Steel tracks are essential to the operation of any tracked excavator, providing the machine with stability, traction, and the ability to move across a wide range of surfaces. These components are built to endure tough environments, but like any part, they will eventually wear out. The lifespan of steel tracks can be significantly extended if operators follow best practices for maintenance, understand how tracks get damaged, and replace them at the right time. This blog will cover practical strategies for extending the life of steel tracks, highlight common causes of damage, walk through the steps for changing tracks, and discuss why opting for used tracks from Vikfin is a smart, cost-effective decision.
How to Extend the Life of Excavator Steel Tracks
Regular Cleaning and Inspection Excavators often work in muddy, rocky, or debris-filled environments that can cause dirt and materials to lodge between the steel tracks. Over time, this can wear down the metal and accelerate track degradation. Regular cleaning—especially after operating in muddy or sandy conditions—is crucial for extending the life of the tracks. Additionally, frequent inspections allow operators to identify potential problems like worn-out track pads, missing bolts, or misalignment before they turn into costly repairs.
Proper Track Tensioning Keeping the track tension within the manufacturer’s specified range is essential. Tracks that are too tight can increase strain on the undercarriage and reduce fuel efficiency, while overly loose tracks may slip off the rollers or cause uneven wear. Operators should regularly check track tension and adjust as needed to ensure optimal performance.
Limit High-Speed Travel Steel tracks are designed for durability and rough terrain, not high speeds. Operating an excavator at excessive speeds increases the strain on the tracks, rollers, and idlers, causing them to wear out faster. Limiting travel speed to what is appropriate for the terrain not only saves fuel but also extends the life of the tracks.
Avoid Abrasive Surfaces While steel tracks are durable, continuous operation on abrasive surfaces like sharp rocks or concrete can cause accelerated wear. When possible, avoid running the excavator over harsh surfaces. If unavoidable, operate the machine at a reduced speed and ensure proper lubrication to minimize the damage.
Maintain Proper Lubrication Friction between the moving components of the track system can cause excessive wear if not properly lubricated. Greasing the pins and bushings helps reduce this friction, preventing damage to both the tracks and undercarriage components. Regularly checking and maintaining lubrication levels is key to preventing premature track wear.
Minimize Sharp Turns Performing sharp turns places uneven pressure on the tracks and accelerates wear. Operators should use wider, gradual turns to reduce stress on the tracks and extend their lifespan.
The Most Common Ways Steel Tracks Get Damaged
Despite their robustness, steel tracks can suffer from several types of damage. Some of the most common issues include:
Excessive Wear on Track Pads Over time, the contact points on the track pads wear down, particularly when operating in abrasive environments. Worn-out track pads reduce traction and can expose other parts of the undercarriage to damage.
Broken or Cracked Links Steel tracks are made of interconnected links that can crack or break under stress, especially when the excavator operates on uneven or rocky ground. Broken links often require immediate attention, as they can lead to more extensive damage.
Loose or Missing Bolts Bolts hold the track system together and are subjected to significant vibration during operation. Loose or missing bolts can result in misalignment, track detachment, or even catastrophic undercarriage failure.
Bent Track Shoes Bending can occur when steel tracks come into contact with particularly hard or uneven objects, such as large rocks. Bent shoes not only reduce the efficiency of the track system but can also damage other components, like rollers and idlers.
Worn Bushings and Pins The bushings and pins that connect the individual links of the track are critical components that can wear out over time. Worn bushings and pins cause misalignment and increase the risk of track breakage or detachment.
How to Change Steel Tracks on an Excavator
Changing steel tracks on an excavator is a complex but manageable task with the right equipment and knowledge. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Lift the Excavator Begin by lifting the excavator off the ground using hydraulic jacks or blocks. Ensure the machine is stable and secure before proceeding.
Loosen the Track Tension Locate the tensioning valve near the idler and use a wrench to release the tension. This will allow the track to loosen, making it easier to remove.
Remove the Track Once the tension is released, remove the track by pulling it off the idlers and rollers. This may require the use of a pry bar to help free the track.
Inspect and Replace Components Before installing new or used tracks, inspect the rollers, idlers, and sprockets for damage. If any components are worn or broken, replace them before mounting the new tracks.
Install the New Track Position the new or refurbished track over the rollers and idlers. Start at the front of the machine and work toward the rear, making sure the track fits snugly into place.
Adjust Track Tension Once the track is in place, use the tensioning valve to tighten the track to the correct specification. Check the tension by ensuring that the track has the recommended amount of sag.
Lower the Excavator Carefully lower the excavator back to the ground and perform a test run to ensure the track is properly seated and functioning correctly.
Why Choose Vikfin for Used Excavator Steel Tracks?
When it comes time to replace your excavator’s steel tracks, choosing used tracks from Vikfin is an excellent decision for several reasons:
Cost-Effectiveness New tracks are often prohibitively expensive, especially for older machines or fleets. By opting for used tracks from Vikfin, you can save a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality. Vikfin ensures that all used tracks are thoroughly inspected and refurbished, providing you with high-performance components at a fraction of the price of new parts.
High-Quality OEM Parts At Vikfin, only the best OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are sourced and sold. This guarantees that the steel tracks you purchase will fit perfectly on your machine, last longer, and provide better overall performance than cheaper aftermarket alternatives.
Environmental Impact By choosing used parts, you contribute to reducing waste and lowering the demand for new steel production. This helps conserve natural resources and reduce your environmental footprint, making used tracks a more sustainable choice.
Wide Selection Vikfin carries a vast inventory of used steel tracks for various makes and models, ensuring you can find the right part quickly and efficiently. Whether you need tracks for a 20-tonne or 30-tonne excavator, Vikfin has you covered.
Conclusion
Steel tracks are a critical component of your excavator, and with proper care, they can last significantly longer, saving you time and money in the long run. Regular cleaning, proper tensioning, avoiding abrasive surfaces, and making gradual turns all contribute to extending the lifespan of your tracks. When it comes time to replace them, Vikfin offers high-quality used OEM tracks at competitive prices, making it the smart choice for savvy operators who value performance and cost-effectiveness.
With Vikfin, you can rest assured that your excavator will keep moving efficiently and reliably, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
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