Tag: CNH

Mini-excavators: Which Undercarriage Components Wear Out First?

Posted on | by dellamonicasara

Introduction: The Dimensional Challenge

In mini-excavators, the undercarriage often operates in cramped spaces, on demolition debris, or urban curbs. Even though the masses involved are smaller, wear is accelerated by the frequency of movements and the type of terrain. Identifying critical components isn’t just about preventing breakdowns—it’s about strategically planning machine downtime.

1. Wear “Hot Spots” in Mini-excavators

Rubber Tracks vs. Steel Tracks

On mini-excavators, the rubber track is the most exposed component.

  • The Enemy: Side cuts and the breaking of internal steel cables caused by sharp debris.

  • Alert Signal: Fraying edges or the appearance of “bulges” on the surface.
  • For Steel: If the machine is equipped with steel tracks, wear shifts to the bushings and track shoes, especially when working on asphalt or concrete.

Lower Rollers: The Most Stressed

Due to their small diameter, mini-excavator rollers perform many more rotations compared to those on a large excavator.

  • Criticality: Accumulation of mud and debris destroys the seals, leading to lubricant loss and roller seizing
  • Alert Signal: Flattening of the tread surface or visible oil leaks on the sides.

Sprockets

On small machines, there is often a tendency to over-tighten the track. This causes premature wear on the sprocket teeth.

  • Alert Signal: Teeth take on a “pointed” or “hooked” shape. A worn sprocket quickly destroys the metal cores of the rubber track.

2. External Causes and Debris Management

Unlike heavy machinery, mini-excavators often operate “buried” in material (soil, rubble).

  • The “Grinding” Effect: Debris entering between the track and rollers acts like sandpaper.
  • Technical Tip: Daily cleaning of the undercarriage with a pressure washer or a shovel is not about aesthetics—it is mechanical maintenance. Removing stones stuck in the guides prevents de-tracking (the track “slipping” off the guides).

3. How to prevent Premature Wear: A Quick Checklist

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To double the life of your undercarriage, follow these three rules:

  1. Correct Tension: A track that is too tight wears out bearings and sprockets; a track that is too loose risks de-tracking and damaging the rollers.
  2. Avoid Counter-rotation: Continuously spinning the machine on the spot doubles the wear on the track sides and rollers.
  3. Visual Inspection of Upper Rollers: These are often forgotten because they are hidden, but if they stop spinning, the track will “plane” down the support in just a few hours.

4. Conclusion

A mini-excavator undercarriage is an interconnected system: if a roller blocks, it ruins the track; if the track is ruined, it consumes the sprocket. Timely replacement of the weakest component is the secret to avoiding a total undercarriage overhaul.

Contact us for more informations.

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    Sprockets: Evaluating Steel Quality for the Undercarriage

    Posted on | by dellamonicasara

    Introduction: Why is all steel not created equal

    In sprockets, steel is the only barrier against abrasive wear and extreme shock loads. A low-quality sprocket wears out prematurely, accelerating damage to the track bushings. Evaluating metal quality is not just a technical choice, but a strategy to slash maintenance costs

    1. Crucial Properties: Surface Hardness vs. Core Toughness

    The secret of a high-performance sprocket lies in the balance between two opposing properties:

    Surface Hardness (Wear Resistance)

    Sprocket teeth must be extremely hard to withstand continuous friction against the bushings. The industry standard requires the use of alloy steel subjected to heat treatments to achieve the correct hardening of the tooth’s outer surface.

    Core Toughness (Impact Resistance)

    If the sprocket were hard throughout, it would be as brittle as glass and would shatter under load. High-quality steel must maintain a tougher, more flexible ‘core’ to absorb mechanical shocks without failing.

    2. Technical Evaluation Parameters

    To professionally judge a spare part, you must look beyond the aesthetics:

    Case Hardening Depth

    It is not just about how hard the surface is, but how deep the treatment penetrates. A hardening layer that is too thin will vanish in a few hundred hours, exposing the soft underlying steel and leading to exponential wear.

