Rubber tracks have plenty of advantages over steel tracks. For example, they’re not prone to causing ground surface damage, and they provide a quieter ride with less unpleasant vibrations. They’re also significantly lighter and not going to rust, and they generally have a good reputation for durability.
Still, rubber tracks need to be proactively cared for to protect machine efficiency and performance, safety, and the tracks’ lifespan. These tips for rubber track maintenance should be incorporated into basic care routines for every fleet.
How to Care for Rubber Tracks
- Look over the rubber tracks closely for signs of damage and proper alignment during all pre- and post-operation heavy equipment inspections
- While inspecting, don’t forget to check the lugs and keep an eye out for worn bogies and protruding cables
- Refer to the machine’s operator’s manual to see how wide the gap should be between the guide lugs and the midroller, and make sure it’s right
- Also refer to the manual for proper track tension to avoid excessive wear or the track being thrown off; different heavy equipment requires different amounts of sag in the track
- Clean rubber tracks daily; if dirt, debris, or other materials build up in the track rails, it increases pressure on the tracks and undercarriage
- Use a shovel or other tool to carefully remove heavy accumulation
- A pressure washer works well for cleaning rubber tracks
- Try a screwdriver to clear out the drive hub holes; asphalt and other debris that accumulates in them can wear down and displace a track’s lugs
- Check and clean the drive rollers and bogie wheels periodically throughout the day
- Inspect and clean the sprocket rollers every 50 operating hours, or more often when working on sand or other abrasive ground
- Limit ground travel as much as possible, drive slowly, and avoid going in reverse, which stresses the tracks (and go slowly if you must drive in reverse)
- Steer clear of broken concrete, large gravel, and other abrasive, sharp, or otherwise potentially damaging surfaces
- Also avoid driving over chemicals, oils, salt, or other contaminants; wash them off promptly if they get on the rubber tracks
- Don’t drive right along or over curbs
- Make gradual or three-point turns and avoid counter rotating to prevent unnecessary and uneven wear on the rubber tracks
- Minimize operations on inclines and declines, and over depressions and crowns, as these lead to uneven wear on tracks and some undercarriage components
- Drive slowly and don’t make sharp turns when operating on sloped terrain
- Once every two or three months, inspect tracks with the machine hoisted to relieve tension, allowing for a good look at whether bearings in the bogie wheels have worn out or failed
- Rotate tracks periodically to prevent uneven tread wear
- Protect rubber tracks from extended periods in direct sunlight; park in shade or cover them up during storage
- If heavy equipment with rubber tracks goes unused for a long time, operate the machine for a few minutes every two weeks to prevent tracks from losing elasticity or becoming misshapen
- When storing rubber tracks that aren’t mounted to a machine, keep them in a cool, dry place out of the sun, resting on their side and not stretched out
- Don’t neglect undercarriage maintenance, which goes hand-in-hand with track maintenance
