Track and undercarriage wear

A track off the sprocket, tension gone slack, or a roller that will not turn. A loose chain rail, seized rollers, and ice and mud packed in the track frame cause excessive wear. We inspect the undercarriage where the machine sits.

Undercarriage trouble is a track off the sprocket or idler, tension that has gone slack, or a roller or idler that will not turn. Packed mud and rock hide wear and can be what threw the track.

Driving on a thrown track bends the chain and the sprocket. The useful record is which side failed, and whether it came off going forward, in reverse, or on a sidehill. Sag between the carrier roller and the track, measured or photographed, shows how loose the chain is.

What you might be seeing

• A track off the sprocket or the idler.
• Loose tension, or a track that slaps.
• A roller or idler that will not turn, or that is running hot.
• Packed mud and rock hiding the undercarriage.

Before a visit

• Do not try to drive a thrown track back on.
• Note which side, and whether it came off going forward, in reverse, or while turning.
• Clean packed mud and rock if it is safe to do so. It hides wear.
• Measure or photograph the sag between the carrier roller and the track.
• Have the make, model and hours ready.

When to call

Leave the machine parked and book a visit if a track is off or a roller has seized. The rate and travel are confirmed before the trip.

Oil on the tracks is often a hydraulic leak, and it hides wear. Loose track is also caught on the walkaround described on the maintenance page.