Even Heavy Equipment Tracks Require Maintenance
Maintaining tracks on excavators and other heavy machinery is vital for containing costs and ensuring the longevity of construction equipment. Since new tracks can be expensive, and complex installation procedures can add to that expense, extending the life of a machine’s tracks through proper maintenance is smart business. While every tracked machine will eventually need new tracks, proper care and attention can significantly extend their lifespan. Unfortunately, many operators are lax in this aspect of equipment care.
Here are five essential tips to help maximize the life of your current tracks and keep your tracked machinery operating efficiently and smoothly.
1. Choose the Right Tracks for the Job
Selecting the right track width for the conditions you’ll be working in is crucial. Narrow tracks are better for hard-packed soil or rocky terrain, while wider tracks are optimal for soft or muddy ground. Picking the proper track width ensures safety, even weight distribution and will help prevent your machine from sinking into the ground.
2. Smart Driving Practices
Although this may sound obvious, it’s important to utilize proper driving skills to prolong the life of your tracks. Avoid driving over sharp or damaging materials, curbs, or chemicals. Steer clear of steep inclines or declines and minimize time spent on harsh surfaces like asphalt or concrete. And always drive with the machine facing forward to reduce wear and prevent unnecessary track stress. Pay attention to how the machine drives and operates, listening for unusual friction or grinding noises and anything out of the ordinary will help catch issues before they can incur expensive damage.
3. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your tracks clean helps avoid premature wear. Use a track spade or power washer to remove dirt and debris after each use. Accumulated dirt can affect fuel efficiency as well as cause damage, especially in the winter when frozen dirt/soil can impact rollers and bolts more easily. Be sure to regularly inspect the undercarriage for damage, misalignment, oil leaks, or erosion to the machine.
4. Proper Track Tension and Storage
Check and adjust track tension routinely to prevent damage and performance issues. Loose tracks can slip off and delay completion of your work. Inversely, overly tight tracks may strain mechanicals of machinery. When storing tracks, keep them in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Periodically run the machine to avoid warping that may come from a machine staying idle for too long.
5. Thoughtful New Track Installation
When it’s time to install new tracks, proper installation is critical to avoid damage and ensure long-lasting tracks for equipment. Consider having a professional handle this process. If you chose to do it yourself, be sure to follow all safety protocols and wear the appropriate gear. Make sure both tracks are replaced at the same time to maintain balanced usage wear and prolong an expensive piece of equipment’s lifespan.
Following proper care protocols and maintenance schedules will make sure you get the full usefulness, value, and longevity out of your equipment’s tracks. For more details, consult the expert technicians at Contractor’s Machinery. We’re here to help!
