Innovative Products, TVH, Undercarriage, Wheels & Tyres

TVH: Success lies with right choice of undercarriage parts

 

Choosing the right undercarriage parts for construction equipment is essential to ensure optimal performance.


The undercarriage is responsible for supporting the weight of the equipment and absorbing shocks and vibrations, providing traction and stability.

With so many options available, it can be challenging to know which undercarriage is best for your needs.

TVH category manager Steven Huyghebaert from parts specialist TVH explores some of the factors to consider when choosing the right undercarriage.

Equipment type and size

The first factor to consider when choosing an undercarriage is the type and size of construction equipment.

Different types of equipment, such as mini- excavators and compact track loaders, require different undercarriages to ensure optimal performance.

It is essential that the undercarriage fits the tracks to ensure compatibility and maximum performance.

“The undercarriage of mini-excavators and compact track loaders is a complex system of sprockets, idlers, bottom rollers and top rollers. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring the machine’s efficiency and longevity,” Steve said.

Track sprockets: driving precision

TVH’s specially designed track sprockets ensure seamless operation with the chain links of compact track loaders and mini-excavators.

Made from durable metal, these sprockets feature unified gear rings and metal inner rings with either pressed hubs or bolt holes.

Proper installation of sprockets is vital as they facilitate the connection between two chain links, driving the chain and ensuring smooth machine performance.

Track rollers: ultimate support

TVH’s track rollers are meticulously developed to meet stringent requirements, incorporating special seals and reinforced flanges.

Top rollers provide crucial support for the tracks, whereas bottom rollers carry the
full load of the machine. They maintain the clearance height and minimise stress on other components like sprockets and front wheels.

“Our various types of bottom rollers are designed for specific applications, delivering enhanced stability, traction, and reliable operation,” Steve said.

Track idlers: maintaining tension and alignment

Essential for small earth-moving equipment, track idlers play a critical role in maintaining proper tension and alignment of the tracks.

They ensure an optimal vehicle weight distribution, reducing strain on individual components.

“TVH offers track idlers with various design features, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability for different machinery types,” Steve said.

Maintenance requirements

The maintenance requirements are also a critical consideration when choosing the right undercarriage for construction equipment.

Some undercarriages require more frequent maintenance than others, which can impact the total cost of ownership.

Regular maintenance is a must and increases the lifespan of your undercarriage. Part of the maintenance program includes changing the oil for the hydraulic track motors and checking the track tension and alignment.

Tracks also need routine inspection and replacement.

Looking for tracks?

“At TVH, we understand that your equipment’s undercarriage is the backbone of its performance,” Steve said.

“That’s why we provide you with not only top- quality undercarriage parts but also the perfect rubber tracks to complement them.

“Explore our selection today and discover the perfect link between undercarriage parts and tracks. Your equipment deserves the best, and you’ve come to the right place to find it.”

Find the right undercarriage

When it’s time to replace tracks and undercarriage parts, technical support will come in handy.

Finding the right replacement parts isn’t always easy: there are no international standards for the measuring of tracks and every brand has its system for undercarriage parts.

Therefore, the best way to find the right tracks and undercarriage parts is by using machine details (brand, model, etc.):

1. Go to the MyPartsFinder search function on the TVH online shop.
2. Enter your machine’s details.
3. Find the parts you need.

It is essential that the undercarriage fits the tracks to ensure compatibility and maximum performance.

Optimise the lifespan of tracks

Given the cost of tracks and undercarriage parts, it’s worth putting in the effort to maintain them. The following six tips will help you optimise the lifespan of tracks.

1. Proper operation

The first tip may seem self-evident, but is nevertheless essential. Ensuring that a machine is always operated in the correct way will significantly increase the lifespan of its tracks.

Therefore, the operator of the machine must have received adequate training, so he is also aware of the following points of attention:

• Pay attention to the sidewall of the tracks, so it doesn’t rub against hard surfaces.
• Avoid sharp turns and turning too quickly.

2. Careful with hazardous surfaces

Even though tracks allow you to drive over sharp surfaces, it is still advisable to avoid those situations as much as possible.

Because with sharp surfaces, you always risk puncturing the tracks or damaging them in another way.

3. Safe parking

When the work day is done, always remember to park in a safe place where the machine is protected from the sun and rain.

The sun’s heat can cause cracks in the tracks, while rain can corrode the internal metal parts. Moreover, never park in a spot where there are traces of oil and grease, since those have an ageing effect on the rubber.

4. Regular inspection

It is crucial to regularly inspect tracks and undercarriage parts for signs of wear and tear. After all, worn out rollers, idlers or sprockets will negatively affect the performance and productivity of the machine.

Note: if you replace the tracks of your machine, you will need to replace certain parts of the undercarriage as well, since undercarriage parts wear out together with tracks.

5. Keep track of tension

In addition to a general inspection, also regularly check the tension of tracks, since adequate tension avoids slipping of the tracks:

• The correct tension can be found in the manufacturer’s manual of the machine.
• If there is too little tension, add grease to the tensioner grease cylinder.
• If the tensioner is fully extended, it is time to replace the tracks.
• Never add too much tension, since that will cause damage.

6. Keep it clean

Tracks perform better when they are free of waste and soil. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly clean tracks with water. Also, inspect the tracks for oils and greases while cleaning.

 

 

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