Can We Save This Cracked Final Drive Spindle Off a CAT 793 Mining Truck

Watch a detailed 29-minute workshop video documenting the challenging repair process of a cracked final drive spindle from a Caterpillar 793 mining truck. Follow along as Cutting Edge Engineering Australia tackles the salvage of this critical component from a 300-tonne haul truck, beginning with surface preparation through sandblasting to remove old paint. Learn about magnetic particle testing using Magnaflux equipment and magnetic ink to detect cracks across the entire spindle diameter. Discover how initial inspection reveals not only the three small cracks originally identified by the customer, but also a larger, previously undetected crack on the opposite side of the spindle that sits right at the limit of salvageable tolerance. Observe the systematic crack removal process using various grinding tools including 5-inch discs, policurve discs, and die grinders to chase and eliminate the damaged material. Witness the thorough re-testing procedure with Magnaflux to verify complete crack removal, and see the unexpected results that surprised even the experienced machinists. Gain insights into the extreme stresses placed on mining equipment components and the specialized techniques required to assess whether heavily damaged parts can be successfully restored to service.