    Chemical Analysis and Microstructure

    Quality is revealed under the microscope. Correct chemical analysis ensures the absence of impurities (non-metallic inclusions). Improperly alloyed steel can lead to brittleness and potential failure.

    3. Quality Testing in the Workshop and Laboratory

    To ensure a sprocket exceeds OEM standards, three fundamental tests are performed:

    • Rockwell Hardness Test (HRC): Measures the resistance of the tooth surface.
    • Charpy Impact Test: Evaluates the material’s ability to absorb energy during a sudden impact.
    • Ultrasonic or Magnetic Particle Inspection: Used to identify internal cracks or defects invisible to the naked eye that could cause structural failure.

    Conclusion: An investment that pays off over time

    Choosing sprockets based solely on the initial price is a common mistake. Lower-quality steel not only requires more frequent replacements but compromises the entire undercarriage geometry, prematurely wearing out chains and rollers.

    Investing in certified steel and controlled heat treatments means ensuring safety, efficiency, and a prolonged service life for your machine.

    Would you like to carry out a thorough assessment of your sprockets? Contact us for technical support

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      How to extend the service life of steel track shoes

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      Steel track shoes are among the most stressed components of the undercarriage. For this reason, they require constant inspections and a specific maintenance.

      In this article, we look at the key aspects to monitor to avoid premature wear, reduce costs, and maintain high machine performance.

      1. Choosing the right track shoe
      2. Properly adjust track tension
      3. Daily undercarriage cleaning
      4. Adopt propter operating techniques
      5. Track shoe replacement
      6. Internal component maintenance

      Choosing the right track shoe

      Choosing the right track shoe is crucial and must be based on the type of operation. The main types are:

      • Single-grouser track shoes
        Ideal for agriculture and all applications requiring high grip.
      • Double-grouser track shoes
        Recommended for heavy-duty work, such as quarrying activities.
      • Triple-grouser track shoes
        Widely used in the construction sector.

      Track shoe grousers influence both traction and flotation.
      The highest-performing solutions use heat-treated boron steel, which offers greater abrasion resistance.

      2. Properly adjusting track tension

      Track tension is one of the most important checks to ensure the durability of the track shoes. The main reference is the sag: the track must hang slightly in the center section.

      Incorrect tension can cause:

      • Bushing overheating
      • Pin wear
      • Vibrations
      • Loosening of the hardware (bolts)

      Adjustment is performed via the track adjuster grease valve.

      3. Daily undercarriage cleaning

      Daily cleaning is a simple yet critical practice. Dry mud becomes abrasive and accelerates the wear of all components.

      Daily checklist:

      • Remove mud from around the rollers
      • Clear the track shoe drain holes
      • Check for stones jammed between the track links

      4. Adopt proper operating techniques

      Driving style directly impacts the service life of track shoes. Avoid:

      • Counter-rotations
      • High-speed reversing under load
      • Prolonged side-slope operation

      During travel, it is good practice to keep the drive sprockets at the rear to reduce vibrations and improve alignment.

      5. Track shoe replacement or refurbishment

      Sometimes immediate action is necessary. This applies to:

      • Worn-out grousers
      • Thinned or warped plates
      • Rust around the bolts

      Timely intervention prevents further damage and ensures a longer service life for the entire undercarriage.

      6. Internal component maintenance

      SALT chains contain oil between the pin and bushing: a system that requires special attention. Signs that should not be ignored are:

      • Hot joints
      • Squeaking
      • Side wear on the track links

      Other important checks to include in routine maintenance:

      • rollers
      • idlers
      • Any bent pins

      Recommended maintenance schedule

      To ensure no component is overlooked, it can be useful to follow a simple schedule:

      • Monday: track tension check
      • Wednesday: hardware inspection
      • Friday: thorough undercarriage cleaning
      • Every 250 hours: grouser height measurement

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      Undercarriage Guide: How to Spot Early Wear Patterns and Save on Replacement Parts

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      The Undercarriage Failure

      Undercarriage failure is one of the most dreaded unforeseen expenses on a job site. According to key OEM data, the track system can represent up to 50% of the total maintenance costs of an earthmoving machine.

