The excavator undercarriage is the backbone of your machine, carrying the entire weight while powering movement across different terrains. From tracks and rollers to idlers and sprockets, every part of the undercarriage works under extreme stress. Because of this, undercarriage repairs often account for nearly 50% of total maintenance costs for an excavator.
However, with the right preventive practices and smart maintenance routines, you can extend the life of your excavator undercarriage and significantly reduce operating costs. In this blog, we’ll explore cost-saving tips to help you protect your investment and keep your equipment working efficiently.
Routine inspections are the first step in preventing expensive breakdowns. Daily walkarounds can help operators spot issues like loose bolts, cracked track shoes, or excessive wear on rollers before they escalate.
Tip: Create a checklist for operators to review the undercarriage before and after shifts. Catching small problems early can save thousands in major repairs.
Improper track tension is one of the most common causes of premature undercarriage wear. Tracks that are too tight put unnecessary stress on rollers and sprockets, while overly loose tracks can derail or damage components.
Tip: Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for track tension and adjust it based on working conditions. For example, sandy or muddy terrain may require looser settings to prevent packing.
Operator habits directly affect the lifespan of an excavator undercarriage. Sharp turns, high-speed travel, or constant operation on rocky terrain can accelerate wear.
Cost-Saving Practices:
Minimize unnecessary spinning or pivoting.
Use gradual turns instead of sharp ones.
Limit high-speed travel when possible.
Distribute weight evenly while digging or lifting.
Training operators in best practices can dramatically extend undercarriage life.
Mud, debris, and rocks packed inside the undercarriage cause excessive wear and even misalignment. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that could strain moving components.
Tip: Pressure-wash the undercarriage at the end of the day, especially when working in clay, snow, or rocky environments. This small routine can prevent long-term damage.
Uneven wear is inevitable, especially if the excavator frequently works on slopes or turns in one direction more than the other. Rotating track shoes, rollers, and sprockets helps balance wear and extend the service life of each part.
Tip: Implement a rotation schedule based on inspection findings to maximize usage before replacement.
While cheaper aftermarket parts may save money upfront, they often wear out faster and lead to costly breakdowns. High-quality, OEM-approved parts are designed to withstand tough working conditions and ensure better performance.
Tip: Compare the cost-per-hour usage of genuine vs. low-cost parts. Investing in quality components reduces downtime and replacement frequency.
Not all excavator undercarriage setups are suitable for every terrain. For example:
Wide tracks are better for soft, muddy ground.
Narrow tracks are ideal for rocky or confined job sites.
Using the wrong setup accelerates wear and increases maintenance costs. Always consider ground conditions before deploying your machine.
Instead of waiting for breakdowns, schedule regular maintenance intervals for checking oil levels, greasing rollers, and inspecting seals. Preventive maintenance not only lowers costs but also minimizes downtime.
Tip: Use telematics or maintenance software to track service intervals and undercarriage health.
When not in use, excavators should be stored on level ground with the undercarriage slightly elevated if possible. Long-term exposure to moisture, mud, or uneven surfaces can strain components and shorten lifespan.
Your excavator undercarriage is a major investment—and its maintenance costs can make or break your operating budget. By adopting regular inspections, proper track tensioning, smart operating habits, and preventive care, you can significantly extend the life of your undercarriage while cutting repair costs.
Remember: small daily efforts in maintenance lead to big long-term savings. Treat your undercarriage with care, and it will reward you with improved performance, reduced downtime, and lower ownership costs.
TEAM Excavator & Dozer Parts is one of the largest manufacturers of heavy construction, mining and earth moving equipment parts, such as Excavators & Bulldozers, in Southern India.