The Parts and Names of Undercarriage Heavy Equipment
However, the undercarriage of heavy equipment consists of several components that can be obtained from the renowned Komatsu dealer near me. Each of these components of the undercarriage heavy equipment performs a particular, specific function. The main parts and their names are as follows.Track Shoes
Among the popular undercarriage Komatsu for sale include those of the track shoes. These are primarily plates that make proper contact with the ground as well. They do provide traction to propel the equipment either forward or backwards.Track Chains
Track chains are the renowned undercarriage Komatsu parts. These are a series of interconnected links that firmly hold the track shoes in their place. However, they also help in the movement of the machine.Rollers
These are cylindrical wheels that support the entire equipment's weight and properly guide the track chains as the equipment moves.Idlers
These are undercarriage stationary wheels that guide the track chains and help maintain the tension in the undercarriage.Sprockets
These are the renowned undercarriage Komatsu parts, the gears that formally engage with the track chains and propel the equipment by rotating it.Track Adjusters
These are mechanical devices or hydraulic systems that maintain the tension within the track chains. It ensures proper track alignment.When bushings and pins keep all of these components together, however, this becomes complicated to repair in the event of a sudden breakdown. For instance, a master pin does require a track pin press to remove it. Other forms of removal can certainly be dangerous. It is of utmost importance to perform all necessary preventive maintenance and to have the appropriate maintenance equipment to keep all these parts in optimal order.
Things to Look for When Inspecting an Undercarriage
However, regular inspection of the undercarriage Komatsu for sale is critical to identify all sorts of potential issues. This enables them to be addressed before they turn into significant problems. Here are specific tips on what exactly to look for when inspecting an undercarriage.Track Shoe Wear
Avail track shoe wear from a popular Komatsu dealer near me. Check for any signs of excessive wear, such as uneven wear patterns, cracks, and missing track shoes. These do affect the machine's overall stability and performance.Track Chain Tension
Kindly ensure that the track chains are perfectly tensioned. Therefore, loose or overly tight chains do cause premature wear and damage to the entire undercarriage components.Roller and Idler Condition
Properly inspect the rollers and idlers for any signs of damage. This means the existence of cracks, dents, and missing parts, since it plays a critical role in supporting the weight of the entire equipment.Sprocket condition
Do check the sprockets for signs of wear, such as worn-out teeth or misalignment. They are undoubtedly responsible for propelling the machine and need to be in good condition.Track Adjuster Function
Ensure that the track adjusters are correctly functioning. They are responsible for maintaining the tension in the track chains and ensuring proper alignment of the track.How Long Does an Excavator Undercarriage Last?
The lifespan of an excavator undercarriage depends on several factors it includes.
- The quality of the components
- The type of terrain the equipment operates on
- The usage and maintenance practices
On average, undercarriage components such as track chains, rollers, and idlers last between 2000 and 7000 hours of operation. This lifespan varies significantly based on the factors above. For instance, the presence of heavy-duty usage in harsh terrains with rocky or abrasive surfaces results in faster wear and requires more frequent replacements.
However, proper usage, regular maintenance, and the use of high-quality OEM-recommended components can extend the lifespan of the undercarriage from Komatsu.
Common Undercarriage Maintenance Issues
Wear and tear
According to the experts from Komatsu India, heavy equipment undercarriages are mostly subjected to continuous wear and tear. This occurs due to the harsh operating conditions to which they are mostly exposed.Over a specific period, the track chains, track shoes, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and other undercarriage components tend to wear out quickly. Mostly, it leads to reduced performance and increased downtime.
Misalignment
At times, misalignment of the undercarriage components does occur due to several reasons. Some of the possibilities are uneven loading, improper tensioning, and subtle impacts from obstacles.Furthermore, misalignment components cause uneven wear and premature failure of the undercarriage, leading to reduced productivity and costly repairs.
Track damage
Tracks can often become damaged due to sudden impacts from rocks, debris, and uneven terrain. This mainly results in cuts, tears, and punctures in the track rubber.However, it reduces the traction and stability of the machine, affecting its overall performance.
Leaks
Hydraulic fluid or oil leaks can occur in undercarriage components, such as seals, gaskets, and bearings.Leaks mostly lead to reduced performance, increased wear, and potential damage to other components if it isn't addressed promptly.
Corrosion
Heavy equipment is primarily used in corrosive environments, such as coastal areas and mining sites. They are mainly prone to corrosion. Corrosion damages the undercarriage components, resulting in unnecessary wear and a reduced lifespan.Lack of lubrication
At times, proper lubrication is needed for the smooth operation of the undercarriage components.Furthermore, inadequate and irregular lubrication primarily results in increased friction, accelerated wear, and potential damage to the entire components.
Overloading
Overloading of heavy equipment puts excessive strain on the overall undercarriage components, leading to accelerated wear and potential failure. It is critical to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended load limits and operating guidelines to prevent overloading.Irregular or Inadequate Maintenance
However, irregular and inadequate maintenance mainly result in undercarriage issues. Skipping scheduled maintenance tasks, such as tensioning, alignment checks, or component replacements, mostly leads to increased wear, reduced performance, and costly repairs.Undercarriage Maintenance Products
Several maintenance products are available on the market that help extend the lifespan and improve the performance of the undercarriage. These primarily include lubricants and sealants designed for undercarriage components, track shoes, and other related components, as well as replacement parts and accessories. The following products help reduce friction, protect against wear and corrosion, maintain proper tension, and ensure the smooth operation of the undercarriage.
It is essential to use superior-quality products that are mostly recommended by the original equipment manufacturer, such as Komatsu India, to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.
If you are serious about undercarriage maintenance, it is critical to use supreme-quality maintenance products. A specific example of this is a Master Pin Pusher. While a track needs replacing, one should remove the master pin, which can be extremely dangerous if the proper tool isn't owned.
However, a Master Pin Pusher is certainly a hydraulic tool where you simply place the C-frame-shaped equipment over the track and let it jolt the pin out for you.
However, a product of the same type is the Pin Puller. This exactly does what it sounds like and is primarily responsible for pulling pins that require just that, because not all can be pushed.
Therefore, knowing this, the Dual Action Press, which Komatsu sells, is an innovative piece of equipment. It combines the master pin pusher and pin puller into a single unit. Enabling you to have one gadget for both tasks.
Furthermore, it provides other critical products, such as a track press, sprocket puller, hydraulic torque wrench, roller and idler builder, track winder, and, of course, a seal lubricator. You can always check out Komatsu's complete list of undercarriage maintenance products here.
Conclusion
The undercarriage of heavy equipment plays a crucial role in determining the longevity, stability, and performance of the machines. However, regular inspection, proper usage, and maintenance are essential to detecting and resolving issues early on, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring optimal performance.
The use of high-quality, OEM-recommended maintenance products enhances the lifespan and performance of the undercarriage. Investing in proper undercarriage maintenance, heavy equipment owners can maximise the productivity and efficiency of their machines, which ultimately leads to a better ROI (return on investment).
FAQs
What are the Parts and Names of Undercarriage Heavy Equipment?
The part and names of Undercarriage heavy equipment are as follows.- Track Shoe Wear
- Track Chain Tension
- Roller and Idler Condition
- Sprocket condition
- Track Adjuster Function
