Excavator Undercarriage Maintenance

If you want your excavator to last for years to come, you’ll need to stay on top of undercarriage maintenance. The key to keeping your machine running smoothly and efficiently is upkeep. Read on for some basic undercarriage maintenance tips. If you have any questions or you want to buy some new equipment, reach out to Bobcat of New Hampshire today. We have locations in Chichester, and Hudson, New Hampshire and proudly serve Manchester and Nashua.

1. Use Proper Track Tension

An important part of excavator undercarriage maintenance is using the correct track tension. You’ll find this information outlined in your owner’s manual. If it is too loose, it can cause increased wear and tear on the bushings and sprockets. On the other hand, if it’s too tight, it can put increased stress on the undercarriage and waste horsepower and fuel. 

Before you check the track tension, let your excavator run for about 30 minutes so it can adjust to the working conditions. We suggest checking the tension every 10 to 15 hours of use.

You may want to consider adjusting the track tension to better suit the work site. For example, you’ll want looser tracks when working in soft or muddy conditions and tighter tracks for firm, tough ground.

2. Use the Right Shoe Width

Another part of excavator undercarriage maintenance is using the proper shoe width. Too narrow and the machine may sink into the ground. This makes it easier for debris to get stuck in the undercarriage. Too wide and the shoes will experience more wear and tear.

When working on hard or rocky terrain, go with narrower shoes that can offer extra soil penetration and grip. If you’re working on soft, loose terrain, use wider shoes to provide increased flotation and lower ground pressure. You should aim for the narrowest shoe width that still gives you the function and level of flotation needed.

3. Keep the Undercarriage Clean

One of the simplest maintenance tasks you can do to keep your excavator’s undercarriage in good working order is to keep it clean. A clogged up undercarriage can cause maintenance issues including hindering your excavator’s performance.

Built-up debris can cause problems like:

• Increased wear and tear of various parts, leading to a need for replacements.
• Adding extra weight to the undercarriage, thus decreasing the equipment’s fuel economy.
• Making it more difficult to see the various components when inspecting the machine.

We hope this guide helps you maintain your excavator’s undercarriage. If you want any more tips or you’re looking to buy new equipment, contact Bobcat of New Hampshire at one of our locations in Chichester, or Hudson, New Hampshire. We also proudly serve Manchester and Nashua. We look forward to helping you with all of your heavy equipment needs!