mr. Rajendra Sahoo, led by Mr. B K Nayak, Junior Officer, FM (M), executed the project under the supervision of Mr. Pritam Kujur, DGM, FM (M) and Mr. S S Paul, GM In-Charge, FM (M), and the guidance of Mr. Abaksh Mallick, GM In-Charge (FM (M) & Transport) executed the job
