When Caterpillar first announced its decision to move away from the Cat reusable coupling system and replace it with the No-Skive coupling series many people were apprehensive about the change. After all, Cat reusable couplings have been around since the late 60s; they have also been the only high pressure reusable coupling system on the market for many years.

"Once seen in operation, though, customers soon appreciate that this latest Caterpillar R&D innovation is designed with the express purpose of improving efficiencies still further," explains Barloworld Equipment group product specialist, Paul Verwey. (Barloworld Equipment is Caterpillar's southern African dealer).

Cat XT No-Skive couplings (seen here) provide several benefits, a key one being lower inventory costs. That's because each No-Skive coupling satisfies the requirements for Cat XT-3, XT-5 and XT-6ES and ToughGuard hoses.

Some Dash 6 and Dash 8 No-Skive couplings replace as many as five couplings each. Additionally, as the name implies, No-Skive couplings eliminate the need for the hose to be skived prior to assembly. In addition to reducing labour and assembly time, it also reduces the chance for installation error and system contamination from rubber particles.

Additionally, XT No-Skive couplings can be pushed on by hand in the Dash 6 and Dash 8 sizes while maintaining enough grip to ensure orientation placement, all while eliminating the need for a pusher. The swaged nut and improved plating process on each coupling results in more consistent torque readings and easier hose assembly installation.

"Previously you could only use an XT 3ES coupling on an XT 3ES hose and the same applied with Caterpillar XT 5ES and XT 6ES hoses," says Verwey. "This meant having to carry one coupling for each pressure hose. Now, however, with the new No-Skive system one coupling will fit on all three hose pressure ratings."

www.barloworld-equipment.com