Attaching rubber tracks to an excavator is a precision task that necessitates strict adherence to the manufacturer’s specifications and a solid understanding of the machine’s track and undercarriage system. Proper installation is essential for sustaining the machine’s performance and ensuring the longevity of the tracks and undercarriage components. Let’s explore a detailed procedure shaped by industry standards for proper track installation.
Preparatory Measures:
Choose a clean, even, and stable work surface area with ample space. Assure all necessary tools are available and confirm that the new rubber tracks correspond with the excavator’s model and track size requirements.
Step 1: Establish a Secure Base
Secure the worksite, and create a stable foundation to support the heavy equipment. To achieve maximum stability during the operation, lower the blade and boom to the ground and power off the machine, engaging the safety lock features.
Step 2: Lifting the Machine
Utilize a suitable hydraulic jack to elevate the side of the excavator where track replacement is intended. Once elevated, secure the machine with reliable jack stands placed firmly under the undercarriage, ensuring that the side is suspended with sufficient clearance.
Step 3: Decompress the Track
Locate and access the track tensioner valve; remove the grease fitting to relieve internal pressure, thereby allowing the idler to retract and the track to slacken easily.
Step 4: Remove the Existing Track
Once slackened, delicately detach the used track. Carefully remove the track from the drive sprocket and guide it from around the rollers, taking care to manage the weight and size of the track sensibly.
Step 5: Critical Inspection
Thoroughly examine the drive sprockets, idlers, and rollers for any potential wear or damage. This preventative check allows for timely maintenance and ensures proper alignment and seating of the new track.
Step 6: Positioning New Rubber Track
Prepare to install the new track by aligning it properly with the sprocket at the end. Ascertain that the track is evenly positioned relative to the undercarriage to avoid any lateral movement during operation.
Step 7: Mounting the Track
Align the track carefully with the sprocket teeth, and methodically work the track around the rollers, ensuring it sets into place around the entire undercarriage without any distortion or misalignment being present.
Step 8: Apply Correct Tension
Reinstate the grease fitting and apply grease meticulously using a lubrication gun, progressively increasing the track tension. Observe the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal tension levels to avoid over-tightening or excessively slack tracks.
Step 9: Re-engage Contact with the Ground
Upon achieving the ideal tension, softly lower the excavator to the ground, ensuring to remove all supporting stands and the hydraulic jack safely and systematically.
Step 10: Verification of Installation
Activate the excavator’s engine and rotate the newly fitted tracks incrementally to validate proper installation. Ensure the tracks articulate smoothly around the sprockets and rollers without any indication of misalignment or undue resistance.
Always remember that rigorously following these meticulously curated steps, based on the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards, is crucial for the correct fitting of rubber tracks on an excavator. Any deviation from these practices could potentially lead to malfunction, significant downtimes, or voiding of warranty services. Should any complexities arise during the installation process, it is recommended to seek assistance from an OEM representative or a certified technician to circumvent damage to the excavator or prevent any risk of injury.
Fulian Operation Team
2024.3.5
