The TracStar iSeries brings a new level of performance and reliability to the pipe fusion industry. A new family of fusion machines builds on the TracStar's historically rugged, self-contained tracked vehicle while adding industry-changing technology for an improved user experience across these three new models. Numerous improvements have advanced the level of technology available while simultaneously hardening that technology to make the entire fusion experience more reliable. The TracStar iSeries features new emission-compliant engines, a CAN bus control system, along with many hydraulic, mechanical and electrical upgrades. Integrated, software-controlled machine options from manual to fully automatic improves operator consistency and adherence to standards.
McElroy iSeries machines are powered by the new FusionGuide Control System. Integrated software guides the user through every step of the fusion process via an easy-to-use ruggedized tablet. After the operator prepares the pipe and enters all joint details, the enhanced guided workflow manages machine pressures, carriage, heater actions, shift sequence, and more to ensure standards compliance and a successful fusion.
iSeries machines offer three levels of operator interaction and FusionGuide assistance to fit your jobsite requirements.
Allows the operator to manually control carriage position and times during the fusion process.
Software-controlled shift sequence and heating / fusion times with on-screen prompts.
Fully automatic, software-controlled process
The FusionGuide Control System allows varying levels of control to fit your jobsite requirements and operator demands. Use the chart below to compare each of the three levels.
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Pipe Alignment | |||
Facing | |||
Carriage position control |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Automatic drag pressure management | |||
Drag adjustment | |||
Calibrated pipe interface meet point |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Bead up time | |||
Bead up carriage position | |||
Heat Soak time | |||
Heat Soak carriage position | |||
Open/Close time | |||
Open/Close carriage position | |||
Fuse/Cool times | |||
Fuse/Cool carriage position |
An integrated DataLogger tablet serves as an operator input device for the TracStar iSeries machines and simultaneously documents the entire fusion process. Archive essential details related to the fusion operation and jobsite including operator information, machine information, GPS locations and more while assuring your fusion joint is in adherence with industry standards.
The iSeries machines feature a redesigned cowling to address a common request from the field — fusing of large tees and elbows without removing the carriage from the vehicle. The new two-step design of the vehicle now gives the operator that ability while also being reinforced to handle the weight of heavy fittings.
A new Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system and Power Control Module (PCM) allows communication between the machine systems from heater control, carriage pressure and positions, and more. A seven-inch touchscreen vehicle display provides service and diagnostic information through the new systems for real-time machine information.
On all iSeries machines the manual hydraulic valves are replaced with smart keypads, which provide better feedback to operators. These smart keypads help guide users through the fusion process by changing colors when certain actions are necessary. Additionally, the hydraulic valves and knobs have been replaced by new paddle levers which provide more precise control of the indexer and carriage.