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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1993-94: VUWAE 38

Field Transport

Field Transport

1. NZAP Vehicles

Caterpillar D5 LGP. This vehicle had broken a track connector at Scott Base prior to the event personnel arriving. Repair and servicing of this vehicle did not contribute to the event delays. However it is important that vehicles such as the D5 which are laid up during the winter get full checks and operational service to identify problems well before programmed field commitments.

Normal operational servicing was carried out in the field by the Plant Operator. The D5 towed 2 Cantago sledges (cargo 3.5 tonne each), NZ1/Cantago sledge and the OSKAM-1 container sledge (1.5 tonne cargo).

Nodwell RN75. This is an old machine originally purchased in 1962 and has been repowered in 1991 with a Iszu diesel engine intentionally similar to that in the Iszu truck at Scott Base. A HIAB crane with drilling attachment and new flat deck was also fitted. This vehicle was not used for towing loads and the deck loads were kept to a minimum because of the old (and weakened?) chassis.

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We had some problems with this vehicle but due to a quick response from Scott Base we were not delayed significantly. The water pump leaked on the 2nd day from base and was replaced with the pump from the stores Iszu truck at Scott Base. Unusual noise was noted in the PTO/gearbox but draining the oil did not show any large metal debris. This is the 2nd season that we have used the HIAB drilling unit and noted again overheating and power loss of the hydraulic system after only drilling 2-3 holes. This problem doubles the time taken to drill 6 holes consecutively. Up to 4 track grousers were broken on the sea ice and replaced with parts temporarily borrowed from McMurdo. The broken grousers were significantly thinner where they broke than the replacements so they had probably been on the track for a long time. A tyre also went flat overnight at Scott Base after returning from the field.

The Nodwell requires some work and parts to maintain it for field work. The gearbox should be checked to determine the origin of the unusual noise apparent this season. Overheating of the hydraulic system during drilling could be eliminated by fitting a oil cooler with 24VDC fan, (about $1,000). Making a large ice hole (1.5 m diameter) by joining up to 6 drilled holes is still time consuming because it is difficult to cut between holes when the ice is up to 2.5 m thick. A solution to this might be a hydraulic powered chainsaw that fits to the HIAB crane in the same way as the drilling head. Spare grousers with replacement bolts and nyloc nuts and at least 1 tyre should be available for field traverses and operations.

Alpine II skidoos. AL1 and AL2 were allocated to this event and were in good condition and the engines generally ran well. Two undercarriage bogeys became detached due to fractures in the retaining brackets while in Granite Harbour. These were fixed by the mechanic with parts from Scott Base. A comparison with the S170 Alpine II showed that this was a common problem corrected by the manufactures of newer machines with a doubled bracket. These brackets and strengthened steering ski fitting should also be fitted to the older model NZAP machines.

Table 2 D5B LGP and Nodwell RN75 Fuel Use.

Table 2 D5B LGP and Nodwell RN75 Fuel Use.

NB Fuel usage for Nodwell RN75 is an estimate only because of the uncalibrated fuel tank.

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2. Aircraft Operations

Helicopters were used sea ice reconnaissance in conjunction with S170 and for resupply of personnel and equipment parts while in the field. The quick response from Scott Base to our mechanical crisis was a pleasant surprise and much appreciated.