The alignment and tension of rubber tracks are essential for keeping your equipment running smoothly. Whether you are a maintenance technician or a new equipment operator, understanding how to align and tension rubber tracks properly can save time, reduce costs, and extend the lifespan of your machinery. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and techniques to help you get your rubber tracks back in working order.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to identify misalignment issues, adjust track tension, and follow best practices for ongoing maintenance.

Understanding the Basics of Rubber Tracks

Rubber tracks are critical components of heavy machinery, such as excavators, skid steers, and track loaders. They provide the necessary traction to operate equipment in a variety of environments, such as muddy construction sites and rugged off-road terrains. Rubber tracks distribute the weight of the machine more evenly than wheels and tires, reducing ground pressure and improving stability.

Potential Issues With Rubber Tracks

When rubber tracks are misaligned or insufficiently tensioned, several problems can arise:

• Misalignment causes uneven wear on the tracks and reduces their lifespan. As the rubber layer breaks down, it can split or crack and expose the interior cables or steel belt.
• Poor tension negatively affects a machine’s ability to perform at its best. This can reduce traction, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces.
• Misaligned tracks can cause instability, putting the operator at risk of injury and the equipment at risk of damage.

Regular maintenance is vital to avoid rubber track issues. The first step toward prevention is understanding the signs of misalignment and poor tension.

Signs of Misalignment and Insufficient Tension

Catching alignment and tension issues before they cause further damage can save you from expensive repairs. Here are some signs to watch for:

Symptoms of Misaligned Tracks

• If you notice that one side of the track looks more worn than the other, the alignment may be off.
• Grinding or squealing sounds can indicate the track is rubbing against components it shouldn’t be.
• A misaligned track can cause the machine to pull to one side during operation.
• Uneven or abnormally high lug temperatures indicate misalignment.

Use a temperature gun to measure the temperature of both sides of the lugs. A difference of 20 degrees or more suggests that there’s more friction on one side of the track than the other.

Indications of Poor Tension

If the rubber track sags excessively when you look at it from the side, it’s too loose. Insufficient tension can cause the track to derail or slip off of the undercarriage during operation, which is a serious safety hazard. Tracks with no gap between the rollers and the track body are likely too tight and putting stress on both the tracks and driving components.

Finally, loose tracks can slip under the weight of a load, particularly in wet conditions. Identifying these issues allows you to address problems before they worsen.

The Process of Alignment

Correcting misaligned rubber tracks is easy if you follow these step-by-step instructions:

Tools You’ll Need

• Wrenches or a socket set
• Measuring tape
• Pry bar
• Grease gun
• Temperature gun

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Park the equipment on a flat, stable surface and confirm that the engine is off. Engage the parking brake for extra safety.
2. Using a measuring tape, check the lateral distance between the track edges and the undercarriage frame. Measure at multiple points on both sides. These distances should be equal.
3. Loosen the nuts and bolts securing the track frame. Use a pry bar to adjust the position of the track frame on the idlers and sprockets until both sides are aligned. Tighten the bolts securely once the alignment is correct.
4. Briefly operate the equipment, then use a temperature gun to measure the outer and inner sides of a lug. Any hot spots indicate additional adjustments might be necessary.

The Process of Tensioning

The next steps in maintaining rubber tracks are checking and adjusting the tension. Follow these steps to get it right:

Safety Precautions

Confirm that the equipment is off, with the parking brake engaged. Also, wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid injuries.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tensioning

1. Refer to your operator’s manual for the tension specifications. Typically, there should be some sag, but not too much.
2. Locate the grease fitting in the undercarriage to adjust the tension.
3. Use a grease gun to increase tension by adding grease, or use a wrench to release grease and relieve tension.
4. Measure the gap between the top of the track and the bottom of the middle roller. This gap should match your manual’s specifications for correct tension.
5. Operate the equipment for a few minutes, then inspect it again to confirm the adjustments worked.

Maintaining the ideal tension supports your machinery’s performance and prevents the tracks from derailing or straining.

Best Practices and Tips

Investing a little time in routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your equipment’s rubber tracks. By following these best practices, you can prevent issues before they start and keep your equipment running reliably.

• Check alignment and tension at least once a week, especially if you or your operators use the equipment frequently or in unpaved areas.
• Mud and debris can compromise rubber track alignment and tension over time. Use a pressure washer or a shovel to remove mud from the tracks after each use.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for scheduled track inspections, lubrication, and servicing.
• Always install tracks for your specific machinery model. High-quality, heavy-duty rubber tracks perform better and last longer under demanding conditions than other tracks.

Better Tracks, Better Performance

Aligning and tensioning rubber tracks extends the life of your equipment and makes it safer for operators. By understanding how to align and tension rubber tracks properly, you can avoid downtime and ensure top performance every time you use your machinery.

Don’t overlook the importance of high-quality tracks. Investing in durable, heavy equipment rubber tracks and staying on top of maintenance keeps your machinery operating at its best.