      Unlike the engine, which operates protected within its compartments, the undercarriage is a “planned wear” system that battles the abrasion of mud, rock, and debris every second. Fortunately, it is possible to intervene promptly starting with a conscious visual inspection.

      Why Undercarriage Wear is a “Domino Effect”

      Component wear follows a chain reaction. If a single bottom roller seizes, the chain begins to slide instead of rolling, creating a flat spot on the roller and prematurely wearing down the track links.

      Identifying the first worn component early means breaking this vicious cycle before it turns into a major expense due to machine downtime.

      The “Big Four” of the Undercarriage: Know Your Components

      Before inspecting, we must understand the key players:

      1. Track Chain: The metallic “road” on which the machine moves.
      2. Sprocket (Drive Wheel): Transfers the engine’s power to the chain.
      3. Idler: Guides the chain and maintains correct tension.
      4. Rollers (Bottom and Carrier Rollers): Support the machine’s weight and allow for smooth travel.

      The Essential Habit: Monitoring Track Tension

      A track that is too tight accelerates wear on pins and bushings; one that is too loose risks “de-tracking”, halting operations. Here is how to perform a quick check:

      • Cleanup: Remove mud or stones from the top of the track.
      • Positioning: Park on level ground.
      • Measuring the Sag: Find the highest point between the idler and the first carrier roller. You should see a slight curve (the “track sag”).
      • Warning Sign: A track that is perfectly straight, like a guitar string, is a symptom of excessive tension—the leading cause of premature sprocket wear.

      How to Read Sprockets: The “Shark Fin” Signal

      The sprocket is the thermometer of your undercarriage’s health. While a new tooth is thick and blunt, a worn tooth becomes thin and develops a distinctive hooked point.

      Warning: When teeth become “shark fins,” they begin to act like small chisels, grinding down the chain bushings with every rotation.

      Expert Tip: Sprockets and track chains should ideally be replaced together. Fitting a new chain onto old sprockets cuts its service life in half in a very short time.

      Conclusion: Proactive Maintenance Pays Off

      Moving from “reactive” maintenance (repairing when it breaks) to “proactive” maintenance (monitoring and planning) is the only way to effectively manage your site budget. A few minutes a day can save months of operational uptime.

      Does your undercarriage show signs of “shark finning” or oil leaks from the rollers? Don’t wait for a breakdown.

      Contact us for a consultation

      Track Adjuster Assembly: Essential Undercarriage Component

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      Every operator knows that the secret to a productive earthmoving machine lies in the reliability of its undercarriage. While the track chain and rollers attract attention, there is an essential component that works tirelessly to protect them from wear and damage: the Idler Group, which houses the Idler Wheel.

      Ecco la traduzione del primo blocco: “Every operator knows that the secret to a productive earthmoving machine lies in the reliability of its undercarriage. While the track chain and rollers attract attention, there is an essential component that works tirelessly to protect them from wear and damage: the Track Adjuster Assembly (or Idler Group), which houses the Idler Wheel. The Track Adjuster Assembly is not a luxury, but a fundamental safety mechanism. Its function is twofold and vital: to guide the track to prevent derailment and to absorb shocks to protect the chassis from overloads. Without an efficient tensioning system, the entire service life of your track will be drastically reduced.

      The Three Executive Roles of the Tensioning System

      When we talk about the Track Adjuster Assembly, we are talking about an orchestra of components that work together. The effectiveness of a Berco system lies in the synergy of its key elements

      1. Guidance and Alignment (The Idler Wheel): The idler wheel directs the track chain, ensuring its correct alignment. An optimized profile reduces friction and dirt accumulation, ensuring smooth rotation
      2. Impact Protection (The Spring Assembly): A preloaded spring acts as the true shock absorber for the tracked machine. When the idler wheel encounters a rock or an obstacle, it is the spring that compresses, absorbing the shock and preventing the destructive force from spreading inside the frame and to the other undercarriage components.
      3. Tension Adjustment (The Hydraulic Adjuster Assembly): Using a grease cylinder, the operator can adjust the track tension. By injecting grease, the system pushes the idler wheel forward; by releasing grease, the tension is reduced. This allows the correct degree of tension to be maintained, which is crucial for preventing abnormal stretch and premature wear of pins and bushings.
      Sottocarro

      Why Berco Quality is Non-Negotiable

      The constant pressure and exposure to mud, water, and dust make the Track Adjuster Assembly extremely vulnerable. A low-quality component fails first at the sealing system (seals), allowing contaminants to destroy the bearings and rendering the hydraulic adjustment ineffective.

