The Shire of Northampton in Western Australia is saving time and reducing risks through the use of an innovative tool designed by one of its long serving staff members.
After working in Council’s Maintenance Department for a number of years, Leading Hand and Grader Operator, Kevin Brown, decided there had to be an easier way to change grader blades. Within a week, he had designed and piloted a working model of the Grader Blade Safety Hanger, which Council now uses for all blade changes.
“Traditional methods of changing blades can result in back strain and present a common risk of dropping blades on your feet,” Kevin Brown said. “The Grader Blade Safety Hanger makes changing blades safer and much less time consuming, as operators can work with the blades at chest height, rather than working under the blades.”
Kevin Brown said the average blade weighs around 30 kilograms and needs to be changed every two to three days in hard ground condition and each month in standard conditions. He said that most operators change the blades themselves.
“Using the safety hanger, a set of blades weighing up to 42 kilograms can be changed in ten minutes using an air operated rattle gun,” Kevin Brown said. “This is saving half the normal down time, and over a year, could save a Council a lot of time and money.”
Kevin’s invention involves the installation of two brackets into existing bolt holes on the grader. The brackets allow the mouldboard/rotary to drop down to a comfortable working level. When the blade is released, it then hits the bracket and tilts forward so that it can be easily lifted out.
Kevin Brown said, when used correctly, the device is completely safe and totally eliminates risk of injury.
Northampton’s Grader Operators have now been using the system for 12 months.
CEO Garry Keefe said Council was keen to support Kevin’s invention, and assisted him with the time and tools he needed to develop it.
“The safety hangers are a small and simple invention, but extremely unique and clever in their design,” Garry Keefe said. “Once Kevin had finalised his design, Council engaged an engineering firm to obtain certification and ensure the safety of the device.”
Kevin Brown has now obtained a patent over his invention, and is currently showcasing the device to Councils across Western Australia.
The City of Albany, Chapman Valley Council and a number of contractors have already purchased the hangers. Tractor manufacturing companies, Deere and WesTrac, have also shown keen interest in incorporating Kevin’s invention into their new machine sales.
The Local Government Insurance services has recognised the safety of this tool and awarded Kevin a Safety Wise Award.
For further information visit www.goosesgadgets.com or contact Kevin Brown on 0429 341 200.
