A variety of company types produce and distribute GET. Most commonly, they include the OEMs, such as Caterpillar, Komatsu and Liebherr. But there are also players that specifically manufacture GET and other wear parts, with ESCO and Bradken among the major names that focus on the mining and construction industries.
Manufacturers utilize different processes when producing GET, which can have a significant impact on lifespan. At present, GET manufacturing processes involve either forging, casting or fabrication.
- Forging: Forged GET are the most durable. Chrome-moly alloy steel is used, which offers high tensile strength and ductility.
- Casting: Cast GET typically have a shorter lifespan than forged GET. However, they still offer good resistance and are a viable, cost-effective alternative. Cast GET are generally produced using medium-carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum steel.
- Fabrication: Fabricated GET typically have the shortest lifespan. They are made of two pieces – the blade and the clip. The blade encounters and penetrates soil more than the clip and thus is more prone to wear. They are made from chrome-nickel moly alloy steel.
For equipment users, it is important to choose GET carefully. In situations where GET items need frequent replacing, GET replacement strategies are crucial for budgeting, as unexpected change-outs can result in costly downtime.
GET lifespans are measured in machine hours, and generally range from 400 to 4,000 hours. The lifespan depends not only on the manufacturing process used, but also a variety of factors including the type of surface the GET come into contact with, the climate condition (GET are likely to wear out faster in humid climates) and the skill of equipment operators.