      This is why choosing Berco quality is an essential investment. Their components are designed with:

      • Superior Sealing Systems: They protect the internal mechanism hermetically, even in the most aggressive environments.
      • Advanced Metallurgy: Heat-treated steel ensures that both the idler body and the adjuster rod maintain structural integrity under extreme loads and abrasion.

      Choose the Safety of the Complete System with Sampierana

      Don’t just replace a part—invest in a complete protection system. Sampierana UC Spare Parts, in partnership with Berco, offers you Track Adjuster Assemblies that are synonymous with operational longevity and maximum safety.

      We guarantee access to a complete and technically advanced supply, ensuring that the invisible shock absorber of your undercarriage always performs perfectly.

      Undercarriage Sprockets: The Pulsating Heart of Traction

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      At the core of every job site, amidst the sound of engines and the dust being kicked up, there is an element working tirelessly beneath the machine, often forgotten but fundamental to every single movement. It’s not the boom, it’s not the cab. It’s the undercarriage, and within it, the sprocket is the true star.

      This is not a simple gear. It’s the point of contact between the engine’s force and the ground, the crucial link that transforms power into traction, allowing your machine to tackle climbs, rough terrain, and heavy loads. Without a reliable sprocket, the machine stops.

      The Key Role and Technical Characteristics

      The sprocket, generally located at the rear of the undercarriage, is a critical element of the track system. Unlike idler wheels, which guide the track at the front, the sprocket is the only part that engages with the track to move it forward. To withstand the enormous torsional stresses and constant wear, it requires the highest quality materials and special treatments.

      High-quality sprockets are produced using either casting or forging processes, depending on the specific application, and are heat-treated to ensure superior surface hardness across the entire tooth profile. This induction hardening treatment significantly increases wear resistance, extending the component’s useful life and preventing premature failure.

      A Range Adaptable to Every Need

      Our partner, Berco, is a specialized and leading manufacturer in the industry, with an offering that meets the needs of machines ranging from 1 to 330 tons. The company’s experience has led to the development of specific solutions for different applications:

      • Sprockets for Bulldozers: Often featuring a bolt-on segment design, they allow for quicker and easier maintenance, as there is no need to remove the entire track for replacement.
      • Sprockets for Mining Excavators: Designed with an odd number of teeth, they offer greater resistance to vertical loads and a special profile that facilitates mud discharge, preventing buildup and ensuring optimal performance even in extreme conditions.

      Whether the machine is intended for heavy-duty work on a construction site or in a quarry, or if it operates on difficult terrain, the right sprocket is essential to prevent costly downtime and ensure that work proceeds smoothly.

      Sprockets are available in both the Berco and Sampierana lines.

      Choosing Quality: The Partnership with Berco

      The choice of a quality replacement part is not only a matter of durability but also of safety and operational efficiency. This is where the importance of relying on a partner like Sampierana UC Spare Parts becomes clear. Thanks to our long and consolidated partnership with Berco, we are able to provide you with components that meet all the quality standards described above. We offer the necessary support and expertise to help you choose the perfect sprocket for your machines.

      Track Rollers: The Guardians of Smooth Movement for Your Tracked Machine

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      In the complex undercarriage system of an earthmoving machine, every component plays an irreplaceable role. If track chains are the beating heart and track shoes are the “feet” that ensure traction, track rollers are the true guardians of smooth movement. They allow the entire structure to glide and work efficiently, distributing loads and guiding the track system.

      At Sampierana UC Spare Parts, we know that the reliability of these components is fundamental to the productivity of your construction site or agricultural business.

