Unique TwistLink® dragline chain makes every bucket count.

PORTLAND, OR – JULY 2008 – Dragline operators sometimes need to watch their weight – rigging weight, that is.

When Columbia Steel was looking for a way to improve the design of conventional dragline chain, “it was all about the weight,” says product engineer Steve Doan. “We wanted a design that would reduce weight and still maintain flexibility and strength.”

Why reduce weight? “When removing overburden, you want to make every bucket count,” explains Tony Miotke, Columbia Product Engineering Manager. “Weight reduction translates into increased production, because lower rigging weight allows for more payload per bucket.”

TwistLink chain has demonstrated excellent reliability in both hoist and drag applications. The unique double-pitch design can reduce chain weight up to 18% when compared to conventional chain. Its increased surface area in the bite region of each link and increased cross-sectional strength improves wearability. TwistLink’s notable resistance to abrasion and ability to handle impact are the results of Columbia’s H-series alloy, which combines high tensile strength and toughness.

Columbia Steel is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. The 86-acre facility is home to an on-site product design and engineering department and full-service steel casting foundry. They will be exhibiting at Booth 6075 in MINExpo’s Central Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada, from September 22 to 24, 2008.

For more information about Columbia Steel, please visit: www.columbiasteel.com

All trademarks or product names are the property of their respective owners. Columbia, CS mark, and TwistLink are trademarks of Columbia Steel Casting Co., Inc. All other names, trademarks and descriptions are used for reference purposes only.