Like most construction and earth-moving equipment, the more care you take of them the longer they will last and better they will perform. The same is true for Rubber Tracks, whether they’re fitted to a small mini-excavator or large crawler carrier, maintain them and they will last longer.
At DEKK we have identified ten key steps to be followed to ensure that the performance, integrity and durability of your Rubber Track lasts for its full term of operation. This will ultimately reduce your maintenance and replacement costs of your equipment.
1. Ensure that the Rubber Tracks have been installed correctly.
2. Always maintain the correct tension on your Rubber Tracks. You can check the correct tension required by reviewing the user manual of your equipment.
3. Perform daily checks on the undercarriage components of your earth-moving and construction equipment such as sprockets, rollers and idlers, paying particular attention to any signs of excessive wear or damage, and any foreign objects that may be lodged, which will affect the rubber tracks performance and durability.
4. Perform daily checks on your rubber track carcass and tread for any sign of uneven wear, cuts, punctures, chunking, missing lugs or exposed cables.
5. Try to limit operating your machine on abrasive, rocky and sharp surfaces to minimise wear and damage to the rubber track. Additional care should be taken of the type of surface and environment you are operating in, with material such as clay, gravel and mud causing significant long term damage to the track and undercarriage.
6. Operate your machine correctly and safely, avoiding sharp turns, side slope turns and track spin.
7. Don’t operate the machine with the rubber track sidewall edges positioned up against walls, curbs, rocks and other protruding objects.
8. Check for and remove any oil, salt, fuel or similar types of substances from your rubber tracks, as this will cause track degradation over time.
9. When not in use, store your machine under cover or indoors away from direct sunlight, rain and hail to minimise wear and tear to the equipment, its undercarriage and the rubber track.
10. Ensure your equipment has been safely secured on the trailer or truck without causing damage to the rubber track, before transporting.
By adhering to these ten steps, you will extend the operating life of your rubber tracks, reducing your cost of ownership, unplanned downtime and ultimately achieve greater savings and maximum productivity for your equipment and business.
DEKK has a team of experienced and knowledgeable staff that will be able to assist with technical support if you have further queries regarding the maintenance of your rubber tracks. In the meantime, you can also call on 1300 335 528 or email [email protected] for helpful advice and product recommendations.
