A mini excavator’s vulcanised rubber tracks take a beating when worked around rough terrain and surfaces. A hardworking mini digger with rubber tracks is expected to work through all types of weather conditions and continue to plod through obstacles to handle, place, pick, dig, and backfill.
While there are other types of tracks for mini diggers, the most popular option is still with the rubber tracks. The embedded iron or steel cores in the continuous rubber belt tracks make them the ideal choice for sensitive areas as well as work well on many ground applications such as concrete and green space.
However, maintaining rubber tracks cannot be a band-aid approach when it becomes worn or damaged. Replacement rubber tracks are never a cheap alternative and the smartest way to maximise their lifespan is to care for the track.
The daily use of the rubber tracks will make them experience wear and tear. Replacement rubber tracks are inevitable when deep tears or cracks occur. Prevention still holds the key to maximising the lifespan of rubber tracks. It means that extreme caution should be practiced by an operator when the mini digger is drove on surfaces with sharp stones or broken concrete pieces.
Choosing the right replacement rubber tracks tread pattern, pitch, and width
The tread pattern, width, and pitch are the three important features to consider for replacement rubber tracks.
Tread pattern
Aggressive and turf-friendly are the two main kinds of tread patterns to opt for.
Turf-friendly tracks
Less pressure is with the turf-friendly tracks because of their contact points with the surface. Fewer disturbances happen on the ground with the closely-spaced lugs of the tracks. Ground markings and scarring are avoided with the minimal impact provided by the turf-friendly tracks.
Aggressive tread tracks
Prominent and sharp lugs in a zigzag pattern are the main features of the aggressive tread tracks. A bigger footprint is created when the track provides great traction on grounds that are wet and loose.
Width
The best track width that suits the machine is the thing to consider in the choice of width. Measuring in millimetres is the way to measure the width of the replacement rubber tracks. The less expensive is with the narrower width and the better flotation with the wider widths.
Pitch
Pitch comes in two kinds: short and long.
Long
The cheaper long pitch track also provides a lesser rough ride. Engaging every other sprocket tooth also brings a not-so-rough ride for the operator.
Short
The expense is worth it when choosing the short pitch. Being able to engage all the sprocket teeth of the tracks also provides a smoother ride for the operator.
Best ways to avoid Replacement Rubber Tracks
Frequent checks
Frequently checking the tracks allows an owner of a mini digger to see if its tread pattern is showing signs of wear, tear, and cracks.
Keeping the tracks clean
One of the important maintenance jobs for rubber tracks is to keep them clean. Using a pressure washer on the machine’s undercarriage ensure that it’s kept free from debris.
The needed type of track is an important thing for owners of mini excavators to understand when the time comes to have it replaced. Increased productivity and minimum downtime are accomplished with the installation of the right replacement rubber tracks Australia.