Undercarriage: measuring wear and replacing a complete track

Undercarriage - 13/04/2023

Periodic checks for wear on undercarriage components make it possible to better program maintenance and avoid major breakdowns, ensuring work continuity and efficiency.

There are two methods for measuring undercarriage wear, one with traditional instruments and one using an ultrasonic device. In this article we explain how to apply the traditional method.

If measuring reveals that it is time to fit new tracks on your vehicle, watch the tutorial on how to replace an entire track with steel track shoes.

 

 

How to measure wear by the traditional method 

Step 1: Get a measuring kit

The “vital statistics” of an undercarriage can be measured with mechanical tools:

  • Depth gauges/calipers

  • Measuring tape, pen and paper

If you do not have these measuring devices, you can order our ITR kit.

ITR Measuring Kit tool

 

Step 2: Make the measurements 

Taking the correct measurements is fundamental for assessing the degree of wear on the various parts. You can download our free guide for measuring wear on undercarriage components.

Write down the measurements. They can be recorded here on our sheet. Download it free to keep track of wear on undercarriage components.

Step 3: Check the condition of the undercarriage using our tables
 

There are tables for establishing the percentage of operating life and easily calculating residual life of components based on the measurements of the wear surfaces. An example wear table is provided below. Be careful: there are specific tables for each component measured!

 

tabella usura esempio

 


After measuring the components, establish what stage they have reached in their operating lives according to the figures in tables like the one shown above. If you do not have tables, contact an ITR expert using the contact form below.

 

Content's author

CARLO BELLINI ITR Usco
Carlo Bellini
Product Support & Quality Manager – Undercarriage Division Contact me
Write to the author
loading

Any manufacturers’ names, brand or product names, trademarks, part numbers, symbols, drawings, images, colours and descriptions appearing in this document are for reference purposes only, and it is not implied that any part listed is the product of these manufacturers. All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Read also
Undercarriage
Reducing wear on the undercarriage [Part 3]

In the previous articles we discussed how bad habits when driving tracked vehicles, loading, and the...


Read more

Undercarriage
Reducing wear on the undercarriage [Part 2]

As noted in the previous article, over the life of a tracked vehicle undercarriage maintenance costs...


Read more

Undercarriage
Reducing wear on the undercarriage [Part 1]

Costs related to the undercarriage represent a substantial fraction of the overall operating expense...


Read more

Passionate about earthmoving machines?

We will share with you our know-how, best practices and interesting facts about the earth moving world. Join the ITR Group community!

Your privacy is safe. We don’t spam.

* Consent to processing of personal data pursuant to art. 7 EU Reg. No. 679/2016