When you're new to managing construction vehicles like skid steers with rubber tracks, you may not know how to make the most of those tracks and keep them in the best possible condition. Understanding how to take care of them will go a long way to not only preserving your investment but also to reducing equipment downtime for repairs and other problems. Here are a couple of things you should keep in mind when you're dealing with track maintenance.

Be Attentive To How The Equipment Is Operated

Sometimes the biggest source of damage to the tracks on skid steers is the equipment operator and the terrain. Remember that the undercarriage and tracks are vulnerable to damage in rough terrain as well as from poor handling. If your operator is turning the skid steer too rough, it can damage the rubber. In addition, make sure that turns are alternated so that there is no excessive wear on one side versus the other.

Remind your operators that any time the skid steer faces abrupt elevation changes, poor support under a single track, or harsh transition, it can damage the tracks significantly. It may even cause the track to derail from the mount.

Monitor The Tension Of The Tracks

The tension settings on the tracks can have a significant effect on how long they last. Make sure that they aren't too tight. Otherwise, you may find that debris gets stuck between the metal and the track and causes damage because it can't break free. In addition, the tension can cause excess friction that may damage the track material, too. It's actually better to have the track be a little bit too loose than to have it be too tight. Make sure that your operators monitor the tension regularly to avoid these problems.

Maintain The Tracks Regularly

Make sure that all of your operators keep up on routine maintenance. The undercarriage of the skid steer should be cleaned on a daily basis, especially if you're in an environment that's muddy or full of gravel. Check the rollers after cleaning things out to be sure that they are turning freely. Debris caught in the rollers can bind them up and cause further damage.

After cleaning, the tracks should be inspected daily for signs of wear. Uneven wear on the tracks can cause the skid steer to shift the load weight in compensation, which could damage other components. Make sure that the tracks are consistent at all times and replace them if there are signs of trouble. For more information, talk to a company like North East Attachment and Track, LLC.

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