Welcome to our blog post on how to adjust track tension on an excavator! If you’re a construction enthusiast or a heavy equipment operator, this article is for you. Excavators are versatile and powerful machines that play a crucial role in numerous industries, from construction to mining.
However, even the best-maintained excavators sometimes require track tension adjustments to ensure optimal performance and safety.
In this comprehensive guide on how to adjust track tension on excavator, we will explore the importance of tracking tension and provide step-by-step instructions on how to adjust it properly.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious newbie, you’ll find valuable information, useful tips, and practical advice to keep your excavator performing at its best. So, let’s dive in and learn all about the fascinating world of adjusting track tension on an excavator!
What is Track Tension?
Before we dive into the steps on how to adjust track tension, it’s essential to understand what track tension is and why it’s crucial. Track tension refers to the amount of pressure or tightness on an excavator’s tracks. Proper track tension ensures that the machine can move smoothly and efficiently while maintaining stability and balance.
If the tracks are too loose, it can cause the excavator to sway or lose traction, resulting in decreased productivity and safety hazards. On the other hand, overly tight tracks can put excessive strain on the machine’s undercarriage components and accelerate wear and tear.
Therefore, regular track tension adjustments are crucial to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your excavator.
Needed Materials
Before we get into the actual process of adjusting track tension, let’s quickly go over the materials you will need for this task.
A Suitable Spanner/Wrench:
You will need a spanner or wrench that fits the track tensioner nut on your excavator. Make sure to use the correct size to avoid damaging the nut or the tool.
Grease Gun:
A grease gun is necessary to lubricate the track tensioner components and ensure smooth operation. Make sure to have enough grease on hand before starting the process.
Measuring Tape:
You will need a measuring tape to assess the track sag, as we will discuss in the next section. Make sure it’s long enough to measure the distance between the track and the ground.
Safety Equipment:
Always prioritize your safety when working on heavy equipment. Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and steel-toed boots to prevent any accidents or injuries.
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Adjust Track Tension on Excavator
Step 1: Prepare Your Excavator
Before you start adjusting the track tension, make sure your excavator is parked on a flat surface and turned off. Engage the parking brake, and for added safety, block the tracks with wooden blocks.
You can also place a wheel chock behind the tracks to prevent any accidental movement. But never rely on the wheel chock alone; always use another method to secure your excavator. It’s also a good idea to let the machine cool down before starting any maintenance work.
Step 2: Measure the Track Sag
Using your measuring tape, measure the distance between the track and the ground at the mid-point of your excavator’s length. This distance is known as track sag, and it should be within the manufacturer’s recommended range. If you’re unsure about the specific measurements for your excavator, consult its manual.
Step 3: Loosen the Track Tensioners
The track tensioners are located on either side of your excavator, near the front and rear idler wheels. Use your spanner or wrench to loosen the tensioner nuts, but don’t remove them completely. It’s important to loosen both sides evenly to maintain balance. But make sure not to loosen them too much; otherwise, the tracks might fall off.
Step 4: Tighten the Track Tensioners
Using your spanner or wrench, turn the tensioner nuts clockwise to tighten the track tension. Consult your excavator’s manual to determine the appropriate amount of tightness for your specific machine. It’s crucial to tighten both sides evenly to maintain the excavator’s stability. This step might take some trial and error, so be patient and make small adjustments until you reach the desired track sag.
Step 5: Check the Track Sag
After tightening the track tensioners, remeasure the distance between the track and the ground at the mid-point. If it’s within the recommended range, you’re good to go.
But if not, adjust the tensioners accordingly until you achieve the correct track sag. It’s essential to have a balanced track sag on both sides; otherwise, it can affect the excavator’s stability and performance.
Step 6: Grease the Track Tensioner Components
Now that your tracks are at the desired tension, it’s time to lubricate the tensioner components. Use your grease gun to apply grease to the tensioner bolts and nuts. This step will ensure smooth operation and extend the lifespan of these crucial parts. You can also reference your excavator’s manual for the recommended type and amount of grease to use.
Step 7: Adjust the Idler Wheels
The idler wheels are responsible for keeping track tension consistent along the entire length of the track. To ensure optimal performance, make sure they are adjusted correctly. Use your spanner or wrench to tighten or loosen the idler wheel nuts until they are at the manufacturer’s recommended tension. Make sure both sides are evenly adjusted.
