Maintenance
HPE Africa
The correct operation of a tracked excavator and the implementation of a maintenance programme will reduce wear of the undercarriage, improve operating efficiency, and extend the service life of the machine.
Despite the fact that the tracks bear the weight of the machine, proper track maintenance for crawler excavators is often overlooked. However, not only does correct machine operation, coupled with regular maintenance, significantly reduce undercarriage wear, it also improves operating efficiency and reduces the running costs of tracked excavators.
“ Because excavators have a strong, solid steel construction, maintenance of the undercarriage is often neglected and this is an expensive mistake. Research shows that repair costs for the undercarriage of a tracked excavator account for as much as half of all repair costs over the life of the machine,” says Alex Ackron, managing director of HPE Africa, exclusive distributors in southern Africa of Hyundai earthmoving and construction equipment.
The undercarriage of tracked crawler excavators has many moving components that must be properly maintained to function properly.“ A worn undercarriage increases vibration levels of the excavator, which reduces service life of components, like pumps, motors, electronics, and the engine,” says Ackron.
Tips for reducing wear
“ After thorough investigation, the HPE Africa technical team has compiled a practical guide, where a few operational tips and a simple maintenance programme can significantly extend the life of undercarriage components and reduce operating costs of the excavator,” Ackron explains.“ What’ s critical is that the operator of a tracked excavator needs to apply different skills from operating a wheeled excavator, which is why operator training is so important.”
Below are seven DOs and DON’ Ts to help operators reduce undercarriage wear.
DON’ T:
1. Travel long distances in reverse. The excavator is designed to travel with the idler at the front of the machine and the sprocket at the rear. Travelling in reverse causes pin, bushing, and sprocket wear.
2. Travel long distances in high-speed mode. The faster the travel speed, the greater the relative load between components, which increases wear. Over long distances, friction causes heat build-up within the rollers, idlers, and drives and this can damage internal seals.
3. Travel in high-speed mode on rough or hard terrain or inclines. The greater the speed, the higher the impact with the ground. An excavator does not have an independent suspension, which means that both tracks are stressed by an uneven surface. High impact causes damage to track shoes and increases wear on moving components.
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SEPTEMBER 2017