Steel tracks are the backbone of many heavy-duty excavators, especially those in the 20-tonne category. At Vikfin, we understand that steel tracks are one of the most sought-after parts for construction and earthmoving projects, where durability and performance are paramount. Excavators equipped with steel tracks are indispensable for projects that involve challenging terrains and significant loads. This blog dives deep into the construction of steel tracks, how to maintain them for optimal performance, the common ways they are damaged, signs they are nearing the end of their useful life, and the benefits of replacing them with high-quality used tracks from Vikfin.
The Construction of Steel Tracks for 20-Tonne Excavators
Steel tracks are meticulously engineered to ensure they can withstand the weight and strain of an excavator. They consist of a series of interconnected steel plates, known as track pads or shoes, that are bolted onto the track chain. These track chains run along the undercarriage of the excavator, where they are driven by a sprocket connected to the machine’s powertrain.
The primary components of steel tracks include:
Track Shoes: The outermost components that come into direct contact with the ground. These are made from hardened steel to resist wear and tear. The width and thickness of the track shoes are carefully selected to optimize grip and minimize ground pressure.
Track Chain: The chain links hold the track shoes together and ensure the continuous movement of the track system. Each link in the chain is connected by steel pins and bushings, allowing for flexibility and movement over uneven surfaces.
Pins and Bushings: These are located at the joints of the track chain links and are crucial for maintaining the movement of the track. The pins rotate within the bushings as the track moves, which is why lubrication and correct alignment are essential for longevity.
Sprockets: These drive the steel tracks by engaging with the track chain links. They are typically positioned at the rear of the undercarriage and are subject to high amounts of stress.
Rollers and Idlers: Rollers help to distribute the weight of the excavator across the length of the tracks, preventing damage to the track shoes and links. Idlers are positioned at the front of the undercarriage and help maintain the tension of the tracks.
The construction of steel tracks ensures that the load of the excavator is evenly distributed over a wide surface area, allowing the machine to work effectively on uneven and soft terrains. Steel tracks provide superior traction compared to rubber tracks, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications in construction, mining, and forestry.
Maintaining Steel Tracks to Extend Their Lifespan
Steel tracks are durable, but they require regular maintenance to ensure longevity and to minimize the risk of costly repairs or downtime. A well-maintained track system not only lasts longer but also enhances the overall performance of the excavator.
Here are some essential tips for maintaining steel tracks:
Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the track system for wear, damage, or any signs of misalignment. Check for cracks or excessive wear on the track shoes, as well as the condition of the track chain and rollers. Ensure that the sprockets are engaging correctly with the track chain links and that there is no excessive play in the pins and bushings.
Proper Tensioning: Maintaining the correct tension in the tracks is crucial. Tracks that are too loose can lead to derailing and increased wear, while tracks that are too tight can cause excessive strain on the components, leading to premature failure. Use the excavator’s manual to adjust the tension according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Lubrication: Pins and bushings require proper lubrication to minimize friction and wear. Make sure the entire track system is lubricated at regular intervals, particularly after heavy use or exposure to abrasive materials like sand and gravel.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the tracks to remove debris, mud, and stones that may accumulate in the track system. Debris can cause misalignment and increase wear on the track components. In particular, clear out any material that has become lodged between the track links and sprockets.
Avoid Overloading: While steel tracks are built to handle heavy loads, overloading the excavator can put excessive strain on the tracks and lead to premature wear and damage. Stick to the manufacturer’s load limits for optimal performance.
Monitor Track Alignment: Misaligned tracks cause uneven wear on the track shoes and chain links. Ensure that the track rollers and idlers are properly aligned, and replace any worn-out components as necessary.
Common Causes of Steel Track Damage
Despite regular maintenance, steel tracks can suffer from various types of damage, especially in demanding work environments. Understanding the common causes of damage can help operators take preventative measures to avoid costly repairs.
Excessive Wear on Track Shoes: The track shoes bear the brunt of the excavator’s weight and are subjected to constant contact with abrasive surfaces. Over time, the shoes wear down, reducing traction and increasing the risk of slippage. Uneven wear can also occur if the tracks are misaligned or if the machine is frequently operated on rocky terrain.
Pin and Bushing Wear: The pins and bushings are vital to the movement of the track chain, but they are also subject to constant friction. Over time, the pins can become worn or bent, and the bushings may develop cracks or become deformed. If not addressed, worn pins and bushings can cause the track chain to elongate, leading to poor performance and the risk of derailing.
Sprocket Wear: Sprockets are subjected to high amounts of stress as they engage with the track chain links. Over time, the teeth of the sprockets can become worn or chipped, leading to improper engagement with the chain and causing further damage to the track system.
