“WCCO Belting earned this award because we encourage every employee to use their voice. We have robust programs in place for people to share innovative ideas to create products, processes, and new technology to support the industries we serve. Innovation has always been a core value at WCCO, and we are honored to be recognized for our ability to inspire our workforce to challenge the status quo.”

said Rod Koch, vice president of operations.

Developed in collaboration with Accenture, the 2022 Best Workplaces for Innovators ranks 100 winners from a variety of industries, including computer science, biotech, consumer packaged goods, nonprofit, education, financial services, cybersecurity, engineering, diversity, sustainability, B2B, and consumer products and services. Fast Company editors and Accenture researchers worked together to score nearly 1,500 applications, and a panel of eight eminent judges reviewed and endorsed the top 100 companies. The 2022 awards feature workplaces from around the world.

Over the years, WCCO has created several programs for employees to be innovative in their thinking including:

• R&D opportunities and processes that include a cross-departmental collaboration of employees at all levels
• A unique approach to an employee suggestion program;
• Robust workforce training opportunities;
• A next-generation led health and wellness program, named the CREW Team; a fitting acronym for Culture of Respect, Engagement, and Wellness
• A strong focus on safety and operational excellence;
• Our ability to attract and retain a diverse pool of employees.

“This year’s list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators recognizes organizations that have demonstrated a deep commitment to cultivating creativity across the board. In the face of powerful headwinds, these leaders and teams continue to spur innovation.” 

says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company.

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WCCO Belting‘s patented Edge Defender cleat for combine harvest headers (draper platforms) is now available for aftermarket distribution and to agricultural equipment manufacturers worldwide. The angled cleat design increases yield with product flow control technology that directs the crop to the center of the draper and onto the feeder belt. It also reduces downtime from buildup under the belt by pulling crops away from the cutting edge. The belting technology was first introduced at the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural technology, Agritechnica, in 2019.

The Edge Defender is manufactured with the company’s patented RAPTOR belt construction, the global gold standard sourced by most major agricultural equipment manufacturers in harvesting applications for small grains and edible beans. The invention boosts uptime and protects the profitability of harvest by effectively conveying crop on the belt and into the feeder house. In addition, the cleat design uses lightweight connector plates in an angled installation that creates a smoother and more efficient transition over the rollers.

Jean Voorhees, vice president of business development at WCCO Belting, said:

“We continue to innovate conveyor belting, this time for crop harvest, with the launch of the Edge Defender. Raptor redefined performance in the industry and remains the best in the market, and our company’s focus remains on raising the bar for our customers all over the world. We’ve achieved that with the Edge Defender cleat design.”

Raptor Draper Belting with the new Edge Defender angled cleat is available for limited makes and models of harvest headers.

The post WCCO Belting’s New Patented Edge Defender Cleat for Raptor Draper Belts Hits the Market in Agriculture Industry appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Using experience from more than six decades in the belting industry, we’ve outlined a handful of tips and the benefits of belting preventative maintenance for draper headers and balers to help you be more successful in the upcoming harvest season.

Draper Headers

As one of the most important components of a combine, maintaining the functionality of the draper header is critical to maximizing harvesting productivity. Often, identifying problems with the draper belts on your header is as simple as knowing what to look for.

Gauge the belt’s general appearance.

Before putting the machine away for the season, look at the overall appearance of the draper belts. Signs of the following problems could indicate that a replacement is needed before the next harvest:

• Are the edges frayed? Are there tears, cuts, or punctures? If there are holes in the material, there is a greater chance the crop is getting under the belt. If this happens, the crop will build up and stick to the belt, causing it to run less efficiently and potentially result in more holes down the road. If there is catastrophic damage in only one area of the belt, purchasing a draper repair kit would be an option.
• Check the cleats, side seals, and/or v-guides (locations will vary). If they are wearing off, removed, or significantly damaged, it’s likely they aren’t moving your crop from one end to the other as well as they should, and the impairment of these features could be negatively affecting the draper’s fit, form, and function on your header.
• What is the condition of the connector? Is the tube damaged, bent, or twisted? A slight bow (1/4” to 1/2”) when the belt is under tension is normal, but if the connector is bent or twisted, it should be replaced. Not replacing the connector at this point risks interference that will rip out the connector and tear the draper belt forcing immediate replacement.

