Excavator Undercarriage Maintenance

Some excavator undercarriage maintenance tasks can be done at home, saving you the time and money of a service department visit.

Below we cover some do-it-yourself maintenance projects. For more tips or to explore excavators for sale, visit Alex Power Equipment. Our dealership is based in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Check the Excavator Track Tension

Track tension is a key part of proper excavator operation. Too loose and it can speed up wear on the sprockets and bushings. Too tight and it can damage the undercarriage.

It's important to check the excavator track tension after every 10-15 hours of use. Just be sure to let the excavator run for about 30 minutes before you check the tension, which will allow it acclimate to the working conditions.

Use the Right Shoe Width

When the shoe width is too narrow, the excavator can end up sinking into the ground and getting debris stuck in the undercarriage. When the shoe width is too wide, it can speed up wear and tear.

Make sure you use the right excavator shoe width for the given terrain. Hard and rocky soil calls for narrower shoes with better penetration and grip. Soft and loose terrain calls for wider shoes with better flotation.

Keep the Undercarriage Clean

As debris builds up in your excavator's undercarriage, it can cause a host of problems. For example, it can increase wear on the undercarriage and impede your visibility when doing an inspection of the undercarriage. 

All you'll need is a pressure washer or shovel to clean out any debris. Try to do this at the end of each work day. Otherwise, the debris will become harder to remove as time goes on.

For all of your excavator needs, Alex Power Equipment is here to help. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Alexandria, Minnesota. We also proudly serve those in Sartell and St. Cloud, Minnesota.