When it comes to CTLs, mini excavators, carriers, and other tracked equipment, few components are more important than your rubber tracks. In order to ensure top performance from your machines, you have to keep your tracks in excellent condition. Luby Equipment has developed these tips and best practices for properly maintaining your rubber tracks and to maximize their lifespan.
Use the correct rubber tracks
It’s crucial to choose the right rubber tracks for your machine. You have to factor in your equipment’s weight, the type of terrain you work on, how often it will be operated, and the types of jobs you typically handle. If you want to purchase the best rubber tracks for your specific machine, our team will help you make the right choice.
Inspect your tracks regularly
Part of your daily heavy equipment maintenance routine should be checking the tracks for cuts, cracks, tears, abnormal or uneven wear, and missing lugs or tread patterns. If you or your operators see any damage, then the machine should not be used until the problem is repaired or the rubber tracks are replaced.
Clean your tracks
More often than not, tracked machines operate in the dirt and mud. For that reason, regularly cleaning them is an important maintenance task. Excessive debris, mud, and dirt can increase track wear and potentially cause damage to undercarriage components. Use a pressure washer or a hose to effectively wash your tracks and keep them clear of any abrasive materials.
Ensure proper track tension
Keeping the correct tension is an essential part of rubber track maintenance and vital for overall equipment performance. Tracks that are either too loose or too tight can lead to abnormal wear, damage, and a shorter lifespan. Check your manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the proper tension, and always adjust the rubber track tension at your jobsite. Ground and temperature conditions can change your tension, so if you are adjusting it in a shop, your tracks may be too tight or too loose for your actual working environment.
Operate your machine correctly
How you drive your tracked machines can significantly affect the lifespan of your rubber tracks. You should avoid sudden or aggressive maneuvers, excessive spinning, or fast stops. These movements will put undue stress on the tracks and lead to accelerated wear and tear. We also suggest avoiding quick travel speeds and reverse operation, which lead to wear and tear.
Don’t park in direct sunlight
Heat and UV exposure can cause cracks and weaken your rubber tracks. When parking or storing your machines, we recommend leaving them indoors, in the shade, or covering up the tracks until you use it again.
If you have any questions about your rubber tracks or heavy equipment maintenance in general, contact our team today!