Clean the belts and run them dry to check their performance.

In addition to a visual inspection of the equipment, we recommend running the machine without any crop to watch for potential issues. To do this, open the draper, clean out excess dust and dirt, and make sure the header is free of mud. Next, close it up, tension it, and operate it to make sure it’s running smoothly. When it’s running, make sure the belt is adjusted and tracking correctly. Look for any general operating items that might be causing issues or that are out of the ordinary that may prevent success during your next harvest. If you do have a problem, contact your dealer or the equipment manufacturer for support.

Track the belt’s usage.

To get a general idea of when you might need to replace your belt, we recommend tracking the hours the machine spends in the field. A typical replacement schedule is 500 hours on a draper header, which is about a three-to-five-year replacement schedule but is dependent on the output. Custom harvesters, for example, could warrant replacing their draper belting every season.

Balers

A baler is another piece of equipment that is heavily dependent on efficient and well-functioning belts for success. Although the specific signs of deterioration vary from those of the draper header, it’s still relatively simple to identify problems ahead of next season if you know where to look.

Check the key indicators – belt texture, pattern, and lacing.

Baler belt length, width, texture or pattern (mini rough top, rough top, diamond top, etc.), overall gauge, lacing type, and other specifications are determined by the manufacturer according to the design and function of the baler. Pay close attention to the surface of your baler belt. If the texture or pattern is wearing down, it could indicate that your belt isn’t working at its full capacity because it will pick up the crop and bale differently. With a fresh belt and pattern, the baler will roll more efficiently. Fraying or missing rubber on the cover are also indications that it’s time to consider a new belt.

Replace a full set for the most optimal for performance.

Unlike draper belting which can be replaced as needed, baler equipment functions the most optimally if the whole set of baler belts is replaced at the same time. Among other tangible benefits, this helps to ensure even tensioning. To determine if you have consistent tension across the set of baler belts, run the equipment dry to see if one of the belts is moving or flopping around more. If it is, consider replacing the set to ensure effective baling next season.

Replace a partial set or repair the splice/belt to save downtime.

It is possible to replace only one or two belts in a set. In this case, it’s critical to measure the length of the belts and order to that new length. Baler belts are made of rubber and fabric which can stretch and flex over time. You need the measurement of the belts being replaced rather than the length when installed. If the new belts are shorter than the others on the machine, it can affect output, lead to premature belt failure, and equipment malfunction.

Lacing should be aligned squarely on the belt with no evidence of tearing where it is attached to the belt construction. If there is tearing around the splice, consider replacing the splice as a part of preventative maintenance. If there is significant wear around the splice or an area on the belt with catastrophic damage, a baler belt repair kit may be an option, but during install ensure the lacing is at least 18” to 24” apart for smooth transition over the rollers.

General Belting Maintenance

Sourcing quality replacement parts and components, and following the care instructions for each, will reduce the total cost of ownership of a machine.

For example, WCCO Belting’s products are manufactured with a rubber compound designed with UV protection to withstand damage from sunlight. Over time and through exposure to the sun and other elements, the white residue you may see on a belt is its natural protectant. As the waxes in the rubber start to bloom and lose moisture, the cover will start to crack. Storing machinery with belting indoors is a good way to prevent these issues. If there isn’t a place to store equipment inside, achieving coverage with a tarp is a relatively easy way to extend the life of the belt.

While the thought of finishing a harvest season and saying goodbye to the equipment until the next season may be appealing, spending a little more time with your equipment post-harvest will save time and money in the future. Specific benefits include:

• Taking care of your belts in the off-season will prevent in-season downtime.
• There is a cost-benefit to assessing your machinery in the off-season and making replacement purchases at that time when you’re likely to get a lower price than in the height of the season.
• Checking your equipment can offer peace of mind knowing your machine will run smoothly during harvest and better protect your bottom-line.

