How to replace a rubber track on a mini excavator?
Watch a video here to learn how to renew a 450mm wide rubber track on a HITACHI EX75. Or read “Roadmap – How to replace a rubber track on a mini excavator” below the video.
Roadmap – How to replace a rubber track on a mini excavator?
1. Preparation
Park the mini excavator on a flat and firm surface. Ensure that the digging arm, with or without bucket, rests firmly on the ground to ensure stability.
2. Remove the tension from the track
Find the grease nipple of the track adjuster; it can be found in the opening behind the idler wheel (front wheel). Loosen the grease nipple and collect the grease that comes out of the track adjuster by placing a cloth or collection tray under the grease adjuster. If necessary, push against the idler wheel with the excavator bucket or with another machine to make sure that the piston of the track adjuster is pressed in to its maximum extent.
3. Remove the rubber track
Raise the mini excavator with a jack or by pushing the machine up with the boom (digging arm), until the track comes free from the ground. Start at the front idler by lifting the track over the guiding flange of the idler. To do this, preferably use a forklift if the track width is >230mm. For track widths smaller than < 300mm, a crowbar can also be used with caution. Possibly during this operation the sprocket wheel should be turned in the forward or backward direction. Now that the rubber track has come off the idler, pull the track completely off the machine. This may require some force, depending on the size of the track. Preferably use a lifting vehicle to do this: forklift, mini excavator,…
4. Inspect the other undercarriage parts
Check the bottom rollers, top rollers, sprockets and idlers for damage or wear. Check the travel motor (final drive) for any oil loss. Clean the undercarriage if necessary; remove soil and sand accumulations.
5. Fit the new rubber track
First, place the rubber track over the sprocket. Make sure that the links of the rubber track fall as close as possible onto the teeth of the sprocket. Next, carefully slide the new rubber track over the top rollers and under the bottom rollers. Now try to lift the links of the rubber track over the idler flange. This can involve considerable force. Preferably use a forklift or other lifting vehicle. If necessary – with caution – you can also work with a crowbar.
6. Check and tension the track
Once the rubber track is in place, check that the track is in line with the various undercarriage components: bottom rollers, sprocket, front idler. Clean the grease nipple that had been previously turned out in step 2 and re-tighten the nipple in the grease adjuster. Now apply tension to the rubber track by pumping grease into the track adjuster. This can be done using a grease pump (manual or compressed air). Do not overtighten the rubber track: the track may sag slightly in relation to the bottom rollers. Consult the manual of your machine for the recommended tension. A rule of thumb is to leave 2 to 3 fingers between the track and the middle bottom roller.
7. Test the installation
Lower the machine to the ground. Drive several meters forward and backward to check that the track is functioning correctly. Check the tension of the rubber track again and adjust if necessary.
Suggestion
If this job seems too difficult, please feel free to contact us. Our specialized team of mechanics will ensure proper track replacement: at our workshop or at your location.