CATERPILLAR

About Scrapers

Open bowl scrapers often require a push-cat, i.e. they require a tracked dozer, or similar, to push from behind to cut hard materials, and thus load the scraper.

Tandem scrapers have two engines, i.e. separate tractor and scraper engines. This configuration increases traction in steep or slippery areas. These still require a push-cat to load properly unless they are working with materials that are soft or loose, materials such as coal (with a coal bowl), or when grooming fill material for new road construction.

Some tandem scrapers have a push-pull attachment. This arrangement concentrates the combined horsepower of two such machines onto one cutting edge. The push-pull attachment allows two individual scrapers to act as a self-loading system, typically loading both machines in less than a minute, one after the other.

Elevating scrapers are self-loading. These are typically open bowl scrapers with a looping elevator mechanism that feeds material into the bowl, and conditions it as it works. Augers are also self-loading, but are seen less frequently.