How to prevent and minimise undercarriage wear

Case provides tips to maximise the undercarriage life of tracked machines.

The undercarriage consists of many moving parts, such as the sprockets, rollers, idlers and tracks. Because of their operating conditions, if they are not correctly maintained, it can result in excessively high maintenance and replacement costs. Case indicates that some of the key aspects to manage are as follows:
 

• Planning ahead: This is to ensure that the correct track (e.g. width) is chosen during machine purchase. Ground conditions, slope and application affect this. Also, before arriving at a specific work site, planning must minimise travel on surfaces which can damage the undercarriage.
• Make wider turns: Pivot turns increase wear and can result in de-tracking, especially with rubber trucks. Wider gradual turns should be made if possible.
• Work up and down slopes: Continually working on a side-slope in one direction results in uneven wear. Travel should preferably be straight up and down the slope, with turning taking place on level ground.
• Alternating turn direction: Turning in the same direction all the time causes uneven and accelerated wear. If it is not possible to change the turning direction, then check for wear more often.
• Control track spinning: This increases wear and decreases productivity. The load size may have to be reduced.
• Limit high speed and reverse travel: Both cause excessive wear.
• Use caution when edges are encountered: Driving over steep edges can damage tracks. The entire track plate should be in contact with the ground as far as possible.

Case has further specific advice for rubber tracks. These can be viewed at www.casece.com