The Hensley Bladesaver QM loader lip system, currently available for Komatsu WA500 and equivalent-sized loaders, is a fully integrated bucket lip system that offers 100% protection along the front edge of the bucket – resulting in reduced wear on the base lip.

According to Komatsu Australia business development manager for ground engaging tools Rod McCallum, the Bladesaver system – which incorporates fully mechanical wear components for ease of fitment and removal – provides a streamlined profile for better penetration and loading.

It also provides a completely smooth lip underside, further increasing production, reducing tyre wear, and increasing operator comfort, he said.

“The Bladesaver system is fully integrated, so that each individual component fits together and is held securely in place both individually and by the other components,” he said.

“All shrouds and teeth are fully mechanical, based around Hensley’s unique hammerless pin system, which only requires conventional tooling/sockets to remove and replace them.

“This eliminates the need to use hammers when changing components, greatly reducing the risk of injury to service personnel.”

He said having the lip edge completely flush with the bottom of the bucket helped operators keep the quarry floor smooth and rock-free, reducing tyre damage and providing a more comfortable work environment.

“This flush-floor feature is unique to Komatsu ground engaging systems, and has proven benefits for quarry operators,” McCallum said.

“As well, our unique flush-style adapters allow for greater lip shroud wear consumption, and provide a greater weld area and strength than standard flush adapters.

“We also offer corner adapters to add greater strength and wear-resistance for bucket corners, along with mechanical wear caps as a standard offering.”

The integrated lip shrouds and teeth – with each tooth providing additional retention for the lip shrouds – provide full protection for the bucket lip, and substantially increased lip life.

“This system offers full lip coverage, with minimal gaps between each shroud and tooth,” said McCallum.

“And each lip shroud is also 100% mechanical, using hammerless fastenings – augmented by the tooth retention system.”

Mechanical end caps can also be quickly and easily changed over, and provide complete protection for the outer edges of the bucket.

A universal vertical shroud offers increased protection for the bucket walls, with a single part able to be used in multiple locations – both left-hand and right-hand sides of the bucket. It can also be “stacked” for increased wall protection, and rotated for increased wear life.

The Bladesaver system also features a new square-shaped tooth design, with a square pocket and nose to ensure greater strength.

As with all other components, they incorporate Hensley’s hammerless pin system for quick, safe and easy tooth changeout.

“Because of this quick tooth changeout, teeth can be easily rotated along the various lip positions, for higher wear utilisation,” McCallum said.