The undercarriage of an excavator includes components like the drive chain and pads, sprockets as well as the idlers. These moving parts can quickly wear out if care is not taken to prolong their lifespan. This article discusses what excavator operators can do to limit the rate of wear on the undercarriage parts. Use this information to get the best trainers for your operators so that your earthmoving equipment lasts for a long time.

Driving at Minimal Speeds

Driving an excavator at high speeds increases the rate of wear on components like the drive chain. This is because the excavator has to overcome greater resistance in order to move at those high speeds. When operators move at the slowest speed possible, they reduce the amount of wear that the undercarriage is exposed to so it will last a longer time without being taken out of service for repairs.

Using Boards to Move Onto Inclines

Sharp angles exert massive strain on the undercarriage since a big part of the excavator is momentarily suspended in the air before it reaches a flat surface. The operator can reduce this wear by using a ramp or boards to ease the movement of the excavator from angled surfaces. This will take the strain off the undercarriage, and it will last longer.

Match the Excavator's Movement to the Terrain

A lot of pressure is exerted on the front part of the undercarriage when the excavator is moving downhill. Conversely, more pressure is exerted on the back part of the excavator when it is moving uphill. The operator should alternate the direction of movement so that this strain is not exerted on only one part of the excavator. This will promote uniform wear on the undercarriage rather than accelerating the wear on only one part.

Limiting Track Spinning

Tracks have a tendency to spin as the bucket is being filled. This is because the lifting force of the bucket makes the excavator to partially lift itself from off the ground. The operator can control this track spinning by slowing down the lift motion so that the excavator eases back onto the ground. In this way, track breaks will be avoided.

As you can see, the lifespan of your earthmoving equipment heavily relies on how the operator handles that equipment. That is why you should ensure that the operators are properly trained on the best way to use this expensive equipment. For more information, contact a business such as Aussie Earthworks.