While there may not be a tried and true “test” that you can use to see if your machinery or belt is still operating at 100% capacity, using these tips and tricks after every harvest season could increase the longevity of your belt, improve the operating efficiency of your equipment, and help ensure there won’t be any surprises heading into next season.

The article was written by Chad Haugen, Senior Engineer of Product Development at WCCO Belting. Chad Haugen is a senior product development engineer at WCCO Belting.

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When designing a belt, each raw material is chosen to achieve a specific level of performance. The cost drivers are the design and quality of these materials in relation to their physical weight. As a result, our team used our value innovation engineering strategy to investigate the application’s requirements.

We found the belt required improved properties, top cover protection (falling logs), carcass protection (cuts/gouges), impact protection, and improved slider back properties. The operating requirements were less downtime, improved operational efficiency, and energy consumption, and reduced total cost of ownership of the equipment. This information combined with our industry expertise lead to the formalization of both the raw materials and belt construction to increase the integrity of the carcass for longevity.

Redefining belt life in infeed/outfeed conveyor systems

A “line of defense” is defined as a way of defending oneself against risk. Our team used the same strategy when designing our log belt solution, building reinforcement throughout layers of rubber and fabric, for infeed/outfeed conveyor systems in sawmills.  Tailoring the materials – as in increasing the value where the strength is needed and reducing properties not imperative to the application requirements – resulting in a product that drives uptime and efficiency throughout the whole operation.

Related to lines of defense, the cover of a conveyor belt is at the highest risk for abrasion in the movement of uncut logs. We augmented the abrasion and tear resistance properties of the top cover rubber compound to withstand wear, cuts, and gouges, and prevent premature belt failure by better protecting the carcass.

If a cut or gouge does occur and exposes the carcass, the design of the fabric and its puncture resistance is a critical second line of defense. WCCO’s log belt solution uses a custom-engineered fabric designed specifically to sawmill applications to increase puncture resistance and help the belt endure more abuse without buckling.

The rip/tear resistance of the fabric supports the third line of defense. It prevents the tear from quickly propagating, which risks expedited failure and increased service and replacement costs. Additionally, the log belt is further prepared to handle heavy load requirements by bringing the design together with increased tensile strength properties.

The most unique technology of WCCO’s log belt solution is our impact absorption layer. Built inside the belt carcass, it deflects impacts of incoming/outgoing logs up to 20% of the belt thickness, dissipating the impact energy across the body of the belt and not into the cover or carcass. This is especially critical when the conveyor belt is running on a pan instead of rollers.

Improved properties using custom high-grade rubber and fabric, combined with a low-profile belt construction, reduces the weight of the belt by 27%. This results in a 30% improvement in energy savings from weight, drag, and rolling resistance. A lower profile design also put less stress on the splice leading to a longer belt life.

Source: WCCO Belting

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To avoid making the wrong choice, the best place to start is with the make and model of the equipment. For example, for swather canvas – canvas being an old industry term for belting – is it for a pull-type swather, self-propelled swather, or harvest header? When speaking with a representative or working through an online catalog on a website, once the make and model are identified, there are other investigative questions to help identify the part number needed.

Using experience from six-plus decades in the belting industry, this article will prepare growers to have that conversation with suppliers to source quality replacement belting with confidence.

Draper Platforms

There are different platform cut sizes as well as a right draper, a left draper, and a center or feeder belt. How to tell right from left is the view from the seat of the cab. Start by identifying which belt needs to be replaced since the lengths and features between right and left can vary. For example, cleats are placed approximately every 12” perpendicular to belt length and can run the full width of the belt or may be recessed. So that there is no interference, the measurement of the recessed cleat to the belt edge may be needed to determine the correct replacement.

