How to tighten tracks on cat excavator

With the increase of excavator's working life, the track link pin and bushing of the traveling part will wear to a certain extent in normal operation, which will lead to the decrease of the tension of the track, the insufficient walking force of the excavator or the excessive wear of the traveling mechanism. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the track tension periodically so as to prolong the service life of the excavator track.

1、How to detect the track tension

Before adjusting the track tension, first measure the track tension (SAG) to see if it is in the proper range.

Rotate the upper structure of the excavator 90 degrees, then lower the bucket and lift the track off the ground.

Keep the angle between the boom and the arm within 90 to 110 degrees and place the bucket arc on the ground. Place blocks under the machine in order to support the machine. Rotate the track backward for two turns, and then rotate the track forward for two turns.

2、Adjust the track tension according to local conditions

According to the soil quality of different construction sites. Adjust the tension of the track so as to extend the service life of the excavator track.

The first situation: when the construction site is full of pebbles, it is better to adjust the track slightly loose. The advantage: when walking on the pebbles, the bending of the track shoes can be avoided.

The second case: when the soil is soft, the track should be slightly loose. Some advantages: the track and the rail link are easy to attach soil, so as to prevent the abnormal pressure exerted on the rail link due to the adhesion of soil.

The third situation: when the ground is firm and flat, it is better to tighten the track slightly.

Advantage: when the loose track sags too much, it may contact with the frame and damage the frame.

Track adjustment is too tight: if the track is too tight, the walking speed and driving force will decrease. This will not only reduce the working efficiency, but also cause abnormal wear due to excessive friction applied on the pin and bushing.

Loose track adjustment: the track loosely rests on the driving wheel and carrier sprocket, causing greater wear or damage. Moreover, when the loose track sags too much, it may contact with the frame and damage the frame. In this way, even if the strengthened lower part of the walking body is not adjusted correctly, it will also lead to unexpected failure.

3、How to adjust the track tension according to the operation regulations

Specific operation steps:

(1) Loosen the track:

1. To loosen the track, use a long socket wrench to slowly rotate the valve anticlockwise, and the grease will be discharged from the grease outlet.

2. Turn the valve one to one and a half turns to loosen the track.

3. If the grease cannot be discharged smoothly, lift the track off the ground and rotate the track slowly.

4. After obtaining proper track tension, tighten the valve to 147 n × m (15kgf × m) in a clockwise direction.

Note: do not release the valve quickly or excessively, otherwise, the grease in the regulating hydraulic cylinder will spray out. Carefully release the valve and do not face the body or face to the valve. Never loosen the grease fitting.

If there is gravel or soil between the sprocket and the track, they should be removed before loosening the track.

(2) Tighten the track:

To tighten the track, connect the lubricating grease gun to the lubricating nozzle, add lubricating grease until the track tension reaches the specified standard.

If the track is still too tight after turning the valve anticlockwise, or the track is still loose after adding lubricating oil to the grease mouth, it is abnormal. At this time, do not attempt to remove the track or track adjuster, because the high-pressure grease in the track adjuster will bring danger, you should immediately contact the local designated dealer to provide after-sales support.

Reasonable adjustment of track tension can provide continuous and stable driving force for the excavator and avoid unnecessary damage of track shoes. I believe that the above operating procedures can help you, and can be used flexibly in the actual work of maintenance equipment.