Maximizing Tread Life. BALZER FIELD FLOATER 6

OPERATION

Operational Techniques

Periodically check the track tension . Proper tension is critical to maintain the best track performance . Tension can change during service. Improper tension can result in slippage, misalignment, excessive wear, increased potential for untracking, and/ or reduced life of bearings and rolling components .

Keep material out of the undercarriage. Track systems will allow some material to pass through them, but sharp non-compressible objects cause high localized loads to both the track and the wheels, which, if severe enough, can result in track and wheel damage . Inspect and clean material from the undercarriage before starting work .

During transitions from sloped to flat (or vice versa), the front and rear of the track may be in contact with the ground while the midsection is unsupported. If turning is attempted at this time, the risk is higher for untracking to occur.

Since tracks have much more contact with the ground surface than do tires, it is important to avoid sharp turning which could have the track sliding more sideways than moving in a straight direction. Sideways movement of the track will cause excessive wear on the tread especially on hard surfaces such as concrete or pavement. Sideways movement of the track can also cause the track to come out of proper alignment with the wheels leading to wear on the center guide lugs .

Maximizing Tread Life

Several operational factors influence tread wear:

• Amount of roading (roading increases wear)

• Field soil conditions (abrasive increases wear)

• Maintaining equal weight distribution

• Operational techniques

Tread life decreases with high amounts of roading. Tread wear rates can be minimized by staying off pavement, reducing transport weight and speed, and maintaining equal weight distribution. A tracked machine with the weight properly distributed for field operation usually doesn’t have the weight properly distributed for roading. The greatest rate of tread wear occurs on a hot day with a poorly balanced, heavy machine. Always transport at reduced travel speeds and weight as this will lower temperatures of the treads, center guide lugs, and rolling components.

8 Tracks User Manual