Sand cast gudgeon housing reduces costs by 28% in tractor.(Forming/Processing)

A sand cast 65-45-12 ferritic ductile iron gudgeon housing for a John Deere agricultural tractor has cut costs by 28% compared with the former welded assembly, reports the John Deere Foundry, Waterloo, Iowa. The gudgeon housing is the main frame component that allows articulation and oscillation of the 9000 Series 4WD John Deere tractor. The part weighs 847 pounds, and has dimensions 50 X 43 X 19.5 in. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Converted from a weldment, the redesign to a casting resulted in a 28% cost savings. In addition, the new design allows for future growth, ...