Proper operation is just as critical as maintenance when it comes to preventing and minimizing undercarriage wear. The undercarriage is one of the most important components of any heavy machine. It may not seem like it at first glance, as the landing gear is only a small part of the machine's initial cost. However, the undercarriage accounts for an average of 50 percent of your machine's ongoing operating and repair costs, so regular maintenance is essential if you want to avoid a hefty repair bill. Here are our top tips for extending the life of your landing gear.
The undercarriage supports the weight of a machine, so its moving parts wear out over time as the machine does its job. However, you can extend the life of your undercarriage components by spending a little time on proper maintenance and using the machine as much as possible.
Poor maintenance and rough operation will affect the wear rate and increase demand for repairs. Operators will begin to see visible changes in the
machine, such as: Sprocket wear from flat to sharp wedges. As shoes wear, they flatten out, increasing the likelihood of slipping during use. At this point, operators are forced to stop work and repair the undercarriage, resulting in costly downtime on site.
First, operators can make informed decisions when selecting and operating equipment, resulting in reduced wear rates.
When it comes to landing gear, there is no one size fits all, so choosing the right landing gear and profile for your environment can have operational implications. For example, standard tracks work best in firm ground conditions with minimal inclines. On the other hand, tracks with low ground pressure are wider and therefore better suited to softer, wetter ground conditions.
Knowledge of operating procedures and track conditions Location can also affect the life of the
's tracks and undercarriage components. When operating machinery, reducing unnecessary marks and avoiding abrasive materials such as B. Rocky areas on the construction site, which slow down the wear of the tracks
Operators must also be very careful in areas where a large amount of material can enter the undercarriage. For example, if you work in a muddy environment or in a landfill, the dirt may need to be cleaned regularly throughout the day.
It's also a good idea to consider the speed of the machine, for example by increasing the Speed ??when pushing heavy loads can cause slippage and excessive wear. Working on slopes for a long period of time causes wear on one side of the undercarriage. So keeping the machine on level ground as much as possible can result in uneven wear later.
During the day, bulldozers and other heavy machinery churn up the ground, causing mud, debris and other material to collect on the tracks. Leaving this on the undercarriage increases weight, reduces fuel consumption and accelerates wear. Cleaning the undercarriage at the beginning of each workday reduces the risk of material buildup causing problems.
Incorrect chain tension can lead to increased chain wear, so it's important to inspect this before operating. Machine. If the chains are too tight, there is an additional load that accelerates the wear of the components. If the chain is too loose, it can become unstable and derail. Adjusting the sag to the value recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will prevent such problems from occurring.