The other features on a draper belt could v-guides, side seal(s), and the connector assembly.  V-guides, located on the bottom side, help track and drive the belt. Their locations vary and are specific to each manufacturer. Measuring the center v-guide location to the belt edge can lead you to the correct replacement. Side seals, located on the top side, help prevent material from going under the belt and building up on the rollers. The belt may have two side seals if it was original to the machine. The connector assembly is the metal part that connects the belt ends. If you are only ordering a new connector, the hole quantity and location measurements can guide you to the correct part.

Balers

Baler equipment functions optimally if the whole set is replaced at the same time. If only one or two belts are needed, it is important to measure the length of the belts at the present time (not the original length) prior to contacting a supplier. Baler belts are made of rubber and fabric which can stretch and flex over time. If the new belts are shorter than the others on the machine, it can affect output and lead to premature belt failure.

The baler belt length, width, texture or pattern, overall gauge, lacing type, and other specifications are determined by the manufacturer according to the design and function of the baler. Significantly deviating from their recommendation could result in equipment malfunction and downtime. For example, going from a 2-ply belt to a 3-ply belt (adding an additional layer of rubber and fabric) or changing the top pattern will increase the overall gauge and the baler may not be designed with enough clearance.

In some circumstances, a more aggressive baler belt is desired and a qualified supplier will be able to provide options. Minor changes, such as changing from texture top (TT) cover to mini rough top (MRT) cover or slightly increasing the overall gauge can have positive impacts when it comes to starting the bale and rolling it tight. Going “the next step up” is the best rule for increasing the aggressiveness of baler belting.

Tube Conveyors

The make and model are the best places to start when replacing tube conveyor belting, as well. Next,  measure the belt’s length and width, and check out the top pattern. The two most common industry patterns are crescent and continuous chevron. While the conveyor manufacturer may specify their preference, these patterns are interchangeable. Although, the pattern height varies slightly (0.125” continuous chevron and 0.187” crescent.) There may also be options related to the belt construction ranging from more flexible to rigid. If the material is falling under the belt, for example, a more rigid belt could be a solution.

If the tube conveyor is using a belt with taller cleats or paddles, typically 2” in height, it is essential to order the manufacturer’s original belt or a belt that matches the width, length, and cleat height measurements to ensure fit and clearance while operating. If downtime has occurred due to cleats tearing off, ask the supplier where the new belt is being sourced and how it’s made. Belt fabricators use an adhesive to glue cleats/paddles to the existing belt construction. Premature cleat failure often results. On the other hand, experienced belting manufacturers use a single-step vulcanization process which eliminates cleat delamination or tearing.

Most tube conveyor belts use the Alligator RS125 fastener. There are steel and stainless-steel options. The application or products being conveyed can help make this determination. For example, if fertilizer is being used, a qualified supplier would suggest stainless-steel.

Understanding belting basics and being prepared to answer questions to source the correct parts will drive both uptime and output. Familiarizing oneself with the belting on the machine today and spending just a little extra time speaking with a knowledgeable supplier will pay off in spades down the road, both in terms of keeping the operation running smoothly and improving the total cost of ownership.

The article was written by Chad Haugen, Senior Product Development Engineer, WCCO Belting

Source: WCCO Belting

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What are the challenges that your manager (the belting expert) has faced in these projects?

Conveyor belts are typically an afterthought, often regarded as just another component part. The reality is the belt is the essence of the conveyor system. Although the physical differences from one belt to the next can be indecipherable to the untrained eye, the right belt will make or, quite literally, break the operation. The belt needs to be considered early in the process to ensure the correct rollers, take-up, return system, trough type and drive system are sufficient. For example, a conveyor built with small drive rollers is limited in the size of the conveyor belt the machine can operate with, which will limit the load it can carry and reduce the overall performance of the system.

When an equipment manufacturer contacts a belting supplier after the equipment design is finalized, the support the belting supplier can provide in improving conveyor function and harvest performance is significantly limited. If the manufacturer is ready for field testing and the belt is one of the last steps, in WCCO Belting’s experience, they are more reluctant to feedback when its belting experts recognize areas for improvement. Projects are more successful when the engineering teams of each business work directly together to define the customer’s requirements to create the most optimal solution.