      The Crucial Role of Track Rollers

      Track rollers perform two primary functions, both vital for the correct operation and longevity of your tracked machine:

      1. Weight Support: Lower rollers bear the entire weight of the machine, distributing it evenly along the track group. This prevents excessive wear on the track links and other components, ensuring stability.
      2. Track Guidance and Containment: Both the lower and upper rollers guide the track chain or bulldozer track, keeping it within the correct path. This prevents the track from derailing and ensures smooth, precise movement.

      Without efficient rollers, weight wouldn’t be distributed correctly, leading to abnormal friction and premature wear, resulting in high costs and unwanted machine downtime.

      Two Types of Rollers, One Goal: Efficiency

      There are mainly two types of rollers in the undercarriage, each with a specific function:

      • Lower Rollers: these are the majority of the rollers and directly support the machine’s weight. They must be extremely resistant to wear and impact, as they constantly operate under load in often difficult environments. Their integrity is synonymous with stability and load distribution.
      • Upper Rollers: positioned on the upper part of the undercarriage frame, these rollers are tasked with supporting the slack portion of the chain as it returns to the drive sprocket. This prevents excessive sagging of the chain, reducing vibrations and abnormal wear, and helps maintain correct tension.
      Rullo Sampierana

      Track Rollers: Specific Solutions for Every Operational Need

      The operational context of an earthmoving machine significantly influences the selection and design of rollers. Whether it’s an excavator or a bulldozer, the demands of a construction site are different from those of a mine. At Sampierana UC Spare Parts, we know that not all rollers are created equal, and specialization is crucial for efficiency.

      Rollers for Construction Applications

      Applications in the “Construction” sector (building, urban development, infrastructure) demand versatile and robust rollers, capable of handling mixed terrains, varied work cycles, and frequent maneuvering.

      • For Construction Excavators: These rollers are designed for good abrasion and impact resistance, suitable for excavation, earthmoving, and work on sites that may feature uneven or abrasive surfaces. The balance between durability and agility is key.
      • For Construction Bulldozers: Rollers for bulldozers in the construction sector must withstand high loads and intense traction forces, typical of leveling and moving large volumes of earth. Their robustness ensures stability and continuous support even under heavy pressure.

      Rollers for Mining Applications

      The mining environment is one of the most extreme for undercarriage components. Machines often operate for long shifts on highly abrasive or rocky terrains and are subjected to exceptional loads. Track rollers for the mining sector are engineered for maximum resistance to wear and the most severe impacts.

      • For Mining Excavators: Designed to withstand extreme forces and continuous abrasion from rocks and minerals. They are built with advanced materials and heat treatments to ensure extended service life even in the most prohibitive conditions.
      • For Mining Bulldozers: They must be extremely robust to withstand the weight of colossal machines and the pushing force on hard, rocky materials. Their durability is crucial for minimizing machine downtime in contexts where every hour of inactivity incurs an extremely high cost.

      The differentiation in the design and production of these **undercarriage parts** is a critical factor for optimizing performance and reducing long-term operating costs.

      Rulli Sottocarro Berco e Sampierana

      Roller Quality: An Investment That Pays Off

      Choosing high-quality track rollers isn’t an expense, but a true investment. Low-quality track rollers can, infact, lead to:

      • Accelerated wear: Requiring more frequent replacements and increasing maintenance costs.
      • Increased friction: This translates to higher fuel consumption and reduced operational efficiency.
      • Damage to other components: A faulty roller can compromise the entire track group and even the undercarriage frame.

      At Sampierana UC Spare Parts, we select only undercarriage parts that guarantee long life and consistent performance, even in the most demanding conditions. Our attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of materials allow us to offer track rollers that meet the most stringent technical specifications, reducing your machine downtime and optimizing your operations.

      Sampierana UC Spare Parts: Your Support for Undercarriage Parts

      We’re aware of the daily challenges our customers face. That’s why, at Sampierana UC Spare Parts, we leverage our experience to provide you with track rollers, track group, and other undercarriage parts that meet high standards of quality and reliability. Our deep industry knowledge, gained through years of collaboration with earthmoving professionals, allows us to select products that guarantee excellent and long-lasting performance.

