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Writer's pictureRALPH COPE

The Essential Guide to Steel Excavator Tracks: Building, Maintenance, and Replacement

Updated: Jul 19

Steel excavator tracks are among the most critical components of an excavator, providing the stability and mobility necessary for these powerful machines to perform in various terrains. Given their importance, steel tracks are expensive and challenging to replace, making it vital for owners to ensure their longevity through proper care and maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how steel tracks are built, the materials used, methods to extend their lifespan, common types of damage, signs of wear, and how Vikfin can be your trusted provider of high-quality used OEM tracks at competitive prices.


The Construction of Steel Excavator Tracks

Steel excavator tracks are engineered to withstand harsh environments and heavy loads. The construction process involves several key components:

  1. Track Chains: These are the backbone of the track system, consisting of a series of interconnected links that form a continuous loop around the undercarriage of the excavator.

  2. Track Shoes: Attached to the chains, these flat plates make direct contact with the ground, providing traction and stability. They are typically made from high-strength steel to resist wear and impact.

  3. Pins and Bushings: These components connect the track links and allow for flexibility and movement. They are designed to endure significant stress and minimize friction.

  4. Rollers and Sprockets: Rollers support the weight of the machine and guide the tracks, while sprockets drive the tracks and ensure smooth movement.

Each of these components plays a vital role in the overall functionality of the excavator tracks. The track chains must be robust and flexible to handle the continuous movement and heavy loads.


Track shoes must be durable and provide sufficient traction to prevent slippage. Pins and bushings must minimize friction and wear, ensuring the tracks move smoothly. Rollers and sprockets must support the machine's weight and drive the tracks efficiently. Properly constructed steel tracks ensure the excavator operates effectively, even in the most demanding environments.


Materials Used in Steel Excavator Tracks


The materials used in steel tracks are selected for their durability and strength. The primary material is high-strength alloy steel, which offers excellent resistance to wear, impact, and fatigue. Key characteristics of the materials used include:

  • Hardness: Ensures the track shoes can withstand abrasive conditions.

  • Toughness: Allows the tracks to absorb shocks and impacts without cracking or breaking.

  • Wear Resistance: Minimizes the degradation of the tracks over time, even in harsh working environments.


High-strength alloy steel is chosen for its balance of hardness and toughness. Hardness is crucial for resisting wear, especially in abrasive environments. Toughness is necessary to absorb shocks and impacts without cracking or breaking. Wear resistance ensures the tracks can withstand continuous use without significant degradation. The combination of these properties makes high-strength alloy steel the ideal material for excavator tracks, providing the necessary durability and strength to handle the demanding conditions in which excavators operate.


Extending the Life of Steel Excavator Tracks

Proper maintenance and usage practices can significantly extend the lifespan of steel tracks. Here are some essential tips:

  1. Regular Inspection: Conduct frequent inspections to identify and address any signs of wear or damage early. Look for issues such as cracks, excessive wear, or loose bolts.

  2. Proper Tensioning: Ensure that the tracks are correctly tensioned according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Over-tensioning can cause excessive wear, while under-tensioning can lead to track derailment.

  3. Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the pins and bushings to reduce friction and prevent premature wear.

  4. Avoiding Sharp Turns: Minimize sharp turns and high-speed operations, as these can accelerate track wear.

  5. Surface Conditions: Avoid operating on extremely abrasive or uneven surfaces when possible, as these can damage the tracks.


In addition to these tips, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and guidelines. Regular inspection allows you to catch and address issues early before they become significant problems. Proper tensioning ensures the tracks are neither too tight nor too loose, preventing excessive wear and derailment. Lubrication reduces friction and wear, extending the lifespan of the pins and bushings. Avoiding sharp turns and high-speed operations reduces the stress on the tracks, preventing premature wear. Operating on appropriate surfaces prevents damage to the track shoes and other components. By following these maintenance practices, you can significantly extend the life of your steel excavator tracks, reducing downtime and costs.


Common Types of Damage to Steel Excavator Tracks

Despite proper maintenance, steel tracks can still suffer from various types of damage due to the demanding nature of excavation work. Common types of damage include:

  1. Link Wear: Continuous contact with the ground and other surfaces can lead to the wearing down of track links.

  2. Shoe Wear and Breakage: Track shoes can become worn or cracked due to abrasive materials and heavy impacts.

  3. Pin and Bushing Wear: Pins and bushings can wear out over time, leading to increased track sag and reduced performance.

