Learning About Heavy Construction Equipment

About Me

Learning About Heavy Construction Equipment

Hi, my name is Dewey Lund and this a blog that I've written about heavy construction equipment. When I was growing up, there was a heavy equipment dealer located in our town. Whenever we would drive by the business, I would beg my parents to stop to I could look around. My parents would often stop so I could see all of the massive equipment on the lot. The owner would come out and tell me all about each piece of equipment and explain how it worked. He would even let me get in the driver's seat and I would pretend that I was driving the equipment. My childhood memories followed me into adulthood and even today I still like learning about heavy equipment. I wanted to share my knowledge with others by writing this blog and I hope that you find it as exciting as I do.

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Signs You Need To Replace Your Excavator Tracks

It doesn't matter how powerful the engine or how experienced the operator, if the tracks on the excavator are not operating at a prime level, you won't get the results that you're looking for. If it's been a while since you replaced your excavator's tracks, here are just some of the signs that could be trying to get your attention about the need for a replacement.

Track Cracking

A clear indication that it's time to upgrade your tracks are visible cracks on the track. Once you see cracking, this is generally a sign that the tracks have been failing for some time and basically are one step away from complete failure, such as falling apart.

Cracks are oftentimes the sign of excessive wear. While durable, the rugged terrain that the excavator travels over can slowly thin the tracks over time. The thinner they are, the more susceptible they are to cracking. At the first sign of cracking, you want to move toward replacement right away.

Missing Lugs

When inspecting your tracks, if you see that some of the lugs are missing, this is also a clear indication that the need for replacement is imminent. One of the dangers of excavating is that you never truly know what you're going to encounter. Sure, land surveys can provide a good idea, but the deeper you go, the terrain can quickly change.

In some instances, tougher, more rigid, terrain may be exposed. Sometimes these pieces can get lodged into between the tracks and create pressure that causes a lug to completely dislodge. Each lug is critical in keeping the unit supported and balanced so prompt replacement is important to safety.

Tension Loss

Without even looking at the tracks, another way to recognize that it's time to replace your excavator's tracks is if you're experiencing tension loss. The more you use the excavator, the more it will stretch. You can compare this to a pair of jeans fresh out the dryer that you wear throughout the day.

In terms of function, this stretchiness, or loss of tension, will surface in the form of slippage when operating the unit. This issue can lead to stability issues and make performing tasks more challenging as it can be harder to keep the excavator in place.

If you're noticing a problem with your excavator tracks, make sure you aren't ignoring it. A supplier like North East Attachment and Track, LLC can help resolve your issue quickly. 


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