If your rubber tracks are wearing out faster than expected, the real issue might be your undercarriage.
For contractors, fleet managers and operators across Australia, understanding undercarriage maintenance is essential to keeping machines productive and costs down.
This guide covers how to maintain your undercarriage, spot signs of wear, prevent premature track and pad damage, and extend the life of your machine and ground-engaging equipment. Whether you’re running a single excavator or managing a national fleet, these tips will help you stay on track.
What is an Undercarriage?
Your machine’s undercarriage includes all the components that help it move: tracks, pads, rollers, sprockets, idlers and more. It’s also one of the most exposed and hardworking parts of your machine, constantly under pressure, especially in tough Aussie terrain.
If one part fails or wears unevenly, it can quickly lead to bigger damage and costlier issues.
How to Maintain an Excavator Undercarriage
Routine care is your best defence against downtime. Here’s what good undercarriage maintenance looks like:
- Inspect daily: Look for worn pads, loose bolts, or grousers, damage, oil leaks or uneven wear.
- Clean regularly: Remove built-up mud, rocks and debris that can accelerate wear.
- Check track tension: Over- or under-tensioned tracks cause stress and reduce lifespan.
- Grease moving parts: Keep pins, rollers and bushings lubricated.
- Rotate directional tracks: Flipping them balances the wear.
📋 Want to keep your maintenance on track?
Download our free printable Undercarriage Inspection Checklist, perfect for the cab, site shed or workshop wall.
Rubber Track Maintenance Tips
Even with good machine maintenance, rubber tracks and pads need specific care. To extend their life:
- Store in a cool, dry, shaded place.
- Avoid sharp turns at speed it causes delamination and premature wear.
- Don’t overload your machine; more weight = more stress on the undercarriage.
- Use the right track pad for your ground conditions (asphalt, sandstone, gravel, etc.).
Signs of Undercarriage Wear
Catching wear early can save you from major repairs or machine failure. Keep an eye out for:
- Cracked, missing or loose rubber pads
- Uneven wear on tracks, pads, idlers, sprockets and rollers
- Leaking grease or oil
- Jerky, sluggish movement
- Excess noise, vibration or shaking
These warning signs usually mean it’s time to inspect and act before things get worse.
Common Causes of Wear and Tear
Undercarriage damage usually happens over time, and often, it’s preventable. Common causes include:
- Skipping inspections or delaying repairs
- Incorrect track tension
- Poor cleaning routines
- Operating on abrasive site conditions without adapting maintenance
- Aggressive or untrained operator behaviour
- Ignoring small problems until they escalate
Being proactive with maintenance and training your team on proper operation can drastically extend the life of your undercarriage.
Operating Habits that Reduce Wear and Tear
Smart operation can make a huge difference. Encourage your team to:
- Avoid spinning or pivoting on hard surfaces
- Slow down over rough ground
- Steer gently to reduce stress on tracks
- Use ramps instead of climbing kerbs or obstacles
- Choose the right pad for each site’s application
These minor adjustments not only protect your pads and tracks but also reduce repair costs and downtime across your fleet.
Working in Aussie Conditions
Australia’s terrain and site conditions can be tough on gear, and your undercarriage needs extra care in certain environments.
Red dust (remote regions):
Highly abrasive and can infiltrate moving parts. Clean more frequently and inspect rollers and seals for contamination daily.
Wet clay (East Coast and flood zones):
Builds up fast, reducing traction and clogging rollers. Clean after every shift and check for packed-in debris.
Rocky ground (civil, quarry and infrastructure works):
Leads to pad chunking or tearing. Inspect pads daily and avoid sharp turns. Use pads suited to these kinds of site conditions
Steel, Ballast or Hardstand (Rail, Demolition and Recycling works):
Leads to pad chunking or tearing. Inspect pads daily and use pads well-suited to these kinds of site conditions
Adapting your maintenance approach to match your site conditions is essential if you want to get the most out of your rubber tracks and pads.
Storing Tracks and Pads Correctly
Rubber breaks down faster when it’s exposed to heat, UV or chemicals. If your pads or tracks aren’t in use:
- Store them in a cool, dry, shaded space
- Keep them off the ground if possible
- Avoid contact with oils, solvents or fuels
- Relieve tension on stored machines to reduce pressure
These simple steps can prevent premature cracking, drying and rubber failure.
Final Thoughts
Undercarriage maintenance isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for uptime, safety and cost control. A few minutes of inspection and cleaning each day can save thousands in repairs, replacements and lost productivity.
At TrackPads Australia, we supply premium rubber tracks, bolt-on and clip-on pads, buffers and undercarriage wear parts built for Australian conditions. Whether you need a one-off replacement or support across your entire fleet, we’re here to help.
👉 Explore our full range or contact us today
📋 Don’t forget: Download our free Undercarriage Inspection Checklist here
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check track tension?
Weekly is a good rule of thumb — but check more often in tough conditions or when machines are being stored and re-used. Tension that’s even slightly out can dramatically reduce track life and machine traction.
Can I use the same pads on all types of ground?
No. Different pads are designed for different surfaces. Using the wrong type — like asphalt pads on crushed rock — can lead to cracking, tearing or premature wear.
How should I store rubber tracks or pads when they’re not in use?
Keep them cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing them near chemicals or fuels, and if fitted to machines, reduce track tension during long storage periods.
Where can I download the Undercarriage Inspection Checklist?
Right here: Undercarriage Inspection Checklist
