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PCCA Journal|3
rd
Quarter 2015
47
Member News
Subsite Electronics
Unveils NewWebsite
S
ubsite Electronics, a Charles Machine Works company,
has unveiled its new mobile-friendly website. Guided
by customer input, the site provides utility, pipeline,
telecom, and other underground construction professionals
easy access to information regarding Subsite’s unique selec-
tion of underground awareness products for enhanced jobsite
safety and productivity.
The new responsive site is available via desktop, laptop,
tablets, and mobile devices, giving users convenient and
quick access to information, whether they’re on the jobsite
or at the office. The site also includes time-saving software
updates for Subsite Electronics products. Users can easily
access a find-a-dealer tool to locate the nearest Ditch Witch
dealership, from which Subsite products are sold.
The new site is an extension of the Subsite Electronics
commitment to providing innovative, integrated, and reliable
electronics to help facilitate the installation and maintenance
of buried pipe and cable. Through decades of innovations,
the company delivers a comprehensive suite of electronic
products serving the underground construction professional,
including HDD guidance systems, utility locators, and equip-
ment machine controls.
Roller Cones Need Love Too
The following tool tips were provided by PCCA member Radius
HDD.
With the increasing power and capability of today’s HDD
rigs, more boring contractors are turning to roller cones to
succeed in hard conditions.
Whether it’s a Single Roller Cone pilot bit or a Hole Opener
designed with roller cone cutters, keeping the internal bear-
ings greased is often overlooked. Many HDD operators are
unfamiliar with roller cone technology and not aware that
roller cones can (and should) be greased.
The two most common roller cones used in HDD are
Sealed Roller Bearings and Friction Bearings; both require
greasing for proper operation.
A word of caution: Over greasing a sealed bearing roller
cone can result in blowing the seal and damaging the cone.
Knowing when to apply grease is important!
If the cone rolls somewhat freely, it is likely the grease has
broken down. A new application will protect and extend the
life of the internal bearings.
Both bearing and friction roller cones have a grease port
located near the bearing cavity. It is usually plugged with a
set screw. If the bit is worn, it might take a little searching to
find.
Remove the plug and screw in a grease zerk fitting com-
mon with your grease gun. Apply 2 to 3 pumps of grease
and check the results on the “roll” of the cone. It should be
more firm and require additional effort to spin. If it is still too
loose, apply two more pumps of grease and check the spin
again. Be sure to remove the zerk and re-seal the cavity with
the set screw. Contamination (dirt and fluid) and friction
(heat) are the two primary causes of premature cone failures.
Reminding your crews to clean and grease your tools
Continued on page 48