How to Maintain the Undercarriage of Excavator Construction Heavy Equipment

United Tractors, Jakarta – Heavy construction equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of any development project. It can be challenging for the construction sector to meet work targets without heavy equipment. An excavator is a type of heavy machinery frequently used in construction.

Construction projects rely heavily on this powerful equipment, essential for digging and moving heavy materials. This means that every part of the excavator, particularly the driving system, needs to be kept in good working order.

The undercarriage is the primary drive system on an excavator. The undercarriage of an excavator consists of a series of interconnected iron pieces. Its purpose is identical to the wheels on heavy machinery – to enable the excavator to move back and forth.

The excavator undercarriage comprises durable iron plates that handle even the most challenging work conditions. Unlike typical wheels, it is not round-shaped.

Working in construction areas can be challenging, especially when weather is unpredictable. Increased rainfall can lead to a more challenging work environment due to slippery and muddy ground conditions. When the weather gets hot, the ground dries up, causing the soil to become rough and rocky, making it challenging for an excavator to move around.

Proper undercarriage maintenance is critical to optimal excavator operation. How can we ensure proper undercarriage maintenance? Take a look at this review.

1. Regularly Inspect the Undercarriage

Regular, consistent, and comprehensive undercarriage inspections are required. Conducting undercarriage inspections is crucial for maintaining the excavator. These inspections help assess the condition, identify any damage, and check for signs of wear on various parts.

By conducting a comprehensive inspection, one can closely monitor the condition of various components, including track shoes, track chains, rock guards, track bolts, and other crucial parts. If a component seems missing or misplaced, it can be promptly repaired. Regular inspections are crucial for detecting oil leaks and other types of damage, whether minor or major.

2. Excavate According to Procedures

Anyone operating the unit must carefully read and follow the procedures provided when purchasing a hydraulic excavator or other type of excavator. These procedures are not just for decoration. They are in place to ensure that potential issues, such as excessive wear on specific components like the undercarriage, are effectively prevented.

It’s widely known that heavy construction equipment prices are expensive in the market, not to mention the high repair costs. Damage to the excavator, particularly the undercarriage, poses a significant risk to the owner.

Repairing a damaged excavator undercarriage requires a significant investment of money and effort. Preventing undercarriage damage is more cost-effective than spending money on repairs. Implementing the excavation procedures provided can help avoid such damage.

By following proper excavation procedures, you can ensure the undercarriage’s protection and enhance the unit’s lifespan, making it more durable and extending its usability.

3. Applying Rubber Tracks

Given the delicate and easily damaged nature of the undercarriage surface, rubber tracks should be seriously considered. Small excavator units typically have rubber-based tracks, which are highly dependable for use on specialized excavators that frequently run into soft terrain.

Operating excavator with rubber tracks in the construction sector offers increased flexibility and a longer range without damaging the land. Rubber tracks also help minimize damage to work surfaces like grass, asphalt, or concrete.

4. Monitor the Track Tension

Being mindful of the tension on the track helps to avoid damage and excessive wear on the undercarriage. Improper track tension can lead to increased wear and tear on the track.

For optimal maintenance, adjusting the track tension slightly when operating on muddy or soft terrain is advisable. The operator must have a good understanding of when to adjust the tension of the steel track on a specific work surface.

5. Keep the Undercarriage Clean

Regular cleaning of the undercarriage is essential, just like any other component. Many excavator operators disregard this instruction because they believe it to be unimportant.

It is essential to regularly clean the undercarriage to remove any dirt, mud, or debris that may have accumulated. Cleaning this part periodically is crucial to avoid premature wear due to dirt accumulation and hardening.

In addition, neglecting to clean the undercarriage can add weight to the excavator, hindering its operation. Allowing this dirt to accumulate can damage other parts and increase fuel consumption.

United Tractors offers heavy equipment maintenance services if you’re too busy to clean the excavator undercarriage. Through the Undercarriage Inspection Program (P2U), you’ll receive comprehensive information on all components and a detailed replacement plan for any undercarriage component that requires replacement.

6. Using Proper Undercarriage Treads

In addition to the suggestions mentioned earlier, selecting the appropriate tread size is also essential to maintaining the undercarriage. The width of the undercarriage tread or shoe size can impact the equipment’s weight performance. For complex and rocky terrain, narrower undercarriage shoes are the way to go. Their narrow treads offer superior ground penetration and grip, ensuring a secure footing.

Meanwhile, a wider undercarriage track would be more appropriate for use on software ground surfaces because it provides greater flotation and reduces ground pressure.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the endurance and reliability of your excavator undercarriages. Proper undercarriage maintenance not only protects the excavator from damage but also offers additional advantages. These include an extended lifespan for the equipment and increased operational safety for operators and construction workers.

Who said it was hard to maintain an excavator undercarriage? Actually, you can implement the tips mentioned either on your own or with the assistance of a professional. Make sure to regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure optimal performance of the excavator. The undercarriage plays a crucial role in the equipment’s productivity, so it’s essential not to overlook its condition.

By conducting regular checks and maintenance on the undercarriage, you can rest assured that operational costs won’t increase dramatically due to machine repairs. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of undercarriage damage.

Efficient and Prompt Undercarriage Maintenance Services Provided by United Tractors
Do you require expert assistance in maintaining your excavator undercarriage? United Tractors is the perfect solution! Aside from selling heavy equipment, United Tractors also offers exceptional after-sales service through the 4 Straight Customer Experiences program, which includes the Undercarriage Inspection Program (P2U).

Our program offers the expertise of United Tractors’ professional team to monitor and closely inspect your excavator undercarriage. We will also create a component replacement schedule and service schedule. When partnering with United Tractors, you can expect top-notch heavy equipment and exceptional after-sales service that you can rely on. Contact UT Call at 1-500-072 to discuss your heavy equipment needs.