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1
I. INTRODUCTION
Fast, safe and economical unloading of covered hopper cars continues to be a problem
at most unloading sites. One of the biggest contributors to this problem is the often
time-consuming and difficult job of opening and closing bottom gates or doors of these
hopper cars. Load compaction, weather conditions, age, abuse, or corrosive or gritty
bulk materials can combine to prevent gate mechanisms from operating smoothly.
Regardless of cause, the costs associated with the problem are significant. Delays in
emptying the hopper cars means slow car turnaround, increased demurrage costs, and
interrupted production schedules. Even more importantly, the chance of worker injury is
high since at many unloading sites, clumsy or dangerous makeshift tools are used
during the “fight” to open a stubborn gate.
To meet our commitment of “WE FIND A WAY – OR MAKE ONE
®
”, WORKMASTER
has developed a line of Hopper Car Gate Openers and accessories which provide a safe,
efficient and economical solution to the problem of opening easy, medium and hard-to-
open hopper car gates.
There are pneumatic, electric and manual units available producing 1,000 to 13,000 ft.
lbs. of torque to eliminate the need for "cheater” bars, sledge hammers, jacks and other
improper tools sometimes used on this difficult job.
This Operation Manual details the specifications, operation, maintenance and safe use
of the GO-A13-HA Pneumatic Hopper Car Gate Opener. Experience has shown that
the GO-A13-HA Opener will open the most difficult car gates. However, the same
experience demonstrates that total satisfaction in use depends on attention to detail in
operating and maintaining the unit.
IMPORTANT
All persons involved in the operation and
maintenance of this equipment should be
thoroughly familiar with the contents of this
manual.
