Rubber tracks are critical components of Off Road equipment like mini excavators, skid steers and tractors. They provide traction, flotation, stability, and maneuverability on various terrains, making them essential for construction, landscaping, and agricultural tasks. Proper installation and maintenance of rubber tracks are vital for ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and safety. In this comprehensive guide, we share essential tips and steps for installing rubber tracks effectively.
Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Replace Rubber Tracks
Rubber tracks play a crucial role in the performance and safety of Off Road equipment mini excavators, skid steers and tractors. Over time, these tracks undergo wear and tear due to various factors, eventually requiring replacement. As an operator, it's essential to recognize the signs indicating the need for new rubber tracks to maintain optimal efficiency and prevent potential failure and downtime. Below are some key signs that indicate it's time to replace your rubber tracks:
Excessive Wear
Inspect the rubber tracks regularly for signs of excessive wear, such as worn-down treads, cracks, or cuts. Pay close attention to areas where the track comes into contact with abrasive surfaces or obstacles. Excessive wear indicates that the rubber tracks have reached the end of their lifespan and need replacement.
Loss of Traction
Decreased traction during operation is a clear indication that the rubber tracks are worn out and no longer provide adequate grip. This can lead to reduced maneuverability, increased slippage, and safety hazards for the operator and surrounding environment.
Visible Damage
Check the rubber tracks for visible damage, including tears, chunks missing from the treads and carcass, or damage to the track lugs or metal bar. Damage to critical components like sprocket teeth or drive lugs can significantly impact the track's performance and lead to further deterioration if not addressed promptly.
Uneven Tread Wear
Uneven tread wear across the width of the rubber tracks indicates misalignment or underlying issues with the undercarriage components. This can result in premature wear on specific areas of the track and compromise overall performance. Addressing alignment issues, bendted structural parts of undercarriage and replacing wheels and worn tracks is essential to maintain balanced tread wear.
Reduced Performance
If you notice a decrease in the performance of your equipment, such as slower operation, difficulty navigating inclines,excessive noise and vibration or increased fuel consumption, it may be due to worn-out rubber tracks. Old tracks can cause excessive strain on the drive system, leading to reduced efficiency and potential breakdowns.
10 Expert Tips For Installing Rubber Tracks
Correct Track Selection
Choose the correct rubber tracks suitable for your machine and the operating environment. Consider factors such as track width, tread pattern, and material composition. Choose the High-quality rubber tracks designed for specific machine models that offer better durability and performance.
1. Preparation
Before starting the installation process, gather all necessary tools and equipment, including a heavy-duty jack, safety boots, visibility vests, and a grease gun. Ensure the work surface is flat and is clutter-free and provides sufficient space to maneuver around the machine.
2. Removal of Rubber Tracks
Use a power washer to clean the undercarriage and especially the tensioner area.
Position the machine on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
Use heavy-duty jacks to elevate the machine, providing access to the undercarriage.
Do one side at the time by removing existing tracks by releasing tension from the tensioner and make it recoil completely. The usage of a big pry bar is very useful. Some vehicles may require removing the outside idler and some part of the sprocket. Always refer to our machine maintenance manual.
Remove track
You may want to clean a second time and dry the components before inspection
3. Inspection
Thoroughly inspect the undercarriage components, including the idler wheels, drive sprockets, and rollers, for signs of damage or wear. Look for oil leaks around wheel seals and don’t hesitate to rotate wheels and apply side load from left to right searching for excessive play. Check for worn-out bearings, cracked idlers, and damaged drive lugs. Replace any faulty parts to prevent premature track failure. Specially for construction equipment a good practice is to change sprockets everytime you change tracks. Not doing so will result in premature wear of the metal bar of the tracks and reduce life. Same theory than a chain and a sprocket on your motorcycle or bicycle.
4. Track Tension Adjustment
Proper track tension is crucial for smooth operation and extended track life. Follow the equipment manufacturer's guidelines to adjust the track tension accurately. Over-tightened tracks can cause excessive wear on undercarriage components, while loose tracks may “detrack” or “derail” during operation and put you in a very bad safety situation.
5. Greasing
Regular greasing of undercarriage components is essential to reduce friction and prevent premature wear. Locate the grease fittings and apply the recommended grease type using a grease gun. Check for grease leaks and ensure all fittings are properly sealed.
6. Installation of Rubber Tracks
In just a few simple steps, your replacement rubber tracks will be loaded onto your vehicle for smooth driving capabilities:
Install new track on the undercarriage, check for track orientation, some tracks have an arrow indicating forward rotation direction.
Reinstall wheels and new sprocket. Make sure to torque bolts to recommend torque.
Gradually tension the tracks using the track adjuster until the desired tension is achieved.
Engage the drive motor to ensure smooth track movement, make a few turns and check for proper alignment. Follow alignment procedure from our Manufacturer
Double-check the track tension and alignment before lowering the machine back to the ground.
7. Safety Precautions
Always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety boots and visibility vests, during the installation process. Be cautious of pinch points and moving parts to avoid accidents. Use additional jacks or jack stands to secure the machine and prevent it from tipping over.
8. Maintenance and Inspection
Power wash your undercarriage after each job and regularly inspect the rubber tracks for signs of damage, such as cuts, tears, or dry-rotted areas. Replace damaged tracks promptly to prevent further deterioration. Keep the tracks clean and free from debris to maintain optimal traction and performance.
9. Environmental Considerations
Take into account the operating environment and ground conditions when installing rubber tracks. Rocky or abrasive surfaces can accelerate track wear, requiring more frequent inspections and maintenance. Avoid hazardous ground conditions that may cause track damage or compromise safety.
10. Preventive maintenance
Monitor the wear and tear of rubber tracks over time and plan ahead for timely replacements. Invest in high-quality aftermarket replacements tracks compatible with OEM specifications to ensure compatibility and reliability and best affordability . Follow manufacturer recommendations for track maintenance to maximize track longevity and performance and train your operator to take care of the equipment.
How Long Do Rubber Tracks Last?
The life expectancy for rubber tracks varies depending on factors like operating conditions, maintenance, and the type of machine. Generally, well-maintained rubber tracks can last anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 hours of operation. However, in harsh environments or with heavier tracks, this lifespan may be shorter.
Operators should monitor track wear regularly to prevent complete track failure and ensure the integrity of the entire track, especially in environments with abrasive or soft materials that can accelerate deterioration.
Buy High Quality Agricultural, Construction and Industrial Rubber Tracks
At Global Track Warehouse, we offer a wide range of high-quality industrial and agricultural tracks to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our Construction and industrial rubber tracks are designed for durability and performance, suitable for off-road machinery such as agricultural, construction, industrial, mining, landscaping and many more applications.
Our extensive list of products includes:
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