TECH SUPPORT FAQ


OUTLET GATES

Here is a short instructional video about how to properly ID Miner gates in the field and order parts for each model.

Abuse during unloading—especially the misuse of high torque opening tools that lead to an issue called "gate timing." AAR specifications require opening mechanisms on these gates to have a breakaway torque of no greater than 400 ft. lbs. for 13" x 24" openings, and 700 ft. lbs. for 13" x 42" and 30" x 30" openings. Larger gates must not exceed 800 ft. lbs. breakaway torque. These mechanisms must also be able to withstand a static torque of 2000 ft. lbs. on outlets when a power wrench is used.
Miner outlet gates are designed to withstand operating torques well above AAR minimums; however, some unloaders use powered openers that exceed 10, 000 ft. lbs. of torque. To prevent damage to the gate structure, Miner's AutoLOK II unique lost motion design allows the gate pinions to slip against the rack. When this happens, the gate will still open and close, but not properly lock.
This is called an "out of time gate." The pinions need to be "retimed" before they'll lock again.
This video below will walk you through how to "retime" your gates.

Here's a short instructional video about the importance of mounting flange flatness.


SIDE BEARINGS

Yes, there is a 5-year shelf life for the TecsPak pads within side bearings that are stored on shelves. To learn how to locate and check manufacturing date stamps, watch this short video below.
For additional information visit the online Field Guide.

Properly measuring the set up height for a Miner constant contact side bearing is vital. Depending on the model, the setup height at installation should be 5 1/16" +/- 1/16". For block style side bearings (typically low profile), the setup height is 5/8" +/- 1/16". This short instructional video will show the proper way to measure this value.

The short answer is a quarter (1/4) of a teaspoon, for new cars only. This video will help explain why.

Truck hunting is a speed based phenomena that happens when the wheels "hunt" to find their rolling center on the rails. Typically at higher speeds, the wheels over steer themselves making it hard to stabilize. Miner CCSBs combine the robust preload of a TecsPak spring with a tight gap between the top cap and housing to create a frictional turning resistance to dampen truck hunting. Miner's online field guide provides guidance on how to inspect side bearings to ensure optimal performance.
Here is a link to an instructional video about truck hunting:

Miner's patented TecsPak material not only provide a robust preload over time but is extremely efficient at absorbing energy when cOnline Fsorp Gon ativated when the rail car is negotiation some track irregularities that cause the car body to rock and roll. During each vertical closure of the side bearing, the TecsPak spring is working to cushion the energy transmitted to the rail car and commodity. Here is a short video illustrating this:

Miner's online field guide provides guidance on how to inspect side bearings to ensure optimal performance.

The AAR mandated Long Travel side bearings be applied to all new cars starting in 2002. The benefits of long travel side bearings were proven out on the test tracks at TTCI. Long Travel refers to vertical distance between the top cap and housing, which is nominally 5/8''. Proving double the clearance to Standard Travel side bearings, 5/16'', Long Travel side bearing allow the truck to enter and exit curves more reliably and safely. Here is short video illustrating how Miner Long Travel CCSB improve curve negotiation:

The key to long travel is installing the side bearing at the correct Setup Height. Miner's online field guide provides guidance on how to install side bearings to ensure optimal performance.


DRAFT GEARS

The draft gear's job is to manage the energy associated with pushing, pulling, starting, stopping, and coupling rail cars. Learn a bit about the basics surrounding how Miner draft gears actually do this, via this short video:

This short video covers basic steps for properly inspecting draft gear pockets in railcars:

Click here to learn more at Draft Gear Overview.


HATCH COVERS

The AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices, Section C, S-2037 3.3.1, calls for a Gasket Compression requirement commonly called a Dollar Bill test. A slip of paper roughly the size of a dollar bill is placed along the combing and the hatch cover is closed and the batton bars are secured. The paper must have resistance when being pulled outward. This resistance shows compression of the gasket that seals the hatch covers, protecting the commodity.
Here is a short instructional video about the test:

Learn more about hatch covers »:

It should be rather easy to remove the packaging, following the steps in this video. Other than a box cutter and maybe a crowbar, no other specialty tools are required. Here's a video that illustrates the process:


RUNNING BOARD

This short video tutorial illustrates the ordering process:


BALLAST MOW OUTLETS

Miner offers manual, air-powered and electric powered models, all of which are suitable for both retrofit and new car builds. For an overview of options, view this short video:


RAPID DISCHARGE SYSTEMS

Two methods activate the system: the electric touch pad, and the buttons on the valves. Both require the system to have AT LEAST 70 psi air pressure to operate properly. To open the doors, hold the electrical leads firmly against the pad for two (2) full seconds to ensure the charge activates the system. To close the doors, simply reverse the polarity of the leads on the touch pad. Here is a short video illustrating both options:

Miner's the Auto Type G double-link door operating mechanism provides safer, faster, more trouble-free unloading of dense materials, such as coal, aggregate, rock, limestone and ore, from open-top hopper cars. Miner's Auto Type G rapid discharge solution is simple to install on new build cars as well as retrofitting existing cars. The mechanism is designed to open, close and safely secure each discharge door on the car. Both center-sill and side- mount models are covered, as well as a variety of control options.
The Auto Type G mechanism allows a single person to safely and efficiently operate all the doors—independently or simultaneously (as an optional upgrade)–from either side of the train. Learn more via this short video overview:

Miner's fully automated bottom discharge system is designed to unload coal or other bulk material at speeds ranging from one-half to three miles per hour, over trestles or into pits. The AutoMEC is an air-operated, double-link door linkage system that maximizes reliability, minimizes door adjustments and reduces maintenance costs over the life of the car. With over a century of experience, unrivaled commitment to engineering, state-of-the-art manufacturing and proven reliability, Miner's rapid discharge systems are the most widely specified in the industry. Learn more via this short video:




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