Best Practices To Fix Improper Fit Of Mini Excavator Rubber Tracks
Mini excavators are fantastic earth-moving machines for various construction and landscaping jobs.
They are ideal for maneuvering into tight spaces and performing numerous tasks unless their rubber tracks fall off.
When the tracks fall off the machine while working, it can be frustrating, especially if it happens repeatedly. Loose tracks are also one of the leading causes of detracting, premature wear and tear, and expensive replacements.
Loose tracks mostly happen because of improper installation, even when you’ve invested in the best replacement rubber tracks. But you can put the mini excavator rubber tracks properly without professional help.
Moreover, it all takes a little maintenance to keep the tracks from loosening in the first place. Read further to learn what you should do when a rubber track comes off a mini excavator and how to install it back.
How Often Do Mini Excavators Rubber Tracks Become Loose?
The frequency of mini excavator rubber tracks becoming loose depends on their usage. For instance, a heavily used equipment will lose tension faster than the lightly used equipment.
In addition, using mini excavators in specific environments, especially harsh terrain, can also contribute to tension loss and make them more likely to lose their tracks.
Signs Mini Excavator Tracks are Coming Loose
So, how can you know when your mini excavator rubber tracks are getting loose? Fortunately, your machine will provide you with the following mentioned telltale signs to alert you that tracks are coming loose:
Sprocket issues
The sprockets help maintain the rotation of rubber tracks. They typically interlock with and move it around, but if you notice sprockets skipping over lugs, there might be an issue.
If sprockets don’t interlock appropriately, the rubber tracks can come off. The skipping is a telltale sign that your sprockets are worn, or the track might be loose.
Lost tension
As with anything made of rubber, tracks stretch with regular use. You should check the tension regularly, depending on how often the mini excavator is used. If you use the machine heavily, you should check the tension every few days.
Lift the tracks off the ground and examine the distance between the track and the middle roller. If you are unaware of the specific length to look for, consider checking the manufacturer’s specifications. If the distance is too wide, the tracks will need tightening.
Missing lugs
Missing lugs mean that there is trouble with your rubber track tension. It’s possible that lugs come out from sprockets slipping against them or when they are damaged.
You should check the condition of the parts regularly to ensure they aren’t affecting the tracks’ tension. Replace any missing lugs to prevent tracks from loosening and coming off.
Cracking
Mini excavator usage can affect the rubber on the outside of tracks. Specific environments, like rugged terrains, can crack the tracks more quickly, and so can heat or prolonged sun exposure.
Once the cracks show up, consider replacing the mini excavator tracks. In addition, always use high-quality and the best replacement rubber tracks, as they can better resist cracking and store your machine out of direct sunlight.
Deterioration
Deterioration can cause premature wear on the mini excavator tracks. If the equipment is exposed to excessive damage, heat, or sunlight, you might find stress marks on the rubber tracks or even rotting rubber. If you notice such type of track deterioration, it’s time to replace them.
How to Install Tracks Back on Mini Excavators?
Installing back the rubber tracks on your mini excavators is relatively quick, especially when working with a partner.
You will need the following listed tools:
- A socket set
- A grease gun
- Grease
- Pry bars
Follow these steps for quickly putting tracks back on your mini excavator:
- Setup: Raise the side of the rubber track you want to fix. All you need to do is push the boom into the ground on the side of the track you are working on. If the mini excavator is in an uneven location, consider using the boom to aid you in ‘walking’ it to level ground.
- Remove grease: Loosen the panel above the tracks that hold the grease fitting or zerk. You can use a wrench to remove the top fitting. Once the grease fitting is removed, grease will start flowing out, releasing the tension in the rubber tracks. Make sure to clear out the grease until the track is entirely slack.
- Move track: Using the pry bar, pull the rubber track over the wheel. Next, rotate the track so that it locks onto the wheel. Now that tracks are heavy, always consider using the help of a second person.
- Regrease: Add the grease gun to the fitting and pump grease back in the fitting to increase the tracks’ tension. Ensure the tension is adequate to tighten the tracks appropriately per the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Attach panel: In the last, reattach the panel, and your mini excavator is ready to use.
Sometimes, current rubber tracks are so worn out or damaged that they come off repeatedly, hampering the job.
In such a case, rather than putting off the same tracks on your mini excavators, you should get the best replacement rubber tracks suiting your mini excavator model.
How Can You Prevent Tracks from Coming Off Your Mini Excavator?
Below listed are tips following which you can prevent rubber tracks from coming off your mini excavators:
- Check the tension regularly and ensure the tracks are not too loose or tight.
- Always keep the excavator’s components and undercarriage clean.
- Ensure the adjuster piston is working appropriately to maintain the correct track tension.
- Always follow the best practices when operating the mini excavators.
- Invest in the right rubber tracks of the right size and construction that fit your equipment.
To wrap up it all!
Rubber tracks can come off your mini excavator repeatedly, especially when equipment is heavily used. Following the appropriate maintenance and regularly checking the mini excavator components can help you detect any losses in the tracks’ tension and prevent losing them.
However, it’s impossible to prevent tracking from loosening at some point. In such a situation, you should invest in the bestmini excavator rubber tracks that fit your machine with utmost precision.