VERTEX provided forensic mechanical engineering services for a cause & origin investigation to determine how several pieces of commercial heavy equipment were damaged during operation. VERTEX investigated multiple Komatsu excavators and assessed the damage to each unit. VERTEX observed damage consistent with impact to all four sides of the equipment including cracked front and rear lighting, leaking and deformed diesel fuel tanks, cracked rear engine covers, and cracked and deformed wheel wells. Additionally, VERTEX discovered fuel and hydraulic pump failures and leaking hydraulic lines which were all determined to be above and beyond typical operational wear and tear. Finally, VERTEX evaluated the proposed repair costs and found them to be appropriate and reasonable to return the heavy equipment to fully operational status.
