Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/632397
AGGREGATES MANAGER / February 2016 29 EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT 11. Alternate turning direction. Continuous turning on the same side can cause accelerated asymmetrical wear. Make every effort to balance the direction of turns throughout the day. If that is not possible, be sure to check for wear more often. 12. Control track spinning. Unnecessary spinning can increase wear and decrease productivity. This can be avoided by decreasing the blade or bucket load. 13. Try to stay on fl at surfaces. Another important practice for operators to follow is working up and down on slopes. Constant operation on hills in one direction can accelerate wear to idlers, rollers, and guide lugs by placing greater force on one side. Minimizing time spent on the slope will pay off in reduced wear and load to the undercarriage. Try to stay on relatively fl at surfaces. Operating the machine with the outside/ inside edge of the track turned up can cause damage to the edges and lugs of the rubber track. Avoid traveling with the tracks on uneven ground, or surfaces with obstructions. 14. Digging over the front idlers. It's recommended that excavator op- erators dig over the front idlers, which properly transfers the vertical load that can otherwise cause damage. Avoid digging over the sprocket because it can cause bushings to crack or break. It's also important to avoid digging over the sides of the machine given the addition- al stress it places on track shoes and the track link assembly. 15. Telematics. At this point in time, most manufacturers offer some type of telematics solution. The critical maintenance and operating data made available through the use of telematics can have a signifi cant impact on undercarriage life, even though no sensors specifi cally report on undercar- riage health. In its most simple form, the reporting hours provided by telematics can be used to accurately keep up on under- carriage maintenance activities, and also create benchmarks for each specifi c machine and application based on the conditions they are working in. Fleet managers can also dive down deeper and examine the difference between actual working time and idle time to get a better idea of how much load is placed on the undercarriage everyday. Some telematics systems provide details on ground speed, so owners can monitor track speed, which increases wear and decreases the life of the undercarriage. Following these key considerations will optimize the life of the undercar- riage of your tracked machine. Remem- ber, your productivity is on the line, so it's critical to regularly monitor track appearance, wear, and performance — and never hesitate to contact your local dealer/equipment service partner with questions or concerns. AM John Bauer is the brand marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment. Design & Construction of Fines Recovery Equipment Doing What We Do Best HIGH RATE THICKENER FRACTIONATOR VERTICAL DURABILITY CELL SUPER CUTTER HYDRO-CYCLONE PLATE & FRAME PRESS DEWATERING SCREEN Learn More Call 866-616-9351 or Visit www.azfab.com Providing Solutions March 22-24, 2016 Nashville, Tennessee Come See Us at Booth #2746