Meta Decryption: Are you conscious and worried about the undercarriage damage found in your mini excavator? Learn how you can find out and resolve these problems!
When you decide to purchase or rent mini excavators, then you must know that it has many essential parts. One of these parts is the Undercarriage. However, this part is strong and durable. So it remains safe in many harsh conditions. But you can only sometimes avoid damage to your equipment and Undercarriage. There are many reasons that become cause undercarriage damage. So, let’s explore all these reasons in detail.
What Is Undercarriage Damage?
In heavy equipment, the Undercarriage is a supporting system that can keep the machine safe from damage. Many types of Undercarriage are available. These include rubber tracks and machinery steel undercarriage.
There are many parts of the Undercarriage. These include tracks and wheels. These parts are essential for the assembly and movement of the Undercarriage on different terrains. Not only this, there are many other parts. These may be frames, idlers, rollers, links, bushings and frames. All these parts of HIXEN brand excavators are so essential for the functionality of the equipment.
Now the question is, what is undercarriage damage? It is damage that may occur to the supportive structure of the machine. This way, you can save cost and time when you need to invest later if you don’t focus earlier.
What Causes Undercarriage Damage?
Though Undercarriage is part of the equipment. But it may face some harsh conditions and serious damage. No doubt damage to this part is obvious over time. So it is important to know the reasons behind this damage. This way, you get an idea of what can prevent this damage. The following are some common causes of undercarriage damage:
1. Rough Terrain
The main cause of undercarriage damage is the rough terrain. It may be easy for you to determine the area where your equipment drives holes and dip into the ground. But there are many uneven surfaces that significantly affect the equipment and its parts. If you operate the machine on an uneven surface, it may cause rugging and cracks. As a result, it may lead to leaks.
Not only uneven surfaces but there are also many other indicators of rough terrain. These include rocks and other types of debris. During operation, when your machine strike to rocks. Then there are many chances of damaging rubber tires. As a result, it affects the overall efficiency of the machine and Undercarriage. Moreover, rocks may fly over and puncture the bolts. So make sure to carefully operate the machine on uneven surfaces full of debris and rocks.
2. Water and Moisture
Though all the parts of the machine are covered with protective coverings, similarly, the Undercarriage also has a protective shield to avoid water exposure. But it is true that this shield is only effective in some situations. Suppose you notice that the Undercarriage is more prone to damage during operation compared to other parts. Then the reason is the tearing of the protective shield.
It means that your machine undercarriage exposes to much water without any chance of drying out. Then there are many chances that this moisture will cause metal and lead corrosion. As a result, this corrosion causes metal weakening.
3. Mud Residue
Another major factor that affects the overall performance of the machine and damages the Undercarriage is mud Residue. It means if you don’t remove the mud from the Undercarriage. Then it remains on it and holds moisture. As a result, it causes sealing and failure of the machine.
4. Improper Operation
If you operate the machine beyond its capacity. Then it may cause stress for the Undercarriage. If you continuously operate the machine on the sloped surfaces. Then it may require more power to operate. As a result, it puts much stress on segments, rollers and tracks.
Other Sources Of Damage
1. Collisions
Collision is another source of damage to the machine undercarriage. Suppose you need to focus on proper working or planning in advance. Then it is the major cause of excavator damage.
Though there are many chances when two machines operate at a time, so there are many chances of collisions if both operators need to be more experienced. This case is more common if the excavator has more tail swing. So it may hit the nearby machine because of the confined work site moreover if you have to move your heavy equipment by loading it in the truck. Then there are many chances that it will collide with the doors and walls of the truck.
Another situation is when you need to apply parking brakes properly when parking on uneven surfaces. It may maximize the chances that equipment collides with the structures.
2. Falling Debris
It is the common case if you operate the machine in demolition and forestry chores. During this work, concrete may collapse, and trees may fall. So it damages the body of the excavator.
Suppose you work at the site with more weight materials. Then these may become a serious hazard to your machine. It may also maximize the chances of severe injury or sometimes death if the cab is smashed completely.
3. Incorrect Or Poorly Fitted Attachments
Though each machine has some attachments so excavators also have attachments, all these are designed based on the model of the excavator. Suppose you try to attach any other unspecified attachment. Then it may cause damage to your machine and attachment. As a result, it may drop during the operation. As a result, it damages the nearby structures.
So it is essential for the operator to know all the rules to operate the machine. This way, he may attach the right attachment to the machine and ensure safety. So it may not cause any damage or wear and tear. Never use a wrong attachment; otherwise, it may hit the machine during operation.
4. Contact Power Lines or Hidden Services
It is necessary for the operator to know the hidden power lines. Otherwise, there may be chances of striking these lines with an extended arm. This not only causes electrocution. But it also damages the onboard electricity and causes fire.
Moreover, if the operator is unaware of the buried lines, either water or gas, then these may rupture during the operation because of the unawareness of the operator. As a result, it may cause untold damage.
