McElroy Unveils Third Generation of TracStar® 500

TULSA, Okla. —Fifteen years ago, McElroy introduced the world’s first self-contained, self-propelled, all-terrain fusion machine in the TracStar 500. Now, McElroy is releasing the third generation of the machine.

The new McElroy TracStar 500 Series 3 features major additions over previous models, including an indexer mounted heater and facer, economy engine throttle setting and hydraulic clamping. With the heater now included as an attached part of the machine, users no longer have to manually place the heater in the carriage during the fusion process. The economy engine setting saves fuel by throttling down when idle. The addition of hydraulic clamping helps reduce operator fatigue and saves time by clamping pipe into jaws of the carriage with the push of a lever. “TracStars revolutionized how people thought of the fusion process,” said Chip McElroy, president of McElroy. “TracStars continues to evolve with customer-provided suggestions having a key role in how designs are evolving. Many of the advancements on the new machine
are customer-driven.”

The TracStar 500 Series 3 is capable of fusing thermoplastic pipes from 6-inch IPS to 20-inch outer diameter in size (180mm to 500mm). The fusion carriage can be removed and lowered into a ditch for fusions in tight spaces. Power for the heater is supplied by an on-board generator, while a hydraulic-pump system driven by the engine provides the power for the facer, dual-speed track system and more. Dual hydraulic pipe lifts help to load and unload the pipe into the carriage. Two versions of the TracStar 500 series 3 will be available – a standard model and an Automatic TracStar 500 Series 3. The Automatic version offers control and monitoring over the heat, soak, fuse and cool cycles. The system guides the operator through a step-by-step procedure for fusing pipe. Both the Automated and standard versions have the ability to record fusion parameters with McElroy’s DataLogger®.

McElroy’s complete line of TracStar fusion machines can traverse mud, loose soil, snow and grades up to 30 percent. One of the most compelling reasons to use a TracStar is the ability to maneuver into position under the pipe. You can move the machine instead of moving the pipe, making the fusion process easier and faster. All TracStar machines allow for butt fusion of most fittings without special holders and have mitered inserts for fabricating ells in the shop or field.

For more information, visit the McElroy website at www.mcelroy.com/fusion.