How a Steel-Tracked Excavator Changes Direction When Moving

Stop Guessing — Understand the Mechanics Before You Break Your Machine

If you think turning a steel-tracked excavator is as simple as “push one track forward and pull the other back,” think again.

The truth? Most contractors don’t fully understand how their machines actually change direction, and it costs them — in:

• Premature track wear

• Final drive failures

• Hydraulic motor damage

• Lost time and money on site

This is the hard-hitting, no-BS guide to how your excavator really turns, and why knowing it can save you thousands.

SECTION 1: Basic Mechanics of a Steel-Tracked Excavator

A steel-tracked excavator moves and turns using two independent tracks, each powered by its own hydraulic motor through the final drive.

Key points:

• Forward/backward motion: Both tracks move in the same direction at the same speed

• Turning in a wide arc: One track moves faster than the other

• Pivot or zero-radius turns: One track moves forward while the other moves backward

Sounds simple? It isn’t. Most operators mismanage track speed, creating stress on:

• Tracks

• Track rollers

• Idlers

• Final drives

• Swing motors

…and that’s how expensive failures happen.

SECTION 2: How Direction Changes Affect the Machine

Turning isn’t just about pointing the bucket the right way. The physics are brutal:

• Hydraulic motors work harder during turns, especially under load

• Final drives take extreme torque when one track is braked

• Steel tracks resist twisting on hard surfaces, increasing stress

• Track rollers and idlers wear faster if turns are sharp or excessive

Ignoring these forces is like running a Ferrari on dirt roads with bald tires. It’ll survive a few miles, but eventually, something’s going to blow.

SECTION 3: Types of Turns and How They Work

1. Gentle Turn (Wide Arc)

• Both tracks move forward

• One track slightly slower than the other

• Low stress, minimal wear

Pro tip: Always use this for normal site work — your machine lasts longer.

2. Tight Turn

• One track slows significantly or stops

• Other track moves forward

• Moderate stress on final drives and hydraulics

Pro tip: Avoid frequent tight turns under load. Alternate with wide arcs whenever possible.

3. Pivot or Zero-Radius Turn

• One track moves forward, other moves backward

• High torque, extreme stress

• Used only when necessary (excavator is boxed in)

Pro tip: Use sparingly. This is the maneuver that kills final drives fastest in SA conditions.

SECTION 4: Common Mistakes Contractors Make

1. Overusing tight or pivot turns

   • Burns out final drives

   • Wears tracks unevenly

2. Ignoring ground conditions

   • Turning on hard rock or asphalt increases friction

   • Soft sand or mud? Less stress, but risk of track slip

3. Excessive speed while turning

   • Hydraulic motors can overheat

   • Track tension increases, risking failure

4. Poor maintenance

   • Worn track rollers or idlers amplify stress

   • Dirty or low hydraulic oil = faster component failure

5. Cheap aftermarket parts

   • Final drives, motors, and track components fail faster if not OEM or tested used

SECTION 5: Why Understanding This Matters in SA

South African contractors operate in harsh, varied terrain:

• Rocky quarries

• Muddy construction sites

• Hard-packed earth

• Urban streets with limited turning space

Every tight pivot or sharp turn multiplies stress on the machine, and most operators don’t realize it until a final drive goes boom.

Knowing how your excavator changes direction:

• Reduces downtime

• Extends track life

• Protects hydraulic motors

• Saves money on repairs

SECTION 6: Preventative Measures Contractors Can Take

1. Plan your turns: Use wide arcs instead of zero-radius when possible

2. Monitor hydraulic pressure and temperature: Overheating = warning sign

3. Regular maintenance: Inspect final drives, idlers, and track rollers

4. Use OEM or tested used parts: Cheap replacements fail quickly under SA stress

5. Train operators: Proper turning technique is worth thousands in saved repair costs

SECTION 7: Vikfin’s Role in Keeping Excavators Moving

We don’t just sell parts — we protect your machine:

• Tested OEM used final drives and hydraulic motors

• Advice on turning techniques to minimize wear

• Fast nationwide delivery — downtime = minimal

• Documentation and inspection reports for each part

Contractors who ignore these lessons usually end up calling us after a preventable breakdown, paying a premium for replacement.

SECTION 8: Key Takeaways

• Steel-tracked excavators turn via independent track speeds

• Different types of turns stress different components

• Improper turning = premature failure of final drives, motors, tracks

• Proper understanding and maintenance save money and time

• OEM or tested used parts from trusted suppliers are non-negotiable

SECTION 9: Final Word

Turning a steel-tracked excavator isn’t just about moving the bucket.

It’s about understanding mechanics, anticipating stress, and using the right parts.

Contractors in South Africa who master this:

• Minimize breakdowns

• Extend the life of their excavators

• Avoid costly downtime

• Keep projects running on time

And those who ignore it?They pay. A lot.

Vikfin keeps your excavator moving — literally and profitably.

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