Heavy Equipment Track Tension Tips
Maintaining the correct track tension is a critical part of daily machine maintenance. Heavy equipment tracks that are too tight can cause excessive roller and idler wear, loss of power, and costly track tears and damage. On the other hand, loose tracks can detrack, potentially leading to serious damage and dangerous jobsite conditions.
To ensure you always maintain proper track tension, follow this list of tips and best practices for heavy equipment tracks.
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How to adjust track tension
You can alter track tension using the track adjuster that is located behind the front idler. The way you make adjustments is by pumping or draining grease through the track adjuster valve. Even small changes in track sag can have a large impact on tension. For example, adjusting sag from 1’’ to 0.5’’ will increase tension by about 3,000 pounds. We suggest always consulting your operator’s manual for specific information on how to alter the tension on your machine.
Track tension best practices
- Always make changes on-site– It’s critical that you adjust heavy equipment tracks in your actual operating conditions. If you’re working on muddy ground, for example, track tension can increase when the sprocket and chain become packed with mud or other debris. The result is that a correctly tensioned track in the shop will no longer be properly tensioned when on the actual jobsite.
- Examine packing conditions– We recommend making track tension changes after using your machine in the work area for a little while, so you can match it with the specific packing conditions of the ground you’re working on. You should also adjust the tension if weather alters the packing conditions of the jobsite. Keeping up with real time changes in conditions will help reduce track wear and tear.
- Never work with frozen heavy equipment tracks– If your tracks are frozen, wait to run the machine until the weather improves and they thaw. Don’t use power to force the tracks, as it may cause serious damage or track breakage.
Operating tips
How operators run tracked machines can affect tension and wear and tear on heavy equipment tracks. Below are some tips that your operators should follow:
- Move slowly when possible– Sharp turns and fast travel speeds will create unnecessary stress on your tracks and undercarriage. Also, if you’re consistently turning to the same side, it can cause uneven or abnormal wear and tear. We recommend always using the slowest movements and operating speeds needed to effectively complete the project, and not always turning to the same side when possible.
- Avoid driving in reverse– Only operate tracked equipment in reverse if absolutely necessary. Backwards operation will wear heavy equipment tracks up to three times more than forward operation, especially if you’re moving fast.
- Inspect machines regularly– Have your heavy equipment tracks and undercarriages checked annually by our trained technicians to catch problems early, before serious and expensive damage occurs.
If you have any questions about track tension or heavy equipment tracks in general, contact our team!