Track & Field Service
It is important to take care of your investments if you’re hoping to get the longest and most efficient use out of them. The tracks on your mini excavator are no different, and the process of getting the most for your money begins with selecting the tracks that are best for your machine.
There are several different options for mini excavator rubber tracks. They can differ by tread patterns, manufacturer and size. Normally the tread patterns differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some tread patterns are
better for vibration, some for traction and some for lower ground disturbance. On certain key sizes, manufacturers may offer more then one tread pattern in order to hit more than one application.
Like pattern, size is a chief consideration. Two of the most important elements are the width of the track and
the pitch. The width should always be the same width
that was offered with the original equipment. This is important, as many distributors will offer narrower tracks to show a lower price. This is not a good practice as the machine was designed to run the
original width. Running a more narrow width will reduce flotation and load-
carrying capacity.
The other big size difference is between short-pitch and long-pitch tracks. On long-pitch tracks, the sprocket hits every other track hole. On the short-pitch, every sprocket tooth hits every track hole. This makes the short pitch offer a ride with much less
vibration. This will reduce not only
driver fatigue but also wear on parts.
After you purchase your ideal set of tracks, it is important to have daily,
weekly and yearly maintenance programs. The tracks and undercarriage should
be briefly inspected and cleaned daily.
Tracks and the undercarriage should be inspected weekly to make sure all parts are operating correctly. An in-depth comprehensive inspection should be performed yearly. Any worn undercarriage parts should be replaced. When looking for wear on the rubber tracks, inspect the tread, the roller surface and the interior metal pieces as they are the major wear areas on rubber tracks.
In some cases, the way a machine runs will tell you what condition the tracks are in. This can also tell you about the condition of the undercarriage, which, over time, can affect the life of the track. If the ride is producing
previously unfelt vibrations, something could be wrong and the undercarriage and the tracks should be inspected immediately. It is possible that a roller, sprocket or idler arm is not functioning correctly and repairing it could
significantly increase the life of your track.
Checking the tension on a track is critical to the life of that track too. The easiest and most effective way to
check track tension is to measure between the roller and the track when the undercarriage is lifted off the ground. There should be 15 to 20 mm between the two. You should always follow the instructions of the machine manufacturer when measuring and maintaining the tension of your rubber tracks.
There are several ways to know that a rubber track needs to be replaced. The most obvious and most common is when they break. With the rubber compounds that are currently available, most tracks break before the tread wears out.
This is due to normal wear and tear and cuts in the rubber that allow moisture to make contact with the steel cords causing them to rust and break. This is normal and common.
It is also time to replace a track if the tread wears out or there is a loss of traction. With no traction, the tracks can spin and do damage to the ground. Before starting work on a mini excavator, you should be aware of all rules and
recommendations from the machine manufacturer.
Keep your tracks working longer by operating the machine sensibly. Do not run over large obstructions such as big rocks or curbs. When running over obstacles, do so at a slow speed, so you do not cut the track. Always keep the undercarriage clean and maintained. Do not drive on too steep of a side grade as this can force the track to de-track and possibly cause damage. Remember, if you take care of your equipment, your equipment will take care of you.
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