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Field Fact: 50% of the cost of owning and operating a machine
are related to its undercarriage
Shanahan Equipment has developed guidelines to help you get the most out of
your undercarriage with the lowest cost possible. There are three basic
maintenance areas that can have a big impact in your cost—track tension,
cleaning and service records.
Maintain Proper Track Tension
Track tension is maintained by a track adjuster that is situated behind the front idler.
Make adjustments by pumping or draining grease through a fitting on the track
adjuster.
Large track sag indicates that the track is loose; small track sag indicates that the
track is tight. A small adjustment in track sag—from 1" to 0.5"—has a huge impact on
tension—increases tension about 3000 pounds.
Operating Conditions—Remember to adjust track tension to the operating conditions.
As packing conditions increase, the adjusted track tension should decrease.
When the track chain is too tight
- There is increased wear on all
undercarriage components, especially
pins, bushings, links and sprockets.
- Large frictional forces burden the drive
train, causing mechanical loss and
reduced drawbar pull.
- Friction between moving components
causes the temperature to climb—
sometimes hot enough to melt seals. |
When the track chain is too loose
- The track chain swings from side to side
and the machine weaves violently,
causing increased wear on all
components involved in track guidance—
flanges, roller guards, link side faces and
sprocket teeth.
- Upper waviness causes the track chain to
whip, resulting in excessive wear on the
idler and carrier roller. High speeds will
increase the damage.
- In reverse, the sprocket may climb or skip
bushings, causing loud, popping impacts.
- Excessive noise and shaking.
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Consistent Cleaning
Mud, dirt and debris can accumulate on the undercarriage components and can become
almost as hard as the components. These packing conditions can also change the pitch,
which will alter the undercarriage component engagement, leading to faster wear. Clean the
undercarriage daily to avoid packing. Use a shovel to clear the area between the track frame
and the upper portion of the chain. Then, wash away any remaining material with water.
Keep Service Records
It is easier to maximize component wear when you keep track of your service records.
Retain records of wear measurements, repairs and costs.
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