Tackling Undercarriage Wear: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Excavator’s Vital Components

Did you know that nearly 50% of an excavator’s maintenance costs can be attributed to undercarriage wear? If you’re responsible for keeping these heavy machines running smoothly, you’d be familiar with the frustration and expense that come with frequent excavator repairs. But here’s the good news: understanding the causes of excavator undercarriage wear and adopting effective maintenance practices can significantly extend the lifespan of your excavator’s vital components.  

With years of experience in heavy equipment repair and maintenance, we’ve seen firsthand how a proactive approach can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. In this article, we outline what you can do to tackle undercarriage wear and keep your excavator in top working condition. 

 

What Causes Undercarriage Wear? 

Undercarriage wear is a common issue for excavators. The undercarriage includes vital components such as the tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and final drives. These parts are in constant contact with the ground and bear the brunt of the machine’s weight and motion.  

The following are the primary factors that contribute to wear on an excavator’s undercarriage: 

1. Operating Conditions: Rough, uneven terrain, abrasive materials, and harsh weather conditions can accelerate wear. For instance, operating in muddy or sandy environments increases friction and causes faster degradation of the undercarriage components. 
2. Improper Operation: Techniques such as making sharp turns, high-speed travel, and excessive reverse operation put undue stress on the undercarriage. Additionally, uneven weight distribution and incorrect track tension can lead to uneven wear. 
3. Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance leads to the buildup of debris, rust, and wear. This can shorten the lifespan of the components and result in more frequent breakdowns. 
4. Machine Usage: The type and intensity of the work an excavator performs also affects undercarriage wear. For example, heavy lifting and continuous operation for extended periods can cause more rapid wear compared to light, intermittent use. 
5. Component Quality: The quality and durability of the undercarriage components themselves play a significant role. Using low-quality or mismatched parts can lead to faster wear and reduced overall lifespan. 

 

Signs Your Excavator Needs Attention 

Recognising the early signs of undercarriage wear is crucial for preventing more extensive damage and costly repairs. Regular inspections with a team of qualified heavy equipment mechanics can help you identify issues before they become serious problems.  

Here are some common signs that your excavator’s undercarriage needs attention: 

1. Uneven Track Wear: This can indicate problems with track alignment, tension, or operator habits.  
2. Worn Rollers and Idlers: Flattening, chipping, or excessive play on rollers is a sign of wear. Worn rollers and idlers can lead to increased track tension and reduced efficiency. 
3. Loose or Broken Track Links: Loose links can cause misalignment and uneven wear, while broken links can lead to more significant damage if not addressed promptly. 
4. Sprocket Wear: Worn sprocket teeth can lead to slipping and improper engagement with the tracks, resulting in further damage to both the sprocket and the tracks. 
5. Excessive Track Sag: Excessive sag is possibly an indication the track tension has no further adjustment, or it has failed. This can result in increased wear on the undercarriage components.  
6. Oil Leaks: Leaks around the rollers, idlers, and other undercarriage components can indicate seal failures, which can result in inadequate lubrication and accelerated wear. In addition, leaking rollers can result in soil contamination and equipment ultimately failing site requirements. 
7. Abnormal Noise: Grinding, squeaking, or clunking sounds during operation can signal worn or damaged undercarriage components. 

 

Professional Maintenance 

When it comes to excavator servicing, the team at SuperService™ has the capabilities and expertise to ensure your equipment is well looked after. Our excavator service is a more thorough form of maintenance which, depending on the frequency of usage, can consist of monthly, quarterly, or annual servicing to ensure optimal performance and adherence to safety standards.  

Professional maintenance can consist of, but is not limited to, the following:  

• Diagnostic testing 

• Servicing the engine and components 

• Performing minor or extensive excavator repairs as needed 

• Checking the undercarriage and undertaking any necessary maintenance 

 

How SuperService™ Can Help You 

Maintaining the undercarriage of your excavator is crucial for ensuring its longevity, performance, and efficiency. By understanding the causes of undercarriage wear, recognising the signs of wear and tear, and implementing a scheduled maintenance plan you can significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs while extending the life of your machine.  

The heavy equipment specialists, SuperService™ can help keep your machine in optimal condition. You can count on us for all your heavy equipment repairs and maintenance needs. To learn more about how we can help you, chat to our expert team on 1300 895 895 or you can contact us through our website.   

 

Wanting to learn more about excavator maintenance? Check out Excavator Maintenance: A Complete Guide to Excavator Maintenance & Repairs