What are the strengths for which WCCO has been chosen?

When FormationAg was designing the harvesting implement and conveyor system for industrial hemp, they went looking for a draper belt supplier. WCCO Belting is the belting industry’s leading value innovator and serves as the supplier of choice for most major agricultural equipment manufacturers in the world. WCCO’s patented Raptor® Draper Belting is the global gold standard. By researching the application and operating requirements, WCCO Belting develops product solutions that redefine field performance and reduce total cost of ownership.

How long has WCCO belting been active and has it been dealing with similar issues?

WCCO Belting has been manufacturing belting products from its facility in Wahpeton, North Dakota, for over 66 years. WCCO is an acronym for Wahpeton Canvas Company, and from swather canvas to rubber belting, it has innovated its technology alongside the kings of industry to match the expanding operating requirements of modern equipment. It exports to over 20 countries and supplies most major agricultural equipment manufacturers in the world. WCCO Belting’s process of researching the application and identifying the customer requirements maximizes belt performance, increases user satisfaction, and drives the bottom line of the entire operation.

What are the main characteristics for which this brand is more performing?

WCCO Belting focuses on the technological advancement of each belt component and raw material to provide a superior finished product. The rubber compound is a custom formula specific to the agricultural industry. The fabric WCCO Belting uses in the wide variety of its rubber products is also custom engineered and tailored to improve performance in a specific application.

The belting used by FormationAg for harvesting CBD oil from hemp is manufactured with cleats. WCCO Belting uses a proprietary single-step vulcanization process using a combination of extreme heat and pressure to permanently mold and cure belt components to the raw belt construction (uncured rubber and fabric). No glue or chemicals are involved. The result is an integrally molded belt that shares the same properties throughout which improves belt life. The process also eliminates the risk of cleat delamination in the field.

How long did it take to design the customized product?

FormationAg contacted WCCO Belting early in their conveyor system design process, and as a result, received a custom solution for their hemp harvesting equipment and successfully completed two rounds of field testing within nine months. WCCO Belting delivered their first product one month after initial contact.

In WCCO Belting’s experience, their willingness to bring a belting expert to the design table reduced the average design and testing process by half. In addition, the custom product they received is the most optimal solution for their application and specific to the function of FormationAg equipment.

What problems did you encounter? How the engineers did manage to solve them?

WCCO Belting and FormationAg worked through the project together, engineering team to engineering team, to determine the operating requirements. For example, they discussed where the strength of the belt was needed, crop load-wear, serviceability, and the most effective connection method. Any time a business is designing a new piece of equipment, there will be revisions. The back-and-forth of those details can be easily lost in translation if the subject matter experts aren’t connected.

Why don’t you tell us about the people who worked on the project? How many years of experience do they have?

The Senior Product Development Engineer from WCCO Belting has been an employee for over twenty years. His career has been focused on developing belting solutions for a variety of agricultural equipment including but not limited to draper platforms, pickup headers, balers, cotton pickers, tube conveyors, material handling conveyors, seed tenders, trailers, and more. He attended the University of North Dakota and has had a lifelong interest in agriculture from growing up on a farm in North Dakota.

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Jean Voorhees, vice president of Business Development at WCCO Belting, said:

“As a company dedicated to value innovation, we have been looking for the right opportunity to expand our product offerings to meet the needs of the aggregates and construction industries. We are proud of the Direct X technology and its ability to redefine field performance and positively impact the bottom line for end-users.”

The Direct X cleat profile is designed to directionally improve product flow control. The pocket-style pattern captures conveyed material immediately upon loading, reducing the amount of product movement on the belt cover, which limits cover wear. The nested pattern also promotes a smooth, quiet transition on the return rollers, reducing noise and vibration in the field.  In addition, with WCCO Belting’s proprietary manufacturing process the cleats are integrally molded onto the base belt, meaning no cleat separation or delamination will occur.