  4. Cracking and Splitting: High-impact operations can cause cracks or splits in the track links or shoes, compromising the structural integrity of the tracks.


Link wear occurs as the track links continuously contact the ground and other surfaces, leading to gradual wear. Shoe wear and breakage can result from abrasive materials and heavy impacts, causing the track shoes to wear down or crack. Pin and bushing wear occurs over time, leading to increased track sag and reduced performance. Cracking and splitting can result from high-impact operations, compromising the structural integrity of the tracks. Identifying and addressing these common types of damage is crucial to maintaining the performance and longevity of steel excavator tracks.


Signs Your Steel Tracks Are Nearing the End of Their Life

Knowing when to replace your steel tracks is crucial to maintaining the efficiency and safety of your excavator. Key signs that your tracks may be nearing the end of their life include:

  1. Excessive Wear: When the track links or shoes become excessively worn and thin, they are more prone to breaking.

  2. Track Sag: Significant sagging of the tracks indicates that the pins and bushings are worn out and need replacement.

  3. Cracks and Splits: Visible cracks or splits in the track links or shoes are clear indicators that the tracks are compromised.

  4. Difficulty in Tensioning: If you find it increasingly difficult to maintain proper track tension, it may be time for a replacement.

  5. Reduced Traction and Stability: Worn tracks can lead to reduced traction and stability, affecting the overall performance of the excavator.

Excessive wear is a clear indicator that the track links or shoes are nearing the end of their life. Significant track sag indicates worn-out pins and bushings that need replacement. Visible cracks and splits in the track links or shoes compromise the tracks' structural integrity. Difficulty in maintaining proper track tension indicates that the tracks need replacement.


Reduced traction and stability can result from worn tracks, affecting the excavator's performance. Recognizing these signs early allows you to replace the tracks before they cause significant downtime or safety issues.


Best Practices for Replacing Steel Excavator Tracks

When it comes time to replace your steel excavator tracks, following best practices can ensure a smooth and successful replacement process. Here are some essential tips:

  1. Choose High-Quality Replacement Tracks: Select replacement tracks that meet or exceed the original manufacturer's specifications. High-quality tracks will provide better performance and longevity.

  2. Ensure Proper Fitment: Ensure the replacement tracks fit your excavator correctly. Incorrect fitment can lead to operational issues and premature wear.

  3. Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for track replacement. These guidelines will provide specific instructions for your excavator model.

  4. Check and Replace Other Components: Check and replace other components, such as pins, bushings, and sprockets, that may be worn. Replacing these components simultaneously ensures optimal performance.

  5. Test and Adjust: After replacing the tracks, test the excavator and adjust the track tension as necessary. Proper adjustment ensures the tracks perform correctly and reduces the risk of damage.


Choosing high-quality replacement tracks ensures better performance and longevity. Ensuring proper fitment prevents operational issues and premature wear. Following the manufacturer's guidelines provides specific instructions for your excavator model. Checking and replacing other worn components ensures optimal performance. Testing and adjusting the track tension after replacement ensures the tracks perform correctly and reduces the risk of damage. By following these best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful track replacement process.


Vikfin: Your Trusted Provider of High-Quality Used OEM Tracks

When it comes to replacing your steel excavator tracks, you need a reliable provider that offers quality products at competitive prices. Vikfin stands out as one of South Africa’s leading suppliers of high-quality used OEM tracks. Here’s why Vikfin should be your go-to choice:

  1. Wide Range of Options: Vikfin offers a comprehensive selection of used OEM tracks for various excavator models, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your machine.

  2. Competitive Pricing: By providing high-quality used tracks, Vikfin helps you save money without compromising on performance or durability.

  3. Expertise and Knowledge: Vikfin’s team of experts has extensive knowledge of excavator tracks and can guide you in selecting the best options for your needs.

  4. Quality Assurance: Every track sold by Vikfin undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to ensure it meets OEM standards for performance and reliability.

  5. Customer Focus: Vikfin is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free purchasing experience.

Vikfin offers a wide range of used OEM tracks for various excavator models, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your machine. By providing high-quality used tracks, Vikfin helps you save money without compromising on performance or durability.


Conclusion

Steel excavator tracks are vital components that require proper care and maintenance to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your excavator. By understanding how tracks are built, the materials used, and the best practices for extending their lifespan, you can minimize downtime and reduce costs. When it’s time to replace your tracks, trust Vikfin to provide you with high-quality used OEM tracks at the most competitive prices, backed by expert knowledge and exceptional customer service.


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