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