In our parts business (https://www.vikfin.co.za/used-equipment-parts), the quickest moving items are undercarriage components. This is the essential portion of the machine that connects the excavator's workhorse functionality to the ground. Here are five tips to decrease the probability of extended downtime and non-budgeted expenses.
Tip 1: Clean the Undercarriage Daily
At the end of each workday, you should take time to clean out dirt and other debris that may lead to undercarriage buildup. This almost never happens. Operators are tired and they want to go home. You need to make this daily clean-up part of the job description and not an extra task. Shovels and pressure washers can be used to help clean the undercarriage.
If the undercarriage is not routinely cleaned, it will accelerate premature wear on components. Tightly packed debris will start to rub and wear on the links in the long term. In the short term, it will add weight to the machine and reduce fuel efficiency.
Tip 2: Undercarriage Inspections Should be Routine
In this case, you want to be on the lookout for two things: excessive and uneven wear.
The following items should be inspected on a routine basis:
Final Drives - regular test the purity of the oil/also check for leaks
Final drive sprockets - check for sharpening teeth
Idlers and rollers - check for play
Track bolts - you want to bolts to be round (not C shaped)
Track chains - checked for smoothed edges
Track shoes - check for damage and play
Track tension - tracks must not be too tight or too loose
Tip 3: Ensure the Operator Adheres to 5 Basic Rules
You want your operator to religiously commit to these five basic rules
Make wider turns: Sharp turns or pivoting the machine can lead to accelerated wear and increase the potential for de-tracking.
Minimize time on slopes: Constant operation on a slope or hill in one direction can accelerate wear.
Forward operation: The operator should minimize time spent operating in reverse.
Avoid harsh environments: Rough asphalt or concrete or other abrasive materials can cause damage to tracks.
Reduce unnecessary spinning: Train your operators to make wide, less aggressive turns. Track spinning can lead to wear and decrease productivity.
Tip 4: Proper Track Tension is Key
Incorrect track tension may lead to increased track wear, so it is important to adhere to the proper tension. As a general rule, when your operators are working in soft, muddy conditions, it is recommended to run the tracks slightly looser. The opposite is true when operating on hard surfaces.
Tip 5: Consider Rubber Tracks for Sensitive Surfaces
Rubber tracks are available on smaller excavators and these models excel in a variety of applications. Most noticeably, rubber tracks provide good flotation, allowing excavators to travel across and work on soft ground conditions. The rubber tracks have minimal ground disturbance on finished surfaces, such as concrete, grass, or asphalt.
The undercarriage makes up a large portion of track replacement costs. It consists of expensive components. Adhering to these five undercarriage maintenance tips, as well as proper track maintenance can help keep your overall cost of ownership down and extend the life of your tracks.
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