Construction equipment operates in the harshest braking and clutch environments on earth — heavy loads, abrasive dust, extreme heat cycles, wet and muddy conditions, and demand for absolute reliability where equipment failure means project downtime and safety risk. ProTec Friction Group has supplied engineered friction materials for construction and off-road equipment applications for decades.
| Material | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Woven Brake Lining | Crane hoists, winches, band brakes | High energy absorption, long service life |
| Molded Brake Pads & Shoes | Wheeled construction equipment, graders | Consistent µ in wet/dry conditions |
| Sintered Bronze | Wet multi-disc brakes, transmission packs | Operates submerged in oil; high heat capacity |
| Ceramic Composite | Severe-service drum brakes | Low fade, extended service intervals |
| Kevlar® / Aramid | Light crawler brakes, positioning clutches | Non-metallic, low dust, smooth engagement |
Unlike highway brake applications, construction braking often involves holding loads statically — cranes holding suspended loads, dozers holding on a grade, dump trucks braked on a slope. These static hold applications demand precise, stable coefficients and excellent heat dissipation. ProTec engineers for both dynamic braking performance and static holding torque.
Construction environments also subject brake linings to abrasive contamination (rock dust, sand, mud) and temperature extremes. ProTec’s formulations are selected and tested for retention of friction performance under these conditions — not just clean-room µ values.
ProTec serves both OEM brake component manufacturers and the aftermarket replacement parts channel. For construction equipment fleets, we can develop custom friction solutions for discontinued OEM parts, extending equipment service life without full system replacement.
| OEM production supply programs | Custom formulation for discontinued parts |
| Aftermarket replacement linings | Extended service interval formulations |
| Prototype and sample development | Full-range dimensional capability |
ProTec has supplied friction materials for equipment across the construction sector, including brands in the Caterpillar, Komatsu, Deere, Volvo CE, Liebherr, Manitowoc, and Terex families, among many others. We do not require OEM authorization to supply aftermarket-equivalent friction materials.