Tracks, Sprockets, Idlers and Everything in Between

Tracks, sprockets, idlers and
everything in between
It may not seem like much, but in more ways than one, there’s a lot weighing on a
compact excavator’s undercarriage. And when it comes to lowering the cost of
equipment ownership, proper operation and maintenance are the difference between
money saved and costly repairs.
Normally, a compact excavator doesn’t put in a lot of travel time. On a jobsite, its
main responsibility may be to sit and spin on its housing, digging holes and trenches.
Because of its lack of motion, there’s less fatigue and wear on the undercarriage
compared to other machines.
However, as the most costly part of the tracked machine, it’s important for operators
to understand the parts and components that make up the undercarriage and
frequently inspect them to make sure everything is working properly.
SARL MAXIMA – Vialard – 24200 Carsac Aillac

Tél. 05.53.31.88.93 - Fax 05.53.29.62.65
[email protected] - www.sarlmaxima.com
Keeping track of the tracks
The most important component of a compact excavator’s undercarriage is its tracks.

Most compact excavators come with rubber tracks, which allow for greater versatility
on the jobsite, high floatation, low ground pressure, machine stability and a smoother
ride. Rubber tracks come in a variety of widths, depending on the machine size and
manufacturer. Some are more narrow to help the machine squeeze through gates
and doorways on jobsites, while a wider width provides added stability even on
uneven ground.
Properly caring for the tracks is essential for operators, as they are expensive to
replace. As the most obvious wear item on the undercarriage, the rubber tracks are
susceptible to increased damage based on the operating environment and the
amount of usage. Because of this, rubber tracks should be used primarily on flat
surfaces, avoiding rocky or debris-heavy areas. To track the wear on the
undercarriage, operators should perform a daily visual inspection to look for any cuts,
tears or distress. It’s also important to take note of any spots on the tracks where the
steel imbeds are showing. Any of these problems could lead to machine failure and
unexpected downtime.
Operators should also monitor track tensioning. An improperly tensioned track can
cause uneven or accelerated wear on the machine and its other components,
including the sprocket. If a track is too loose, it can de-track, while a track that is too
tight could cause damage to the undercarriage and wear other components at an
excessive rate. Operators should reference the machine’s operator’s manual, which
will diagram the correct track tension ranges for that specific machine.

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Drive sprockets
To ensure undercarriage longevity, each operator should be taught the correct way to
operate their compact excavator — especially with a retractable undercarriage.
A sprocket is a profiled wheel with teeth that meshes with the compact excavator’s
tracks. It aids in the motion of the machine as a whole, propelling it forward by pulling
the chain over itself. Not only do the drive sprockets move the tracks, but they also
handle the brunt of everyday operations.
Accelerated wear of the drive sprockets can be common. Because of this, they
should be checked periodically during a machine walk-around. Operators should pay
attention to the shape of the drive sprocket teeth: A tooth in good shape has a
rounded end, while a worn tooth is more pointed. A worn sprocket could potentially
lead to damage on the lugs of the rubber track, so operators should check the
condition of the sprockets before changing the excavator’s tracks.
Idlers
Another component of the compact excavator’s undercarriage are the idler wheels.
The idler is a large, metal wheel at the front of the track frame that guides the rubber
track. It’s also responsible for tensioning the track around the front of the
undercarriage frame, decreasing the risk of de-tracking. Worn idlers should be
replaced to prevent damage to the undercarriage due to increased drag, which can
result in severe damage to the tracks and undercarriage.

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Rollers
The undercarriage of a compact excavator includes small parts called rollers. Rollers
are metal wheels that are mounted to the top and bottom of the track frame, which
support and guide the rubber track between the sprocket and the front idler.
The track roller is responsible for guiding the track over the frame, while the primary
function of the bottom rollers is to bear the weight of the machine. Any worn, seized
or loose rollers can cause damage to tracks due to increased drag and may cause
premature failure of rubber tracks as a result of frequent de-tracking.
Inspections of these parts could save operators a significant amount of time and
money in repairs.
Final notes
The components of the compact excavator’s undercarriage are designed to wear
evenly over time. Premature wearing can affect the wear of other components as
well, affecting the machine’s overall productivity. If some components wear more
quickly than others, it could be a sign of improper operation or lack of maintenance.
Each operator should be taught the correct way to operate their compact excavator
and have an understanding of how they can keep it running as productively as
possible. Actions such as operating at high speeds, excessive time in reverse and
driving over curbs can cause accelerated wear on the undercarriage.
Operators should change their turning direction, or limit turning if possible, to balance
wear on each side of the undercarriage. Constantly turning to one side will greatly
reduce the life of the machine’s tracks. In order to get the most from the machine’s
undercarriage, operators should clean all of the undercarriage components, including
rollers and tracks, after every use. The accumulation of jobsite debris, like mud and
dirt, around the undercarriage can interfere with proper operation, which leads to
faster wear. Special attention should be paid to the cleanup of rubber tracks since
buildup can cause them to stretch.
Usage conditions and maintenance greatly influence the life and longevity of a
compact excavator’s undercarriage. But understanding and taking care of each
component that makes up the undercarriage will lead to a more productive machine
and money saved.

Tél. 05.53.31.88.93 - Fax 05.53.29.62.65

Tracks, Sprockets, Idlers and Everything in Between

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Tracks, sprockets, idlers and

SARL MAXIMA – Vialard – 24200 Carsac Aillac

The most important component of a compact excavator’s undercarriage is its tracks.

SARL MAXIMA – Vialard – 24200 Carsac Aillac

SARL MAXIMA – Vialard – 24200 Carsac Aillac

SARL MAXIMA – Vialard – 24200 Carsac Aillac

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