5. Tipping and Overturning
As we know that excavators operate horizontally on uneven surfaces. So it distributed the even weight on the ground. Suppose you operate the machine on a steeper slope with more weight. Then it may cause tipping and Overturning of the machine.
This may cause not only damage to the machine but also affect the operator. He may fall out of the machine and be injured.
Another reason for tipping is fast travelling and improper fitting of attachments. As a result, it may cause rollovers and the machine tipping if stopped suddenly. Moreover, digging a trench may cause cave-ins in loose soil. As a result, it may cause Overturning and tipping of the machine and injury to the operator.
How to Fix Undercarriage Damage
When you notice any issue in your machine undercarriage, suppose you have run the machine on uneven surfaces beyond its capacity. Then don’t operate it anymore and immediately stop operating. So, make sure to check the visible damage if any before moving it out of the working site. The damages may be leaking of oil, vibration in the machine and unwanted noise. Then it is the right time to ask the professional to address this issue as soon as possible.
Never keep your machine unnoticed if you see any issues. Otherwise, it may become the most costly to repair or maintain. No doubt, your machinery is an investment so you must keep it in good condition to operate for a long time. By taking professional help, you may get peace of mind.
SELECT THE RIGHT TRACKS FOR YOUR WORK
With time, technology is improving day by day. It is also the case in heavy equipment or machinery. Now, machinery is advanced with many latest features. This way, today’s machines are durable and can withstand much load. So, it is important for you to must choose the right machine to handle all the necessary but large tasks.
Though there are many situations when you need to operate the machine, these may range from soft sand to demolition debris and chewing rocks. Today’s machines are designed to distribute weight equally. It is true that the tracks in the machine put low pressure on the ground compared to the wheels in the machine. The following are two types of tracks:
Steel tracks:
Commonly large or heavy equipment such as mini excavators has steel tracks. These are durable, stable and cause traction. Nothing is better than steel tracks because these are more durable than others. Though these tracks are long-lasting, they may still cause serious damage to the working site.
Commonly steel tracks come with steel grousers. These may easily cut the ground and let the equipment dig deep if you have to perform small tasks. Then it is good to go for rubber tracks.
Rubber tracks:
Another major type of track is rubber tracks which are used on a large scale. However, this material is flexible, so you may tough it if necessary. But it would be best if you remembered that these tracks are not so supportive.
Suppose you have to work on a sensitive or soft surface. Then nothing is better than rubber tracks. If you have to work on hard surfaces, then make sure to use steel tracks. However, rubber tracks give support but are also at risk of collateral damage. These tracks are the best option for small excavators.
No matter whether you choose rubber or steel track. You still need to give your machine undercarriage support. The Undercarriage allows the operator to turn, crawl and stay upright. Moreover, it also helps to track the position and tension of the machine.
Suppose you choose a reliable and long-lasting rubber or steel track. Then there are many chances that the Undercarriage will remain safe from damage. However, it is a vital part of any heavy machinery. So, make sure to keep it safe from failure or damage. Otherwise, you will need to invest more in repairs.
How to Prevent Undercarriage Damage
When you don’t focus on proper maintenance of the mini excavators. There are maximum chances that it affects the overall performance of the Undercarriage. So, make sure to inspect the machine and its parts regularly. This way, you get an idea if there is any issue or possible problem. The following are some preventive measures that may prevent the machine and Undercarriage from damage:
• Regular Inspections:
Make sure to inspect the machine and its parts regularly to know if there is any issue. It is good to inspect before and after each use. Check all the necessary parts, such as bolts, rollers, rock guards, segments and seals, if you notice any missing parts during the inspection. So, address this issue as soon as possible. If you see loose bolts, tighten them as early as possible.
• Cleaning:
When you have done all the tasks using your equipment, then it is time to clean it properly to remove any debris or unwanted material. For the removal of debris, you may use a shovel and power washer.
• Careful Operation:
Make sure to operate your machine carefully according to its specifications. It is good to remove all the mud from the worksite and know the terrain on which you are working.
• Scheduled Maintenance:
Each piece of equipment has a manual in which such information is present. So it is easy for operators to know the maintenance schedule of the machine. Suppose you don’t find anything in the manual. Then it is good to ask for help from a professional or a manufacturer.
• Seek Professional Guidance:
Make sure to ask the professional to inspect your machine after every 2000 hours of operation.
Final Verdict:
Each operator is the first person that is most close to the equipment. So, it is the best way to get an early warning if there is any sign of trouble. Make sure to address such issues as early as possible. For this, you should inspect the Undercarriage of your machine regularly.
Another better option to avoid such issues in Undercarriage is to get proper training. So it may minimize the risk of damage to the machine. Moreover, you should also monitor the operating system of the machine. So, it helps you to save time, money and effort that you may need to put in later.