      Whether it’s an excavator, a bulldozer, or another tracked machine, choosing the right undercarriage part means investing in the continuity and efficiency of your work. We’re here to share our expertise and help you find the most suitable solution for your needs, with the same dedication and professionalism that defines us.

      Rubber track shoes and pads: products from the Sampierana U/C Spare Parts line

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      Sampierana’s rubber products are suitable for tracked machines up to 20 tons and are divided into three types:

      • Bolt-on rubber pads, with bolt-on fastening to the track shoe;
      • Clip-on rubber pads, with lateral fastening to the track shoe;
      • Rubber track shoes like the Road-Liner/Geogrip models;
      Rubber Pads Sampierana

      The main features are:

      • Components that are easy to assemble and disassemble, even on the job site, especially the Clip-on type
      • Long-lasting and high-performance rubber compound;
      • Benefit from both the strength of the steel chain and the properties of the rubber;
      • Individual vulcanization and metal core

      What advantages do rubber pads and track shoes offer?

      • Traction and machine stability;
      • Prevention of damage to “delicate” surfaces such as concrete or similar floors, asphalt roads, and yards
      • Protection for the steel tracks applied to the machine;
      • Reduction of vibrations;
      • Noise reduction and consequently quieter operation, benefiting the operator;

      Bolt-on rubber pads

      They are installed on steel shoes bolted to the machine’s iron track. They are fixed by tightening a nut on threaded pins located on the back of the pads.

      Their width is identical to that of the steel shoe, which allows the machine to remain within its dimensions and maintain its maximum width, avoiding problems during transport and use in tight spaces limited by walls and curbs

      This is the most common type and is recommended for long-term work, despite being more complex and slower to assemble and replace compared to the CLIP-ON type.

      Clip-on rubber pads Clip-on rubber pads

      They are installed on steel shoes without external holes for BOLT-ON pad application. Application is via lateral clips, one fixed and one “mobile” with two fixing screws.This significantly reduces application and assembly time.

      It is advantageous for short-term use due to the speed of assembly and disassembly.

      ROAD-LINER/GEOGRIP rubber track shoes

      GEOGRIP or ROAD Liner track shoes are formed by a metal steel part coated with a layer of rubber integrated through a fusion process.

      They completely replace the steel shoe, as they are directly positioned on the chain via the four fixing screws, thus replacing the steel shoe.

      They are ideal when the priority is protecting the surface of use and when a machine must operate on roads and company yards. However, they are not recommended if the machine must operate on abrasive surfaces with rubble and debris.

      cingoli in gomma

      Sampierana U/C Spare Parts rubber tracks: strength and quality

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      In our warehouse located in Modena, we have a large supply of spare parts, including rubber tracks, critical components for construction equipment.

      Three keywords: steel cables, metal core, compound.

      Thanks to 30 years of experience in the field and strong cooperation with our suppliers, we have developed a top-quality product with high-level performance on all types of applications.

      Three are the strengths of our rubber tracks:

      • Steel cables;.
      • Metal inserts;.
      • Rubber compound.

      Steel cables

      The diameter of the inner cables has been increased: this ensures high strength and strong traction. The formula adopted in production ensures good bonding of the steel cable with the rubber.

      Metal inserts

      The quality of the metal inserts, made by forging, has been improved. In this way, we achieved greater product strength and, in addition, the risk of lateral deformation of the rubber track is prevented.

      Rubber compound

      We worked on a compound optimization process, ensuring an increased percentage of natural rubber compared to the synthetic component and ultra-thick carcass.

      What are the differences between rubber and iron tracks?

      Sampierana U/C Spare Parts offers within the spare parts catalog two types of tracks: rubber and iron.

      The choice of a vehicle equipped with a rubber track depends on the type of work and the type of terrain on which the vehicle will have to work.

      In most cases, on mini-excavators class 1-5 ton, in 70% of cases, the choice falls to the rubber product. As the weight class of the machine increases, this percentage tends to reverse and the steel carriage version is preferred.