The belt construction technology is made with a custom-engineered fabric that is 206% higher in tear strength, 126% higher in tensile strength, with 64% better puncture resistance compared to the industry standard.  It drives energy savings using a lighter, stronger, and more flexible belt carcass. Moreover, excess cover wear is reduced when used with the Direct X product flow control pattern.

Source: Crown & WCCO Belting

The post WCCO Belting presents new patent-pending conveyor Belt Tech appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The article in the Wahpeton Daily News states:

With all the changes in various trade agreements worldwide, Shorma said, export assistance is vital for success.

“We are proud that North Dakota pioneered this rural export assistance program and with this funding, the program can be rolled out nationally,”

Shorma said.

Tom attended his last meeting as Chairman of the DEC on Jan. 16. For the past 16 years, he’s helped the group lobby to expand exports in North Dakota and worked through the launch of the North Dakota Trade Office.

Source: WCCO Belting

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WCCO Belting’s patent-pending enhancement for draper belting is an angled cleat technology manufactured with the company’s RAPTOR belt construction, the gold standard in harvesting applications for small grains and edible beans.  For combine harvest headers (draper platforms), swathers, and mergers, the cleat extension is designed to increase efficiency and output while reducing downtime from material buildup under the belt.  The angled cleat directs crop to the center of the draper belt and into the feeder house, successfully pulling material away from the cutter bar. In addition, an angled connection method creates a smooth, quiet transition of the draper belt on the roller.

The design of its patent-pending belt for belted chain assemblies will improve process efficiency for assembly manufacturers and redefine performance for original equipment manufacturers and growers in root vegetable harvesting applications including potatoes, sugar beets, carrots, onions, and more.  The belt can universally accommodate any pitch requirement and is engineered with a simple hardware concept for easy assembly and disassembly.  The construction of WCCO Belting’s belt for belted chain is a strong, yet flexible design that supports the belt’s ability to move around the rollers for less pressure on the splice.  Low elongation in the fabric design reduces slippage and promotes steady tension  during operation.  In addition, sealed edges prevent moisture wicking into the belt carcass, which eliminates delamination.

“We are excited to announce these products at Agritechnica, a fair that celebrates the future of agricultural technology,” said Jean Voorhees, Vice President of Business Development at WCCO Belting. “As a company dedicated to value innovation, we are proud to see our latest solutions help move agricultural equipment – and the entire industry – forward.”

Source: Farm Progress

The post WCCO announces two new products appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

WCCO Belting’s patent-pending enhancement for draper belting is an angled cleat technology manufactured with the company’s RAPTOR belt construction, the gold standard in harvesting applications for small grains and edible beans.  For combine harvest headers (draper platforms), swathers, and mergers, the cleat extension is designed to increase efficiency and output while reducing downtime from material buildup under the belt.  The angled cleat directs crop to the center of the draper belt and into the feeder house, successfully pulling material away from the cutter bar. In addition, an angled connection method creates a smooth, quiet transition of the draper belt on the roller.

The design of its patent-pending belt for belted chain assemblies improves process efficiency for assembly manufacturers and redefine performance for original equipment manufacturers and growers in root vegetable harvesting applications including potatoes, sugar beets, carrots, onions, and more.  The belt can accommodate any pitch requirement and is engineered with a simple hardware concept for easy assembly and disassembly.  The construction of WCCO Belting’s belt for belted chain is a strong, yet flexible design that supports the belt’s ability to move around the rollers for less pressure on the splice.  Low elongation in the fabric design reduces slippage and promotes steady tension during operation.  In addition, sealed edges prevent moisture wicking into the belt carcass, which eliminates delamination.

“We are excited to announce these products at Agritechnica, a fair that celebrates the future of agricultural technology,” said Jean Voorhees, Vice President of Business Development at WCCO Belting. “As a company dedicated to value innovation, we are proud to see our latest solutions help move agricultural equipment – and the entire industry – forward.”

Source: WCCO

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