Installing a rubber track on a mini-excavator is a crucial task that ensures your equipment operates smoothly and efficiently on the job site. Understanding the correct installation process is vital for your safety and future performance of your machine. In this guide, we will explain the step-by-step process of installing a rubber track on a mini excavator, highlighting essential tips and best practices. From preparing your equipment to getting back on track, we've got you covered to ensure a hassle-free and successful installation.
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Installing Replacement Rubber Tracks on a Mini-Excavator
You will easily make it!. Proper installation and maintenance of rubber tracks not only enhance the performance of your machine but also extend the life of undercarriage components.
Tools and Equipment Needed
Installing rubber tracks on a mini excavator requires specific tools and equipment to ensure a smooth and safe installation process. Here’s what you need:
Safety Glasses/Safety Goggles/ Work Gloves: Safety first!
Power washer: Clean the undercarriage before and when the old track is removed
Install Square Wood block 6X6X 24-36 inch: Put the wood block in front of the track just so it is positioned to push and recoil the idler.
Grease Gun: will be used for greasing the tensioner slides and will allow a precise amount of grease in the tension cylinder to apply proper track tension.
Open-End Wrench: This wrench is typically used for removing and tightening bolts or nuts of specific sizes on the mini excavator, such as those securing the track components.
Socket Wrench: A socket wrench set with various socket sizes is necessary for accessing and tightening bolts in tight spaces, particularly around the undercarriage and track assembly.
Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable wrench provides versatility for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts of different sizes that may be encountered during the installation process.
Paper Towels: Used for cleaning surfaces and components, paper towels will help to remove grease when you recoil the tensioning cylinder.
Safety Glasses/Safety Goggles/ Work Gloves: Safety first !
Basic Tools: Additional basic tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and a hammer might be needed depending on the specific mini excavator model and track assembly configurations.
Preparation
Proper preparation ensures the safety of the installation process and helps maintain equipment integrity. Here’s how to prepare:
Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Wear safety glasses throughout the installation to protect your eyes from debris and potential splashes. Engage the safety lever on the mini excavator and follow any additional safety protocols recommended by the manufacturer.
Inspect the Area: Choose a flat and stable surface it will maintain balance and stability when lifting the machine and manipulating heavy components.
By having the necessary tools ready and ensuring a safe work environment, you set the stage for a successful installation of rubber tracks on your mini excavator. Taking these precautions not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the risk of accidents and damage to equipment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install Mini-Excavators Rubber tracks
Step 1: Removing the track Tension
Locate the Grease Valve: Find the grease valve cover on the track frame and remove it to access the grease fitting.
Inspect tensioner cleanliness: Make sure the slides are clean and that there is no mud or rock pack and squeeze in the tensioner. If there is debris this will act as an obstacle to recoil and to provide the adequate slack to remove and install new track.
Release Tension: Unscrew the grease fitting this will open the passage for grease to get out of the tensioning cylinder.
Install Square Wood block 6X6X 24-36 inch: Put the wood block in front of the track just so it is positioned to push and recoil the idler.
Recoil tensioner: With the excavator arm slowly push on the wood block to recoil the idler.This operation needs to be done slowly and with qualified operator
Step 2: Lifting the Mini-Excavator
Lifting: Turn the excavator arm to 90 degree to excavator undercarriage and lift the machine with the arm. No need to raise too much simply about the overall thickness + 2 inches. You will use the ground to support the track slack and weight. Install secure jack stands under the machine. Make sure to use an extension to push the jack stand under the machine.
Support: Secure the machine in this lifted position on the jack stand.
Step 3: Removing the Old Track
Track Removal: With the help of the 2 pry bars, remove the track from one idler side and then from the sprocket side.
Step 4: Inspecting Undercarriage Components
Remove tensioner from undercarriage: Clean the slide and remove any mud remaining in the enclosed area. Make sure to close the grease zerk and powerwash the spring around the cylinder.
Clean Undercarriage: Use l from the undercarriage. This ensures optimal performance and longevity of the new track.
Check for Damage: Inspect the undercarriage components thoroughly. Look for signs of worn sprockets, damaged rollers, or excessive wear. Replace any damaged parts to prevent future operational issues. We recommend changing the machine sprocket everytime you change tracks for optimal life.
Grease tensioning slides and reinstall tensioner: Make sure to push the tensioner to the maximum recoil position to ease the new track installation.
Step 4: Installing the New Rubber Track
Positioning: Place the new rubber track around the rear sprocket first and then using the 2 pry bars slide onto the front idler wheel and under the rollers.
Alignment: Double-check that the track is aligned properly to prevent premature wear and ensure optimal performance.