      The choice to prefer rubber track on mini-excavators also depends on other factors:

      • the rubber product offers greater traction and superior maneuverability than iron tracks;
      • Rubber-made tracks are quieter and more comfortable to use.

      In any case, the reason that most affects the choice of a rubber or iron track is related to the surface and type of use.

      Application of rubber tracks

      What are the types of construction equipment on which they are applied?

      • Mini excavators;
      • Excavators;
      • Skid Loaders;
      • Loaders;
      • Cranes and working platforms;
      • Mobile platforms;
      • Farm tractors;
      • Combine harvesters.

      To get more information about Sampierana U/C Spare Parts contact our team.

      Kevin’s story: Sampierana U/C Spare Parts discovering the Middle East

      Posted on | by dellamonicasara

      How did your journey at Sampierana U/C Spare Parts begin?

      My journey began in December 2022 here in Modena. In fact, almost all my working life has been in the construction and earthmoving machinery sector. The one at Sampierana U/C Spare Parts is my first experience in the spare parts sector.

      Kevin Ricambi Sampierana UC Spare Parts

      When did your journey in this field begin?

      I took a 3-year break from the industry. After university the first 12 years I worked for Caterpillar, and lived in different countries, in 2011 I moved to Milan, spent 5 years there. I met my Italian wife and then we moved to Dubai.

      In 2016 we moved to Dubai and in 2018 our baby girl arrived. At that point, we decided to move closer to home. I left CAT and found another job in Milan in a different sector because I preferred, at that time in my life, to put the family first and I worked outside the sector for three years.

      Although the motivation and interest to get involved in the industry again was there. Thanks to a meeting with a head hunter, I became aware of a job opportunity at Sampierana U/C Spare Parts to manage sales negotiations with the Middle East and Africa.

      That part outside Europe I knew very well from my experience in Dubai and this advantage helped me.

      What are the biggest difficulties between the world of excavators and spare parts?

      They are two quite different worlds. For machines, customers generally like Komatsu, CAT, Case. They already know what they want. For parts, it’s different: there is a lot more competition. Value for money is essential and in many cases there is little reliability with the customer, because initially the customer immediately looks for the lowest price. Perhaps my difficulty, as a salesman, was precisely this: to realise that for machines the customer already knows what he wants. For spare parts, on the other hand, the approach is quite different.

      For Sampierana U/C Spare Parts, is the Italian market easier to handle than the Middle East and Africa?

      This is more about our brand. For us at Sampierana U/C Spare Parts it is easier to manage this market because we are physically present here. However, abroad remains important to us and a market that we continue to explore. My last trips were to South Africa, Morocco and I am already in contact with customers in the Middle East. Unfortunately, it is not so easy for us sales people, if in Italy you can visit several customers in several days, with longer distances it is different.

      Did you immediately start working on the Middle East?

      Ho studiato ingegneria spaziale in Inghilterra e subito dopo ho iniziato a lavorare nel team Sales&Marketing. Posso dire di aver cambiato completamente strada, ma non bisogna avere paura. Non si può pianificare ogni passo della vita.

      The first focus was that, mainly Saudi Arabia. Then I started to expand the radius to South Africa last year and we discovered some interesting new potential customers.

      No, absolutely. The whole export team is aligned to the dynamics of market expansion, so that was an advantage.

      U/C Spare Parts

      Were you glad to get back to the Middle East through your work at Sampierana U/C Spare Parts?

      Yes, because meeting African and Middle Eastern cultures gives you a different perspective on travelling to new places and getting to know them better. Saudi Arabia has changed dramatically in recent years. In 2016 the process to get a visa was very expensive, today already there are many changes also related to women’s culture.

      When I went last year there was a lot more openness and for our industry that means a lot.

      How do you manage in your day-to-day work?

      I make the most of the possibility to work from home. I must say that the hybrid mode has been an excellent opportunity to balance private life and work.

      Did you concentrate on business studies at university?

      I actually studied space engineering in England and immediately afterwards started working in the Sales&Marketing Team. I can say that I changed my path completely, but there is no need to be afraid. You can’t plan every step of life.