Of all the components of a machine, it is the undercarriage that must bear the brunt of the force required for its operation. Whether you own a large fleet of different equipment or just a few units for specialized services, construction equipment undercarriage maintenance is essential. Regular maintenance and evaluations are necessary if you hope to discover minor issues with the equipment before they impact your project’s progress. By doing this, you may address these issues before they become costly and inconveniently problematic.
The following are some warning signs indicating that you need to service your equipment if you are unsure about it:
- You find that your equipment has missing or damaged parts.
- Your equipment is dealing with atypical deterioration or bodily damage.
- There are faulty track connections or loose bearings.
- The equipment is performing poorly.
If your equipment is showing any of these signs, it may need service or repair.
Why Undercarriage Maintenance Is Important
You need to remember that a lot of friction, force, and resistance is applied to heavy machinery’s undercarriage compared to any one of its other components. By keeping it maintained, you can decrease the long-term maintenance expenditures and make the most of your equipment’s operating hours. You need to maintain all the moving parts of your machinery, including its idlers, rollers, and tracks. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your assets while also saving you time and resources. When you are purchasing used equipment make sure to check the undercarriage of the equipment as well. If your industrial equipment supplier doesn’t let you have a closer look, something may not be right.
Simple Instructions for Undercarriage Maintenance
Implementing regular maintenance and evaluation would have a favorable effect on the lifespan of your machine. In addition to that, it can reduce maintenance expenses and boost efficiency, resulting in an increase in productivity across all industries. If you are using your equipment in excessively demanding situations, it is advised to conduct additional routine checkups and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Even though it may seem like a great deal of effort, it just takes a short time and will prevent worse issues down the road.
Regularly Cleaning the Undercarriage
The accumulation of dirt and debris in the undercarriage over a long period of time could potentially hasten the deterioration of your machine’s components. Additionally, the buildup would make your equipment heavier and make it consume more gasoline. Every day, make sure to rinse the undercarriage of your machinery with a pressure washer or use a shovel to clean it. Excessive mud and coarse dirt can cause irreversible damage to your equipment if you do not take some time to ensure that the surface is clean. It is even more important in cold areas where debris can harden, rub against bolts, and loosen crucial components.
Correct Track Tension
You should ensure that your equipment utilizes all its power to the best of its ability. Doing that requires that you modify the track tension to the task at hand. Set your tracks a little looser if you are operating your equipment in a place with a lot of mud or that has a soft ground.
Understanding how tension works is essential for the operation. For instance, if the tracks are too close together, bushing deterioration may be exacerbated. The rails of your heavy machinery may derail or become unstable if they are too loose. Adjust the track tension as necessary when operating in different settings.