Step 5: Adjusting Track Tension
Grease cylinder: Use the grease gun to add grease through the grease fitting. This action pushes the idler wheel outward, tightening the track around the undercarriage.
Tension Check: Check the Sag recommendation in your machine service manual. Should be between 1-2 inches of sag between the rollers and the track.
Adjustment: If necessary, adjust the tension using the grease gun to achieve the correct balance. Make sure not to hypertension the track. Improper tension can lead to premature wear of tracks and UC and affect machine performance.
In the air rotation and tension recheck : Start machine and make the track turn slowly for 10 cycles forward and 10 cycles backward.. Observe any abnormal noise or vibration. Recheck SAG and readjust tension using the grease gun to achieve the correct balance.
Cover Reattachment: Reattach the grease valve cover securely to protect the grease fitting..
Lowering the Mini-Excavator: Remove jack stand and carefully lower the machine back to the ground.
Step 6: Repeat on the other side
Repeat all previous steps.
Step 7: Final Check
Testing: Conduct a test run to verify the performance of the newly installed rubber track. Listen for any unusual noises and make any final adjustments as needed to ensure smooth operation.
Recheck track tension: Check track tension after 10-20 hours of operation.
Following these detailed steps ensures that your Mini-Excavator is equipped with a properly installed and tensioned rubber track, ready to tackle various terrains and Get The Work DONE. Regular maintenance and inspections will further extend the life of your equipment and enhance job site performance.
Testing: Conduct a test run to verify the performance of the newly installed rubber track. Listen for any unusual noises and make any final adjustments as needed to ensure smooth operation.
Recheck track tension: Check track tension after 10-20 hours of operation.
Following these detailed steps ensures that your mini excavator is equipped with a properly installed and tensioned rubber track, ready to tackle various terrains and Get The Work DONE. Regular maintenance and inspections will further extend the life of your equipment and enhance job site performance.
Maintenance Tips for Mini-Excavator Rubber Tracks
Proper maintenance of your mini-excavator rubber tracks is essential to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and safety.
Regularly Inspect Track Tension and Adjustment
Proper track tension is crucial for optimal performance and minimizing wear on the undercarriage components.
Frequency: Check track tension regularly, especially after initial installation and before each use. Adjust as needed to maintain the correct tension..
Procedure: Use a grease gun to add grease through the fitting, adjusting the tension by pushing the idler wheel outward or inward as necessary.
Keep the Undercarriage Clean
Regularly clean the undercarriage area using a power wash machine removing dirt, mud, and debris. Accumulated debris can accelerate wear on the rubber tracks and undercarriage components. Cleaning provides an opportunity to inspect for signs of damage, excessive wear, or loose components that may require immediate attention.
Monitor for Abnormal Wear and Prompt Replacement
Regularly inspect the rubber tracks for signs of abnormal wear patterns such as uneven wear or excessive wear on specific areas.
Replacement Guidelines: Follow manufacturer guidelines for track replacement intervals based on usage and operating conditions. Prompt replacement of worn tracks prevents damage to other undercarriage components and ensures safe operation.
Use High-Quality Aftermarket Tracks
Invest in high-quality aftermarket rubber tracks designed for durability and performance in demanding environments. These tracks offer superior traction, reduced vibration, and longer service life compared to lower-quality alternatives.
Additional Tips
Operational Environment: Adjust maintenance frequency based on the operating environment. For example, machines used in muddy or abrasive conditions may require more frequent cleaning and inspection.
Track Storage: Properly store spare rubber tracks in a dry, cool and shaded environment to prevent degradation of rubber compounds over time.
Manufacturer Recommendations: Always follow the maintenance guidelines provided by the mini excavator and track manufacturers for specific care instructions.
By following these comprehensive maintenance tips, you can prolong the life of your mini excavator’s rubber tracks, maintain operational efficiency, and reduce overall maintenance costs. Regular inspection, proper cleaning, and timely replacement of worn parts are key to ensuring your equipment performs reliably in various job site conditions.
Invest in High-Quality Rubber Tracks from Global Track Warehouse
Discover high-quality rubber tracks designed for agricultural, Construction and industrial use at Global Track Warehouse (GTW). Engineered for heavy-duty performance, GTW's rubber tracks enhance machine stability and maneuverability across diverse terrains, minimizing ground compaction and reducing operational noise and vibration and Getting The Work Done.
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Explore GTW's innovative track technology to elevate your productivity and efficiency in demanding environments and Get The Work DONE. Contact us for a quote and discover why GTW is a trusted leader in rubber track solutions.
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