The topcap bush on a drill airleg is subjected to moisture and dirt. Conventionally a steel bush is used. Although the life was reasonable, they represent a cost to replace, with an additional hidden maintenance cost. A typical mine replaces between 20 and 60 of these bushes a month.

Vesconite has proved a most successful replacement for top cap bushes.

Advantages of Vesconite in this application are:

• Much longer life
• Fewer replacements required