Excavator Travel Best Practices: How to Prevent Track Derailment & Ground Damage
⚠️ Critical Preparation
1. Inspect the Terrain:
- Identify slopes, drop-offs, soft ground, or hidden obstacles (rocks/rebar).
- Avoid inclines >15° and unstable edges.
2. Check Track Tension:
- Over-tightened tracks: Increase wear, reduce shock absorption.
Under-tightened tracks: Risk of derailment.
(Adjust per OEM manual; sag = 20–40mm mid-roller).
3. Clear the Path:
- Remove debris, rocks, or metal fragments that could jam tracks.
🚧 Safe Travel Techniques
1. Avoid Derailment:
- Steer Smoothly:
- Never pivot-turn on hard surfaces (asphalt/concrete).
- Use gentle arcs instead of sharp 90° turns.
- Cross Obstacles Correctly:
- Approach ridges/logs at 90° angles.
- Lift one track over the obstacle, then the other.
- Steep Slope Protocol:
- Keep the bucket low (20–30cm above ground) for stability.
- Descend/ascend straight up/down; never diagonally.
2. Prevent Ground Damage:
- Use Mats/Planking:
- Deploy timber or composite mats on soft turf/pavement.
- Minimize "Spin Turns":
- Rotating on one track grinds surfaces (concrete/roads).
- Reduce Ground Pressure:
- Opt for wider track shoes in soft terrain (swamps/mud).
- Travel in linear paths to avoid tearing ground.
💡 Pro Tips
- Cold Weather:Clear ice/snow from sprockets before operation.
- Wet Conditions: Reduce travel speed by 50% on muddy slopes.
- Post-Use: Wash undercarriage to prevent debris buildup.
