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How To Inspect an Excavator Undercarriage for Wear

Dec 20th 2022

How To Inspect an Excavator Undercarriage for Wear

Excavators and other types of heavy construction equipment handle lots of wear and tear on the job site. Everything from difficult terrain to weather conditions can wear this equipment down quickly. To prevent downtime on the job and mistakenly using damaged equipment, it’s important to conduct regular inspections of all parts. Some workers forget about the undercarriage while performing inspections, but this area is crucial to include in an inspection. The undercarriage supports the weight of the entire machine, which means it bears added stress. Here are some tips to understand how to inspect your excavator’s undercarriage for wear and tear. Follow this guide to promote equipment longevity and reduce downtime.

Before the Inspection

Before you start performing your equipment check, there are a few preparations you should make to ensure a successful inspection. If your excavator has just been out in the field or on a work site, be sure to clean it thoroughly afterward. Trying to perform an inspection of dirty equipment can lead to oversights, and you may miss important signs of damage.

Additionally, double-check that you have all the equipment you’ll need for the inspection process. Use natural lighting or a headlamp to get a better view of all parts. Always remember to power down all equipment before completing inspections and mark them as out of service for the time being to avoid accidents.

What To Look for During an Undercarriage Inspection

Once your equipment is ready, you can proceed with the inspection. It’s helpful to reference an undercarriage inspection checklist as you investigate each part. Inspect each of the parts in this list and complete a service report on the conditions of each factor as you go.

Track Tension

Track tension is an aspect of your excavator that you should check with every inspection. Correct alignment of the tracks ensures smooth transportation and operation. Always reference your excavator owner’s manual for recommended track tension values.

While checking track tension, you should also inspect the tracks themselves to get an idea of their condition. Your excavator’s tracks will experience more wear when working in difficult terrain and conditions. Add a wear distribution section to your inspection checklist and record the pattern of wear on the treads. When tracks start to crack or lose their traction, it may be time to replace them.

Check Components

There are many individual components that make up the undercarriage of an excavator. Here is a quick list of components to include in your visual inspection. If you notice any of these signs of damage, be sure to note them in your inspection log and schedule any necessary repairs.

  • Links: Check for signs of damage such as cracks, breakage, wear on either side, and wear on the pin.
  • Pins: If a pin is visually broken or sticking out, replace it right away. Be sure to pay special attention to the master pin.
  • Bushings: Bushings are commonly found near the excavator arms or bucket. Check these for cracks or deformations to keep attachments secure.
  • Sprockets: Sprockets are responsible for the rotary motion in the undercarriage. If your sprockets are significantly worn down, they can even damage the excavator tracks and other undercarriage components. Check sprockets for cracks, spalling, wear, and loose hardware.
  • Top rollers: Top rollers carry and lead the track and track shoes on an excavator. They have different wear patterns than bottom rollers, which include flat spots, broken shafts, and oil leaks.
  • Bottom rollers: These rollers carry the weight of the machine over the tracks. Like the top rollers, they can also experience oil leaks with wear. However, look out for unique cracks and deformation due to the extra weight.

Don’t rush the individual inspections when checking each component. Always conduct a thorough investigation on both sides of the excavator’s undercarriage. Either side may have unique patterns of wear and tear that you should document.

How Often To Perform Undercarriage Inspections

Ideally, you want to perform cleanings and general inspections of your excavators and other heavy equipment after every use. This helps identify any surface-level issues before the next day’s operations. Every team should complete a thorough undercarriage inspection by going through the components above every 40 operating hours. Make it your goal to complete an equipment check at least once a week; you may need to perform these checks more frequently depending on how many hours you operate your excavator.

Importance of Undercarriage Inspections

The excavator’s undercarriage holds the machine’s weight, encounters difficult terrain, and gets the dirtiest. Don’t ignore your equipment’s undercarriage because this portion of the equipment can see some of the most wear and tear. Even some of the smallest parts can hide damage, such as cracks and deformations. Regular inspections help train your eye to notice these issues.

Conducting regular inspections as part of your excavator’s routine maintenance helps prevent excessive wear and decreases downtime. However, it’s important to note that personal inspections of your equipment should never replace professional maintenance and repairs. If you discover issues with your excavator's components, you should contact your local heavy equipment repair expert.

Where To Find Replacement Parts for Excavators

As you conduct an undercarriage inspection on your excavator, it can be useful to have spare parts on hand to make small repairs or prepare the equipment for your service date. If you’re looking for excavator spare parts, trust our shop at Tractor Zone to supply what you need. We have a wide selection of heavy equipment parts, including those for excavators and the name brands you trust. Contact our experts today to find the exact replacement parts you need for your excavator type and model.

Undercarriage maintenance is crucial for many pieces of heavy equipment. This is especially true for excavators, which carry heavy amounts of weight and traverse difficult terrains. Keep your excavator running smoothly and prevent breakdowns by conducting regular undercarriage inspections. With these tips for how to inspect an excavator undercarriage for wear, you can identify the first signs of damage before they impact your machine’s performance. Reference our components checklist for future checks, and don’t forget to visit Tractor Zone for all your spare part needs.

How To Inspect an Excavator Undercarriage for Wear