The Importance of Regular Undercarriage Maintenance on Track Type Construction Equipment

Track type construction equipment is essential for a variety of tasks, from excavating to grading to moving heavy objects. However, these machines can be expensive to operate and maintain, and the undercarriage is one of the most critical components.

The undercarriage is responsible for supporting the weight of the machine and providing traction. It is also subjected to a lot of wear and tear, as it comes into contact with the ground and other objects. If the undercarriage is not properly maintained, it can quickly become damaged, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

How Much Does Undercarriage Maintenance Cost?

Undercarriage maintenance can account for up to 60% of the total operating costs of a track type construction machine. This is because the undercarriage is constantly exposed to wear and tear, and it needs to be regularly inspected and repaired to keep it in good condition.

The cost of undercarriage maintenance can vary depending on the type of machine and the severity of the damage. However, even a minor repair can be expensive, and a major overhaul can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Why Is Regular Undercarriage Maintenance Important?

There are several reasons why regular undercarriage maintenance is important:

• To prevent breakdowns: A poorly maintained undercarriage can lead to breakdowns, which can cause costly downtime.

• To improve performance: A well-maintained undercarriage will provide better traction and stability, which can improve the performance of the machine.

• To extend the lifespan of the machine: A properly maintained undercarriage will last longer than an undercarriage that is not properly maintained.

• To reduce operating costs: Regular undercarriage maintenance can help to reduce operating costs by preventing breakdowns and extending the lifespan of the machine.

• To comply with safety regulations: In some jurisdictions, there are safety regulations that require regular undercarriage maintenance.

What Should Be Included in Regular Undercarriage Maintenance?

Regular undercarriage maintenance should include the following:

• Inspection: The undercarriage should be inspected for signs of wear and tear, such as loose bolts, cracks, and missing parts.

• Cleaning: The undercarriage should be cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants.

• Greasing: The undercarriage should be greased to lubricate the moving parts and prevent wear.

• Repairs: Any damaged or worn parts should be repaired or replaced.

• Alignment: The undercarriage should be aligned to ensure that it is running properly.

How Often Should Undercarriage Maintenance Be Performed?

The frequency of undercarriage maintenance will vary depending on the type of machine and the environment in which it is used. However, as a general rule, undercarriage maintenance should be performed at least once a month. If the machine is used in a harsh environment, such as a dusty or wet environment, undercarriage maintenance may need to be performed more frequently.

Who Should Perform Undercarriage Maintenance?

Undercarriage maintenance can be performed by a qualified technician or by a member of your own staff who has been trained in undercarriage maintenance. If you are not sure whether you have the expertise to perform undercarriage maintenance, it is a good idea to hire a qualified technician.

By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your track type construction equipment's undercarriage is properly maintained and that you are minimizing your owning and operating costs and providing maximum uptime.