Maintaining your tracked equipment isn’t an expense.
It’s a profit generator, as something as small as a 1% drop in your equipment’s performance can cost you 3% in profit.
It’s also a cost saver. With the right maintenance, your equipment works better for longer, meaning you’ll get more value out of it, and you’ll need to spend less time and money on repairing it.
Here is what you need to do to keep your tracked equipment in great condition.
Check the Undercarriage Regularly
Inspecting the undercarriage will show you signs of any repairs or maintenance that need completing on your tractor or other equipment.
Things to look out for include uneven or excessive wear, as well as any missing or damaged components. Regularly check the condition of the motor, rollers, and bolts, as well as the chains, and test the track tension.
Aside from the components, another thing to look out for is oil leaks, as this can cause a more serious equipment failure if not repaired.
You should inspect the undercarriage daily and take your time when checking it.
Clean Your Tracked Equipment
Allowing debris to build up can increase how quickly your machine’s components wear out.
Any buildup can also make the undercarriage heavier. This will affect your machine’s fuel usage. Clean the undercarriage daily to avoid this.
The best way to keep your equipment clean is to follow the below process.
First, manually remove any big pieces of debris while your machine is still warm. Then use a pressure washer or other commercial use washer to get rid of any other materials that are still attached to the tracks. Finally, apply some lubricant to all the moving parts to help make sure none seize while your machine is parked.
It’s also an opportunity to re-inspect the undercarriage for any damage that was missed in the morning or that might have happened during the day.
Order Replacement Parts Promptly
If your equipment is subject to heavy use, then any repairs should be carried out as soon as possible to minimize the chance of more damage occurring.
If you’re not sure exactly what you need, speak to the manufacturer or a repair specialist. Every major supplier has its own undercarriage parts and you can see more here to figure out what parts your equipment needs.
Be a Sensible Operator
There are some best practices to help you get the best out of your tracked equipment and minimize damage from use. These include:
- Sticking to steady speeds, as accelerating and decelerating can wear the internal mechanisms
- Making wide turns to help reduce the risk of your machinery de-tracking
- Spending as little time on sloped ground as possible, as this puts more load on your rollers
- Check with manufacturers for any specific best practices for your machines
Keep Your Tracked Equipment Running Smoothly
Regular maintenance will help keep your tracked equipment in great condition for years to come. That’s going to help you keep them running smoothly, have a longer life, and reduce costs on any repairs and replacement parts.
If you’d like to find out more about looking after your equipment and machinery, feel free to read through the rest of our blog.
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