Rubber Tracks & Pads

Yes, this can be done on most small excavator models. Some machines require the rollers, sprockets, or idlers to be changed as well, so give us a call with the make and model of your machine, and our friendly staff can advise.

The most common cause of detracking is incorrect track tension. This can be due to lack of attention, stretched or worn rubber track, or lack of maintenance. It could also be caused by the incorrect track being fitted to your machine. Get in touch with our team if you have any questions about detracking, we have the knowledge and support to help!

Every machine has their own standard track size, it is important to know the make, model, and ‘dash’ before that’s all we need and our friendly staff can advise correct track. Sometimes the tracks have the size stamped on the bottom of the track. Numbers are a reference to the Size for example 230x48x70 230 is width, 48 is pitch and 70 is number of links.

It is important to verify and maintain proper track tension as directed by the machine manufacturer, and this is one of the simplest ways to ensure you get the full life out of your track. Over or under tensioning of a track will cause permanent damage, leading to costly downtime and early track replacement. Loose tracks run the risk of de-tracking, while too tight of a tension magnifies the load and increases wear on the entire undercarriage system. When fitting a new rubber track, the tension must be adjusted to allow a gap from the centre bottom roller to the position on the track where the roller runs – see the diagram below.

This gap varies for different machine sizes as follows:

MACHINE SIZE            GAP DIMENSION A

0.75 – 1.5 Tonne        10mm

1.5 – 3.0 Tonne          15mm

3.0 – 6.0 Tonne         20mm

6.0 – 7.5 Tonne         25mm

7.5 – 10 Tonne           30mm

Run the track for 10 revolutions in each direction whilst up in the air then check tension again (as the track will likely adjust during the first few rotations). Run the track normally for 1 hour then check the tension again. After 3 days of operation adjust the tension again and thereafter check it once a week.

1. Drive machine forward to ensure the tracks are evenly tensioned across the entire UC.
2. Level and lower the bucket to the ground.
3. Raise the front of the machine off the ground approximately 8″ utilizing bucket down pressure.
4. Measure track sag by measuring the distance from the inside edge of the track to the bottom edge of the middle mid roller. The clearance for small machines should be 25mm while large machines are 50mm.

Note – We advise you to adjust according to the service manual for the machine. Remember to be safe at all times!

1. Drive machine forward to ensure the tracks are evenly tensioned across the entire UC.
2. Level and lower the bucket to the ground.
3. Raise the front of the machine off the ground approximately 8″ utilizing bucket down pressure.
4. Measure track sag by measuring the distance from the inside edge of the track to the bottom edge of the middle mid roller. The clearance for small machines should be 25mm while large machines are 50mm.

Note – We advise you to adjust according to the service manual for the machine. Remember to be safe at all times!

M12 – 80 NM.
M14 – 115 NM.
M16 – 175NM.
M18 – 240 NM.
M20 – 340NM.
M22 – 465NM.

They should not delaminate, if they do it will most likely be faulty manufacturing or poor supplier, we guarantee no delamination for life of pad.

It depends on ground conditions, working application and hours worked. For general use on roads, you could expect 3-4 years but with course ballast material such as rail maintenance 1-2 years.

M12 – 80 NM.
M14 – 115 NM.
M16 – 175NM.
M18 – 240 NM.
M20 – 340NM.
M22 – 465NM.

They should not delaminate, if they do it will most likely be faulty manufacturing or poor supplier, we guarantee no delamination for life of pad.

It depends on ground conditions, working application and hours worked. For general use on roads, you could expect 3-4 years but with course ballast material such as rail maintenance 1-2 years.