Step 8: Check for Overheating or Unusual Noises
After completing the above steps, start the excavator and run it for a few minutes to check for any overheating or unusual noises. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, stop the machine immediately and consult a professional. But if everything seems to be running smoothly, you’re good to go.
Step 9: Tighten the Track Tensioners Again
Once you’re satisfied with the track tension, go back to the tensioner nuts and tighten them once more. This step will ensure they stay in place and prevent any accidental loosening while the excavator is in use. It’s also a good idea to periodically check and retighten the tensioner nuts during regular maintenance intervals. Although, make sure not to over-tighten them as it can cause damage.
Step 10: Clean Up
After completing the track tension adjustment, clean up any grease or debris that may have accumulated during the process. Also, remove the wooden blocks and wheel chock, and double-check that the excavator is secure and parked on a flat surface.
If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. You should never compromise your safety when working with heavy equipment.
Step 11: Test Run
Finally, take your excavator for a test run to ensure everything is working correctly. Pay attention to the track tension and any unusual noises or vibrations. If you notice anything concerning, stop the machine
immediately and inspect it further.
But if everything seems to be running smoothly, congratulations on successfully adjusting the track tension on your excavator! Regularly maintaining proper track tension will not only improve the performance and longevity of your excavator but also ensure your safety while operating it.
Following these step-by-step guidelines on how to adjust track tension on excavators will help you keep your machine in top condition. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your excavator’s manual for specific instructions and measurements.
Regular maintenance and proper track tension adjustment will ensure smooth operation and extend the lifespan of your excavator. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a well-maintained and safe excavator for all your construction needs. Happy excavating!
Do You Need to Use Professionals?
While adjusting track tension on an excavator can be done by yourself, it’s always recommended to seek professional help if you’re unsure or inexperienced. Working with heavy equipment can be dangerous, and any mistake during the process can lead to severe injury or damage to the machine. Professional technicians have the necessary knowledge, experience, and tools to ensure proper track tension adjustment without compromising safety.
Additionally, they can also identify and address any underlying issues that may be causing track tension problems. If you’re in doubt or encounter any difficulties while adjusting track tension on your excavator, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. Your safety should always come first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Often Should I Adjust the Track Tension on My Excavator?
A: It’s recommended to check and adjust the track tension every 250 operating hours or during regular maintenance intervals. However, if you notice any changes in performance or unusual noises while operating the excavator, it’s best to check and adjust the track tension immediately.
Q: Can I Adjust Track Tension on My Own?
A: While it is possible to adjust track tension on your own using the proper tools and following these guidelines, it’s always recommended to seek professional assistance if you are unsure or encounter any difficulties. Safety should always be a top priority when working with heavy equipment.
Q: What Are the Signs of Improper Track Tension?
A: Some signs of improper track tension include excessive wear on tracks, decreased excavator performance, and unusual noises or vibrations while operating the machine. Regularly checking and adjusting track tension can prevent these issues and keep your excavator running smoothly.
Q: Will Adjusting Track Tension Improve Excavator Performance?
A: Yes, proper track tension is crucial for optimal excavator performance. Improper track tension can cause uneven wear on tracks and affect the machine’s stability, resulting in decreased performance. Regularly adjusting track tension will ensure your excavator operates at its best.
Conclusion
Understanding how to adjust track tension on an excavator is a vital skill for any operator of this type of machine. The process is relatively simple, but it requires meticulous attention to detail and caution to ensure that it’s done safely and correctly.
If you keep a few key principles and steps in mind—including ensuring the safety of others in the area, assessing the working pressure of the track link, turning the bolts with compatible tools, following manufacturer instructions, exercising care while installing tensioners when necessary, contouring the grousers as they are tightened, and checking for even tread-to-track contact— as defined in this blog post on how to adjust track tension on excavator, adjusting tensions successfully could become second nature for all equipment operators.
Taking these steps regularly will not only minimize downtime due to faulty parts and improve efficiency during operations but also help maintain machinery in top condition for years to come. To regularly upkeep your machine’s worn parts by adjusting its track tension, take advantage of our comprehensive services today!
