How to Replace Excavator Track: Detailed Steps and Essential Tools Guide

Replacing a mini excavator track is a highly specialized operation that requires not only skilled operators, but also the preparation of appropriate tools and safe operating specifications. Tracks are an important part of the excavator and directly affect the efficiency and safety of the equipment. Therefore, it is important to understand how to replace a mini excavator track safely and smoothly.

Preparation for replacing a mini excavator track

Before you start replacing the track, you need to do the following preparations:

Determine the tools required

• Jack: used to lift the excavator so that the track is above the ground.
• Hydraulic jack: If more force is required to lift the excavator, hydraulic jacks are more efficient.
• Track removal tools: usually include wrenches, screwdrivers, torque wrenches, etc.
• Fixtures: used to fix the equipment when removing and replacing the track to avoid accidents.
• Lubricating oil or grease: used to lubricate the joints and pulleys of the track to ensure smooth operation of the track.
• Safety equipment: including work gloves, hard hats, goggles, etc. to ensure the safety of operators.

Check the specifications of the new track

• Before replacing the track, make sure the specifications of the new track match the original track, including dimensions such as width, length, and thickness. If you are unsure, you can refer to the user manual of the equipment or contact the supplier.

Ensure a safe working environment

• Clear the work area and make sure there are no obstacles.
• Make sure there are no potential hazards such as liquid leaks and wires in the surrounding environment.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment when working to avoid operator injuries.

Actual steps to replace the track

Raise the excavator

• First, stop the excavator, make sure the equipment is turned off, and make sure the ground is flat and stable. Use a jack or hydraulic jack to lift one side of the excavator so that the track is in the air and ensure sufficient operating space.

Remove the old track

• Loosen the track bolts: Use an appropriately sized wrench or pneumatic tool to loosen the bolts on the track. During the removal process, make sure to use a torque wrench to avoid damaging the threads.
• Remove the track: Gently slide the loose track out, taking care to avoid strong prying to avoid damaging other parts.
• Check the track assembly: When disassembling, check the wear of related parts (such as drive wheels, guide wheels, support wheels, etc.), and replace them in time if necessary.

Install the new track

• Place the new track: Gently place the new track on the bottom of the excavator, making sure that the track is aligned with all related parts, especially the drive wheels, guide wheels and support wheels.
• Fix the track: Fix the new track to the track frame of the excavator by bolts or other connection methods. Make sure all bolts are tightened and symmetrically distributed to avoid damage to the track due to improper installation.
• Check the tension: After the track is installed, use a tension tool to check whether the track tension is appropriate. Too tight or too loose a track will affect its service life and the working efficiency of the excavator.

Inspection and testing

After installing the new track, perform the following checks:

• Check the bolts and connectors: Make sure all bolts are tightened and there is no looseness in the connectors.
• Check the stability of the track: Start the excavator, drive slowly for a few steps, and observe whether the track is running normally and whether there is any abnormal sound or shaking.
• Check the lubrication system: Check the lubrication between the track and each component to ensure that there is sufficient lubricating oil or grease to avoid excessive friction and wear.

Common problems and solutions

Abnormal noise after track installation

• Possible reasons: loose bolts, uneven track tension, damaged guide wheel or drive wheel.
• Solución: Check the tightness of bolts and connectors, adjust track tension, check the wear of drive wheel and guide wheel, and replace parts if necessary.

Asymmetric or skewed track after installation

• Possible reasons: The track is not installed correctly, or the support wheel and guide wheel are not centered.
• Solución: Recheck the installation alignment of the track to ensure that all components are in the correct position.

Track tension is too tight or too loose

• Possible reasons: Improper tension adjustment.
• Solución: Use tension tools for precise adjustment to ensure that the track tension meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

Precauciones de seguridad

Throughout the process of replacing the track, safety is always the most important. Here are some tips for safe operation:

• Always keep the equipment stable: When using the jack, make sure the equipment is in a stable state to avoid accidents caused by tilting the equipment.
• Avoid direct contact: When operating the track, avoid putting your hands or body between the track and the equipment to avoid crushing.
• Use the right tools: Make sure to use tools that meet the specifications to avoid job failures or equipment damage due to inappropriate tools.
• Check the track regularly: Even if the track has been replaced, its status should still be checked regularly to ensure that the equipment has no abnormalities during use.

Replacing the track of excavator is a highly technical operation that requires the operator to have certain professional skills and rich experience. By understanding the detailed replacement steps, the tools required, and solutions to common problems, you can effectively improve your operating efficiency and extend the service life of the excavator. Most importantly, always adhere to safe operation to ensure that every job can be completed smoothly.