Track Tension Adjustments
Loose tracks can allow the tracks to come off the machine. Over-tightening can cause power loss, excessive strain or wear on the final drive, or torn tracks. It can also stretch the rubber track. Contaminants could deteriorate the rubber, causing a similar issue. Track tension adjustments are made by pumping or draining grease through the track adjuster valve.
To Pump or Drain the Grease Through the Track Adjuster Valve, take the following steps:
- Turn the excavator cab and place the boom on the side of the machine on the ground.
- Push down on the bucket to elevate the track above the ground.
- Rotate the elevated track a few times to shake off dirt and debris.
- Loosen the binding links.
- Stop the tracks and activate the safety feature.
- Stay in the cab while another person measures the slack in the bottom track.
- The measurement should be from the bottom of the frame to the upper face of the track shoe.
- Consult the manual to compare the measured slack against the recommended distance.
- If needed, use a grease gun to insert more grease and tighten the track.
- To loosen the track, release grease with a wrench.
- Exercise caution and use proper safety equipment as grease is under extreme pressure.
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Make Adjustments
Inspect the adjuster valve to make sure it's working properly. If it is leaking that can lead to a loss of track tension and increased wear. Making adjustments in the shop can be different when the machine is on the job. Conditions like mud will affect tension. To get your track tension acclimated with operating conditions, run the machine at the job site for about an hour, evaluate track tension, and then make adjustments if needed. Making an adjustment doesn't mean you can run your machine for days or weeks without re-checking tension. In fact it's a good idea to check tension as conditions change on the job site.
Operated With Control
Drive the machine with control. Quick turns and abrupt stops put a lot of stress on the track and undercarriage. Also, continuous turning to the same side can cause uneven wear. Try to alternate the direction. Going slow also helps extend the life of your track system.
10 Tips Improve The Life of Your Track Machine
- Tracks and undercarriage components are designed for forward motion so going in reverse wears tracks down more quickly. Don't operate in reverse unless necessary.
- Avoid uneven surfaces like curbs. You can throw a track or damage them. Rubber tracks can crack leading to track failure.
- Climb slopes straight up and down. Don't travel unevenly with one track on a slope and the other on a flat surface.
- Be sure to keep your tracks clean.
- Inspect your undercarriage inspected annually by a trained technician.
- Remove mud with a pressure washer and a shovel. The recoil mechanisms can fail and the track cables can break if you don't remove the mud.
- To help reduce the build-up of mud, you can install mud shoes. Only use roller guards when necessary because they trap mud and debris resulting in more pressure on the tracks.
- Be sure track size matches the machine's horsepower. Slippage and wear damage happens when there is more horsepower than track tension.
- Rotate rubber tracks for even tread wear. When it's time to replace the tracks, do both at the same time. Replacing only one track may cause alignment issues and damage the undercarriage.
- When it comes to rubber tracks, store them in a cool dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Covering the tracks with something like a tarp can extend the track life. To prevent folds, rest the tracks on their sides.
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Make Adjustments
Inspect the adjuster valve to make sure it's working properly. If it is leaking that can lead to a loss of track tension and increased wear. Making adjustments in the shop can be different when the machine is on the job. Conditions like mud will affect tension. To get your track tension acclimated with operating conditions, run the machine at the job site for about an hour, evaluate track tension, and then make adjustments if needed. Making an adjustment doesn't mean you can run your machine for days or weeks without re-checking tension. In fact it's a good idea to check tension as conditions change on the job site.
Operated With Control
Drive the machine with control. Quick turns and abrupt stops put a lot of stress on the track and undercarriage. Also, continuous turning to the same side can cause uneven wear. Try to alternate the direction. Going slow also helps extend the life of your track system.
