Best Practices for Track Tension and Undercarriage Maintenance

Best Practices for Track Tension and Undercarriage Maintenance Atlantic Coastal Equipment

Proper track tension is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your heavy equipment tracks. Tracks that are overly tight can lead to accelerated wear on rollers and idlers, power loss, and expensive tears. Conversely, loose tracks risk detracking, potentially causing damage to other components, hazardous jobsite conditions, and costly downtime.

To extend the lifespan of your undercarriage and ensure your equipment operates smoothly, follow our track tension tips and guidelines.

How to Adjust Track Tension Properly

You can modify track tension with the adjuster located behind the front idler. You pump or drain grease through the track adjuster valve to alter the tension. Even small changes in track sag can make a big difference—reducing sag from 1 inch to 0.5 inches can increase tension by about 3,000 pounds. Always consult your operator's manual for specific instructions related to your machine’s undercarriage and track tension adjustments.

Match the Tension to Current Jobsite Conditions

• Adjust tracks on-site - Always fine tune heavy equipment tracks at the jobsite. Mud or debris can accumulate in the sprockets and chains, increasing tension. A track adjusted in the shop might not perform correctly in the field.
• Monitor packing conditions - Reassess track tension after operating your equipment for a short time on-site. Changes in ground conditions or weather can impact tension, and timely adjustments will reduce wear on your heavy equipment tracks.
• Avoid operating with frozen tracks - If your tracks are frozen, hold off running the machine until the weather improves, and they thaw. Don’t use power to force the tracks, as it may cause serious damage.

Operational Tips to Increase Track Lifespan

Proper operation of tracked machines is key to maintaining ideal tension and reducing stress on your tracks and undercarriage:

• Don't move too quickly - Minimize sharp turns and high speed operation to prevent unnecessary stress on the undercarriage. We also recommend alternating turning directions and sticking to the slowest effective speed.
• Limit reversing - Reverse movements, especially at high speeds, cause significantly more wear on heavy equipment tracks compared to forward motion. Minimize backward operation to reduce strain.
• Inspect regularly - Schedule routine checks of your undercarriage by trained technicians to catch and resolve issues early.

By following these track tension best practices, you can maintain the optimal condition of your heavy equipment tracks and undercarriage, reducing downtime and repair costs.