Category: Excavator Maintenance

All heavy equipment used in excavation, earthmoving operations and construction projects requires rubber tracks. This makes them an essential component of this heavy equipment. For this reason, you must always ensure that your heavy equipment has the best tracks at all times for enhanced reliability and performance. If you realise your rubber tracks are worn or damaged, consider replacing them immediately.

You always have two options when selecting rubber tracks to replace your damaged ones. These are the original equipment manufacturer tracks (OEM) and the aftermarket tracks. You must know that each track option has advantages and disadvantages, which you should study to decide on the ideal choice for your situation.

The Difference Between Original Equipment Manufacturer Tracks And Aftermarket Tracks

• Quality and compatibility

Original equipment manufacturer tracks are manufactured by the manufacturers or companies that produce your original tracks in your excavator. These OEM tracks are specially designed to meet the exact standards and specifications of the excavator’s manufacturer. This makes the tracks reliable and compatible and gives them excellent performance. They are also compatible with specific make and models of excavators suffering a seamless integration with the existing parts.

Aftermarket tracks vary in quality and compatibility since the original manufacturers of excavators do not manufacture them. Though some aftermarket tracks can be compared with OEM tracks, their quality is lower and cannot meet the same standards as the OEM tracks. Therefore, when buying aftermarket tracks, be careful of the brands you select. Always choose brands that make high-quality aftermarket rubber tracks that are compatible with the make and model of your excavator.

• Cost

Regarding cost, OEM rubber tracks are more expensive than aftermarket rubber tracks because of factors like quality assurance, engineering and brand reputation. The aftermarket rubber tracks are always more affordable, making them an excellent option for most people who intend to save money. However, while OEM rubber tracks may be expensive,  investing in them may be cheaper in the long run since their performance, reliability, and durability are superior to aftermarket rubber tracks.

• Availability and lead time

Aftermarket rubber tracks are readily available from various distributors and suppliers. They offer flexibility and options to operators who need them and cannot wait for production and delivery. However, the OEM tracks are only available through authorised dealers and can be accessed when needed. Unfortunately, in some cases, you may have to wait for the production and delivery of the OEM tracks for some models.

• Warranty and support

Both OEM and aftermarket rubber tracks come with warranties that offer coverage. In case there is an issue with the artistry or materials making the OEM track, you can always get covered by the warranty provided. Also, OEM tracks are made by reputable manufacturers who guarantee the quality of their products. When it comes to the aftermarket rubber tracks, their warranty coverage varies. Their warranty comes with conditions like duration, support options and coverage limitations. Also, when you get your aftermarket rubber tracks from unreliable manufacturers, you may never get covered, even if you get tracks with defects.

• Longevity And Performance

OEM rubber tracks are made by equipment manufacturers who meet durability and performance standards. They also do rigorous testing and quality control, ensuring that they offer long-lasting and reliable performance tracks. However, the performance and quality of aftermarket rubber tracks depend on factors like manufacturing process, brand and material used. Therefore, you cannot be sure of these tracks’ performance level or longevity unless you use them.

Both aftermarket and OEM rubber tracks at Bearcat NZ offer benefits to the equipment owners. It is up to you to choose the most suitable option for you, depending on your preferences.…

An excavator track undergoes a great deal of wear and tear. The tracks work on uneven terrain. This is why it’s so important to properly maintain the undercarriage. Also maintenance is necessary if you want to have the tracks working in right order. This not only helps the machine remain in top condition but also help elongate the life of the parts of an excavator like the sprocket, the idler and the chains.

All excavator tracks undergo wearing. The rollers carry the weight of the machine as it moves and digs into the ground. The idler helps to keep the track chain in proper alignment. However, using the machine wisely and ensuring its maintenance would help prolong the life of the excavator tracks.

In order to make sure the tracks remain in proper working order you need to be careful of the following

• If you notice the undercarriage is caked with dirt and debris, make use of a high pressure washer to wash away the dirt. During winters the water might freeze on the undercarriage and turn to snow. This constant melting and thawing of the ice on the undercarriage would cause unnecessary contracting and weaken the parts over time. It is important to place the excavator tracks in a smooth and dry place once the work is completed.
• Also make sure that the tracks aren’t always driven in the backward direction continuously driving the tracks back can make them lose traction and loosen the tracks over time. When moving in the right direction, excavator tracks work well and can be maintained easily.
• The digging should be carried over the idler and not on the sprocket. This also helps reduce the wear and tear.
• The machine should be equipped with the smallest shoe, this helps get the maximum amount of floatation. A shoe which is too large can cause the tracks to loosen over time. Also large shoes when used over sharp terrains can shorter the life of the excavator tracks.
• It’s also necessary to check the track tension on a daily basis. If it’s not possible to check it daily, you should make it a point to check it on a weekly basis and no less.
• When the conditions are soft and muddy you would need to slacken the tension a bit. For hard and rocky underground conditions the tracks should be tightened.
• Basically undercarriage inspection only involves checking the parts of the machine on a regular basis. Keeping the components of the undercarriage clean and maintaining proper tension.
• You can check for wear in the following ways. By checking the link height, the external brushing wear and the internal bushing wear.

It should be kept in mind that rubber tracks though workable are not as durable as steel tracks. If you plan to use the machine on a hard and rocky terrain, you would benefit from using steel tracks. Plus keeping the above mentioned points in mind would help keep excavator tracks up and running.…