When you’re on the job, you know how important it is for your excavator to operate smoothly, stay fuel-efficient, and hold up under tough conditions. One thing that plays a major role in all of this – though it often goes under the radar – is track tension.
Getting your excavator’s track tension just right isn’t just about performance; it’s about prolonging the lifespan of your machines Tracks, reducing costly breakdowns, and making every working hour as productive as possible.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about setting and maintaining track tension, as well as some practical advice on choosing the best tracks for your specific machine. If you’re unsure about your track tension or are considering a new set, you’re in the right place. When it comes to replacement, Trackpads Australia’s Parts Finder makes finding the perfect fit a straightforward process.
1. Understanding Excavator Track Tension
What Is Track Tension and Why It Matters
Track tension is simply the tautness of the track on your excavator’s undercarriage components – rollers, idlers, and drive sprockets. It’s a balance between having enough slack for flexibility while ensuring enough snugness to keep the track in place to prevent them from slippage and ensure good even contact with the ground.
Why does it matter? Incorrect track tension can lead to increased wear on various parts of the undercarriage, unnecessary breakdowns, compromise fuel efficiency, and cause excessive vibration, which adds unnecessary strain on the machine’s driveline. And on the job, it’s not just about saving on maintenance costs; it’s also about the efficiency you bring to each shift.
Risks of Incorrect Track Tension
- Loose Tracks: If your track is too loose, it may slip off the Drive sprockets & idlers, which can cause derailment and frequent interruptions on site. Loose tracks can also lead to faster wear on the drive sprockets, rollers and the track itself.
- Tight Tracks: Tracks that are too tight put extra pressure on the idler &roller, bearings and drive motors and potentially break your Track. This can also result in excessive power consumption, premature wear, and sometimes even damage to the drive motor itself with overheating.
2. How to Measure Track Tension*
Simple Steps for Accurate Measurement
Not sure if your track tension is where it should be? Measuring tension doesn’t have to be overly technical, here are the basics:
- Position the Excavator on a Level Surface: Ensure the ground is flat and clear of obstacles to get an accurate reading.
- Lift the Track Off the Ground: Use the excavator’s boom to raise one side of the track, making sure there’s enough clearance to measure sag.
- Measure Sag: Take a measurement between the lowest point of the track and the upper roller. A slight sag is ideal, as this indicates the track isn’t too tight or too loose.
The following table highlights what to look for when evaluating track tension, including symptoms, risks, and optimal conditions for track tension:
*Remember to always refer to your operator’s manual for specifications for your make and model.
3. Signs Your Track Tension Needs Adjustment
You don’t need to be a mechanic to pick up on signs that something’s off with your tracks. Here are a few telltale signs to watch out for:
- Loose Tracks: If you see sagging or feel or can hear the track slipping or jumping when driving / manoeuvring, it’s time for an adjustment.
- Tight Tracks: Stiff movement, noise from driveline, extra fuel consumption, or vibrations in the cabin could indicate that the track is too tight.
Common Situations Requiring Adjustment
Conditions on-site play a big role in track tension. After a muddy job, for instance, tracks can build up debris that throws off their balance or water can also wash out grease which would require replacing daily. Regular checks are especially important if your machine frequently shifts between different types of terrain or experiences extreme weather.
4. Track Tension and Its Impact on Different Excavator Parts
Undercarriage Wear and Tear
Your undercarriage takes the brunt of track tension issues. Loose tracks put pressure on the rollers and idlers, wearing them down faster. Tight tracks, meanwhile, strain on idler bearings, rollers and the drive motor, potentially leading to more costly repairs. Balancing tension keeps all components operating in harmony.
Fuel Efficiency and Power Loss
Keeping track tension in the sweet spot minimises the energy the machine uses to move. Loose tracks make the machine work harder to stay in line, while tight tracks create extra friction, which drains fuel. A well-adjusted track maximises fuel efficiency and helps you keep running costs down and prevents costly site breakdowns.
5. How to Adjust Track Tension on an Excavator
Preparation Steps for Safe Adjustment
Before you adjust, take these precautions:
- Power Off the Machine: Safety first – always turn off the engine and relieve any hydraulic pressure.
- Clear the Area: Make sure you’re working in a stable, flat, clean & safe environment with no distractions
Step-by-Step Guide for Track Tension Adjustment
- Release or Add Grease: Most excavators have a grease fitting. To tighten, add grease; to loosen, release a small amount via the bleeder nut / valve.
- Check Tension as You Adjust: Move the track to ensure it responds correctly to each adjustment. It’s often best to adjust in small increments.
- Test and Retest: Once adjusted, lower the machine, run it for a few meters, then check the tension again to ensure it’s just right.
6. Finding the Right Tracks with Trackpads Australia
Benefits of the Trackpads Australia Parts Finder
At Trackpads Australia, we know that finding the correct track for your machine is essential. Our Parts Finder tool lets you select your exact make and model, so there’s no second-guessing. Plus, you can shop our entire range of tracks online, making it easy to get the right fit delivered directly to you.
Why Quality Tracks Matter for Tension Consistency
The quality of your tracks affects how well they hold their tension over time. Choosing durable, high-performance tracks ensures that tension adjustments are less frequent, meaning more uptime & output for your machine and less maintenance for you.
7. Tips for Maintaining Optimal Track Tension Over Time
Seasonal Maintenance and Usage Conditions
Weather and ground conditions can affect track tension, especially with extreme temperature swings. Hot weather can cause the track to expand, while mud and cold can contract it. Keeping an eye on tension during seasonal transitions is always a smart move.
Long-Term Care for Track Health
Over time, even the best-maintained tracks will need replacement. Signs like cracking, tearing, loose wire strands or excessive wear on the sprockets & rollers indicate that it might be time for some Track set replacement. Regular inspection and proactive replacements can save you a significant amount in long-term repair costs.
8. FAQs About Excavator Track Tension
How often should I check my track tension?
A good rule of thumb is to check track tension every 50-100 operating hours, or more often / daily if you’re working in harsh environments.
What’s the best way to know when it’s time to replace my tracks?
Look for signs like uneven wear, cracks, loose wire strands or reduced traction. If adjustments no longer hold tension, it’s likely time for a new set.
Does track tension affect other parts of the excavator?
Yes. Loose, worn or tight tracks strain the idlers, rollers, and drive motor, which can lead to faster wear and more frequent repairs.
Conclusion
Getting your excavator’s track tension right might seem like a small detail, but it’s a critical part of keeping your machine efficient and reliable on the job. With Trackpads Australia’s resources, including our measurement guide and Parts Finder, it’s easier than ever to get the right track and maintain the right tension. Choose quality, stay on top of maintenance, and give your machine the attention it deserves – your job site productivity will thank you.
