Development of the Accelerated Life Test Method & Life Test Equipment for the Counterweight of the Construction Machinery

A large-sized exciter that vibrates a two-ton component is required to simulate the field operating conditions of a counterweight of an excavator. However, it is difficult for a small-medium sized company to obtain a large exciter for the life test of a counterweight which is an equivalent counterbalancing weight that balances a load. Therefore, in this study, we developed life test equipment for evaluating the reliability of construction machinery weighing about two tons. It simulates the field operating conditions using rotational vibrators consisting of electric motors. A failure analysis of the counterweight was also performed for the major components. Field data acquired from various sites were applied to the life test design of the counterweight. Finally, a zero-failure qualification test based on the accelerated life test was designed, and there was no failure during the test, which guarantees a B-5 life of 10,000 hours.