When Should You Consider Changing Your Rubber Excavator Tracks
Excavators are constantly working on tough terrains and in harsh weather. For this reason, if you own an excavator, you must always maintain its tracks in the right condition. However, since this equipment is usually used continuously in construction sites, their tracks depreciate over time. Therefore, you must ensure that you keep an eye on them so that you can know when your excavator needs new rubber tracks.
Signs It Is Time To Change Your Rubber Excavator Tracks
When you are very careful with your equipment, you cannot miss the warning signs when they indicate that it is time to change your rubber excavator tracks. Therefore, check out the following signs since they always tell you that your rubber excavator tracks need changing;
- There are cracks in the tracks
The tracks of most machines, including excavators and their accessories, are prone to cracking because of their continuous usage. Also, when you always use your excavator on rough and rocky terrains or aggressively use the equipment, the exterior of the rubber tracks will crack. If you notice that cracks are appearing on the exterior of your rubber excavator tracks, they need changing.
- You have issues with sprockets
When the sprockets of your excavator are worn out, your rubber tracks will become loose. This will make the sprockets begin interlocking sloppily, and they will skip over the legs. Also, they may begin to derail, so they must always be in the proper condition. Therefore, any time you experience some problems with your sprocket, it is time for you to consider changing your rubber excavator tracks.
- The tracks lose tension
The tracks of your excavator will stretch over time, just letting the shoe break in. If you always use your excavator, you must check on your track’s tension regularly. You can lift the tracks off thae ground to check the sag between the lug’s top and bottom. If you realise that your tracks are constantly losing tension, they have worn out, and this problem can only be fixed by replacing your rubber excavator tracks.
- Missing or damaged lugs
If sprockets always slip against the lugs, the lugs will come out. Also, lugs can come out when they are damaged by the debris caught up under your excavator’s carriage. You should consider examining the condition of your lugs regularly to find out if they are damaged or missing. In case of any of these situations, you must immediately replace your rubber excavator tracks.
- You have dry-rotted tracks
When using your excavator, its rubber tracks are constantly exposed to harsh elements and weather conditions. For this reason, you will likely find rotting rubber or stress marks on your rubber excavator tracks. This is always a warning sign that you should replace your rubber tracks to ensure your excavator is in the best possible condition.
- You can see the steel cording
Your rubber excavator tracks are almost snapping if you can see the steel cording. When you expose the steel cording to moisture, it will begin to rust, and this could result in track failure. This is something that you should always avoid when you are working with your excavator. For this reason, if your steel cording is visible, you should replace your rubber excavator tracks.
- Deteriorating guide rail
It is also essential to check your rubber excavator tracks’ guide rails. If they are deteriorating, they will begin to strain the undercarriage, making it derail, and as a result, your excavator will break down. You must replace your rubber track if your guide rails deteriorate.
Can Rubber Excavator Tracks Be Repaired?
Although you can repair your specialised excavator rubber tracks, this will only temporarily solve your problems. Due to your excavator’s harsh conditions, you must do all you can to prevent mishaps. Therefore, you should always consider replacing your rubber excavator tracks instead of repairing them. This is a permanent solution and will always prevent you from delays whenever you should be working.