Excavator Undercarriage Maintenance and Repair Guide

If your livelihood depends on an excavator, you should take good care of your equipment. While some excavator repairs are best left to the professionals, operators can also take proactive steps to keep their machines in top condition. Read on for some expert advice on taking care of your excavator undercarriage from Alpha & Omega Contract Sales & Consulting.

Maintain Proper Track Tension

Using the correct track tension will minimize wear and tear on your excavator undercarriage. If the tension is too loose, it can damage the bushings and sprockets. Meanwhile, if the tension is too tight, it can put undue stress on the undercarriage while wasting fuel and horsepower.

For best results, check the track tension once every 10-15 hours of operation. Make sure to run your excavator for about 30 minutes prior to checking the track tension, so it has time to acclimate to the working conditions. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the track tension depending on the terrain at your work site. Looser tracks will give you an advantage when working on soft, muddy terrain, while tighter tracks are more suitable for solid ground.

Use the Correct Shoe Width

Using the proper shoe width is another important step in maintaining your excavator undercarriage. If your excavator shoes are too narrow, your excavator can sink into the ground, making it easier for debris to get caught in the undercarriage. On the other hand, excavator shoes that are too wide may experience increased wear and tear.

Try to select the narrowest excavator shoes that will give you the function and level of flotation you need, depending on the terrain. When working on firm, rocky terrain, choose narrower shoes that offer increased grip and soil penetration. When working on softer terrain, choose wider shoes that offer increased flotation and reduced ground pressure.

Keep the Undercarriage Clean

Allowing debris to build up in your excavator undercarriage can impact its performance, and lead to increased wear and tear over time. For best results, clean the undercarriage at the end of each work day using a shovel or pressure washer. Remember: the longer you wait to clear dirt and debris from the undercarriage, the more difficult it will be to remove.

We hope you found these excavator maintenance tips helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to consult the team here at Alpha & Omega Contract Sales & Consulting. We have four locations across Texas for your convenience.