Excavator track maintenance is vital to the longevity of your rubber tracks. “The key to achieving optimal results in construction is to choose the right equipment and protect it with regular maintenance and care,” said Jesse Pettit of Durante Rentals.
Use The Right Tracks – Jesse points out, “New tracks can retail anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 so it is important to keep your project in mind when choosing excavator tracks.”Always consider the environment you will be working in. Firmer ground like hard-packed soil or rocky terrain calls for a narrower track width or “shoe width.” However, muddy or soft ground will require a wider shoe width for even weight distribution and keep your machine from sinking.
Drive Smarter – Drive smarter and extend the life of your tracks. Keeping these best-practices in mind will help prevent undue stress on your machine while extending the life of your tracks.
- Do not drive over sharp/damaging materials
- Do not drive over curbs
- Avoid steep inclines/declines when possible
- Always look forward and face your drive motor towards the back
- Avoid driving over chemicals, salt, oil, etc.
- Avoid overly sharp turns
- Minimize time on abrasive materials like concrete or asphalt
Keep Your Tracks Clean and Maintain Your Equipment
“Tracks should be cleaned of dirt and debris with a track spade or power washer after each use. If you skip this quick step, debris sitting on your tracks can eventually cause premature wear. After enough dirt accumulates, the added weight can also negatively affect your gas mileage. In the winter, frozen dirt can rub on the bolts, loosen the guiding and seize the rollers. When our rental machines come back, the first thing we do is make sure they are thoroughly cleaned,” says Jesse.
Regularly check the undercarriage of your machine for wear and tear. Worn sprockets, oil leaks, projecting bolts, or worn-out rollers can seriously damage your tracks. Small cuts in a track will have little effect, but serious cuts/cracks can reflect damage to the cords. A deep cut will allow moisture into your cords, seriously shortening the life of your tracks.
Make sure to check track tension regularly. Loose tracks can damage your undercarriage and cause your tracks to slip off your machine while overly tight tracks can lead to serious performance issues.
Proper Storage is Key to Excavator Track Maintenance
Try not to store your tracks in direct sunlight over long periods of time. Ideally, tracks should be stored in a dry, cool environment. If you know you your machine will be sitting for a while, make sure you take it for a spin every two weeks or so to prevent the tracks from warping.
TECH TIP: Always replace both tracks simultaneously. Matching worn components with new components can considerably shorten their lifespan.