Roller and Idler Wear: Rollers and idlers are responsible for distributing the weight of the excavator across the tracks. If these components become worn or damaged, they can cause uneven weight distribution, leading to accelerated wear on the track shoes and chain links.
Track Link Stretching: The constant movement of the track chain can cause the links to stretch over time. This is a natural part of the wear process, but excessive stretching can lead to poor track tension and an increased risk of derailing.
Environmental Factors: Harsh working conditions, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, abrasive materials, and corrosive substances, can accelerate wear and damage to steel tracks. Operators should be mindful of the environment in which they are working and take appropriate steps to protect the track system.
Signs Your Steel Tracks Are Nearing the End of Their Useful Life
Steel tracks are built to last, but they do have a finite lifespan. Knowing when your tracks are approaching the end of their useful life can help you avoid unexpected downtime and costly repairs. Here are some common signs that your steel tracks may need replacement:
Excessive Wear on Track Shoes: If the track shoes are worn down to the point where they no longer provide adequate traction, it’s time to consider replacement. Worn track shoes can lead to slippage and decreased performance, particularly on challenging terrain.
Elongated Track Chain: If the track chain has stretched beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limits, it may be time to replace the entire track system. Elongated chains can cause poor tensioning, leading to increased wear on other components and a higher risk of derailing.
Cracked or Damaged Bushings: If you notice cracks or other signs of damage in the bushings, it’s essential to replace them before they cause further damage to the track chain or sprockets.
Worn or Damaged Sprockets: Sprockets with worn or chipped teeth can cause improper engagement with the track chain, leading to increased wear on both the sprockets and the chain links. If the sprockets are significantly worn, it’s time to replace them.
Uneven Wear on Track Shoes or Chain Links: If you notice that some track shoes or chain links are wearing more quickly than others, this could be a sign of misalignment or other underlying issues. Addressing the cause of uneven wear is essential to extending the life of the track system, but replacement may be necessary if the wear is severe.
Frequent Derailing: If your excavator’s tracks are frequently derailing, this could be a sign of worn or damaged components, such as elongated track chains or misaligned rollers. Frequent derailing can lead to increased downtime and should be addressed promptly.
Replacing Steel Tracks with High-Quality Used Tracks from Vikfin
When your steel tracks reach the end of their useful life, replacing them with high-quality used tracks from Vikfin is a cost-effective and reliable solution. At Vikfin, we specialize in sourcing and refurbishing used steel tracks from 20-tonne excavators, ensuring that our customers receive durable and dependable parts at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Here’s why choosing used steel tracks from Vikfin is a smart decision:
Cost Savings: New steel tracks can be expensive, but opting for used tracks can save you a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality. Vikfin’s used tracks are thoroughly inspected and refurbished to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and durability.
Availability: At Vikfin, we maintain a large inventory of used steel tracks for 20-tonne excavators, ensuring that you can find the parts you need quickly and easily. This helps to minimize downtime and keep your projects on track.
Quality Assurance: All of our used tracks are sourced from reputable suppliers and are carefully inspected for wear, damage, and other issues. We refurbish our tracks to ensure they meet OEM specifications, giving you the peace of mind that you’re getting a high-quality product.
Environmental Benefits: Choosing used steel tracks is also a more sustainable option. By repurposing high-quality parts, you're reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new steel tracks. This contributes to a circular economy, where valuable materials are kept in use for as long as possible.
Quick Turnaround: When your excavator is out of action due to worn tracks, every hour of downtime can result in lost revenue. Vikfin's extensive inventory and quick service ensure that you can get the tracks you need swiftly, allowing you to resume operations without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Steel tracks are an essential component of excavators, particularly for those operating in demanding environments like construction, mining, and forestry. These tracks are designed for durability and heavy loads, but they are still subject to wear and damage over time. By maintaining them properly—through regular inspections, proper tensioning, lubrication, and cleaning—you can extend their lifespan and avoid unnecessary downtime.
However, no matter how well you maintain your steel tracks, they will eventually reach the end of their useful life. Knowing the signs of wear—such as elongated track chains, cracked bushings, worn sprockets, and uneven wear—will help you determine when it’s time to replace them.
When that time comes, opting for used steel tracks from Vikfin is a smart choice. Not only do you benefit from significant cost savings, but you also get high-quality, refurbished tracks that perform just as well as new ones. Plus, you’ll be contributing to sustainability by choosing to reuse valuable materials.
At Vikfin, we take pride in offering a wide range of high-quality used parts, including steel tracks for 20-tonne excavators. Our commitment to quality, quick turnaround, and customer satisfaction ensures that your machines stay up and running, even in the toughest conditions. If you’re looking to replace your steel tracks, look no further than Vikfin for dependable, cost-effective solutions.
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