Leach Completes Construction of New Center

Leach Company, Oshkosh, Wis., recently completed the construction of a new test center. Through the new center, Leach engineers can lifecycle test individual components or entire systems - applying ten years of wear-and-tear in as little as five days. By lifecycle testing components in-house at accelerated rates, the performance outcome can be verified in advance of launching a design change or new product into the field. This, in turn, will shorten design time to provide customers with a better product at a lower cost.

The 6,300 sq. ft. multi-million dollar facility is located at the Leach operation in Oshkosh. Three huge work bays accommodate the largest rear loaders with enough room for assembly, mounting and testing. Additional space within the same facility houses parts and an area for more unit and component testing. A lab room provides more controlled space for the center’s computers, test equipment, and a place for tabletop work.

Inside the main facility, a soundproofed room has been built to house the new 200 HP hydraulic power unit. This PLC-controlled unit provides variable hydraulic flow and pressure, from 0 to 120 GPM and 0 to 3,200 PSI, to six remote pressure ports located throughout the center. Immediately outside the pump room, a custom test bench is used to verify the performance of valves, couplings and other smaller hydraulic components. Test bench hydraulics and the hydraulic power unit are controlled via an LED screen that monitors pressure, flow, and oil temperature. Outside the facility, an outdoor test pad has been created for larger component testing, such as tailgate and structural body components, packer and carrier panels, hydraulic systems, and complete units.

Leach has been life cycle testing components in a lab environment since 1991, but the new center allows testing to be accomplished faster and with greater predictability.