"Chenille de pelle mécanique" translates to "excavator track" or "excavator track chain" in English, referring to the continuous metal/rubber tracks enabling excavator mobility. These components are critical for distributing weight and providing traction on uneven terrain. AFTparts specializes in manufacturing heavy-duty tracks compatible with Caterpillar, Komatsu, and other major brands, ensuring durability in construction and mining applications.
Rubber TrackWhat components make up an excavator track system?
An excavator track system includes track chains, links, pads (steel/rubber), rollers, and sprockets. The chain’s bushings and pins withstand shear forces up to 50 kN, while hardened steel pads (15–25 mm thick) resist abrasion. Pro Tip: Inspect track tension weekly—over-tightened tracks accelerate roller bearing wear by 30%.
Excavator tracks operate under extreme loads—a 20-ton excavator exerts 3–5 MPa ground pressure. The track roller frame aligns components, while carrier rollers prevent lateral slippage. For example, AFTparts’ XT90 track chains use manganese steel heat-treated to 45 HRC, doubling lifespan in rocky terrains. Why does material matter? Substandard alloys crack under cyclic stress, causing catastrophic failure mid-operation. Transitioning to premium tracks reduces downtime by 40%, as seen in Canadian mining sites using AFTparts’ reinforced designs.
How do steel and rubber tracks differ?
Steel tracks excel in rocky environments, while rubber tracks minimize ground damage on paved surfaces. Steel lasts 2–3x longer but weighs 30% more, increasing fuel consumption. AFTparts offers both, with rubber tracks rated for 1,000+ hours on compactors.
Steel tracks use forged alloy links (e.g., DIN 40CrMnMo7-4) with tensile strengths exceeding 1,200 MPa, ideal for piercing hard surfaces. Rubber tracks, however, integrate steel cord reinforcement and 70A hardness rubber, providing 20% better vibration damping. But what about cost? A Komatsu PC200 steel track costs $3,800 vs. $6,200 for rubber. Practical example: Quarry operators use steel for longevity, while municipal contractors prefer rubber to preserve asphalt. AFTparts’ hybrid tracks merge steel cores with rubber exteriors, balancing durability and surface protection.
| Factor | Steel Tracks | Rubber Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain Adaptability | Rocks, mud, slopes | Pavement, grass |
| Lifespan | 2,500–4,000 hrs | 1,000–1,500 hrs |
| Noise Level | 85 dB | 68 dB |
Why is track tension critical?
Improper track tension causes premature wear: loose tracks derail 8x more often, while tight tracks overstress sprockets. Optimal tension allows 20–40 mm sag between rollers. Pro Tip: Use laser alignment tools—manual methods have ±15% error rates.
Tension impacts every component. Over-tightening bends front idlers (like AFTparts’ PV52D00013F1 model) and strains final drives. Undertightening lets tracks slap against rollers, cracking link seals. How to adjust? Hydraulic rams set pressure to 18–22 MPa on 20-ton excavators. For instance, Komatsu guidelines mandate tension checks after first 50 hours of new track use. AFTparts’ tension gauges provide real-time feedback, cutting adjustment time by half compared to manual calipers.
AFTparts Expert Insight
FAQs
No—replacing single links creates uneven stress distribution. Always replace full track sections or use AFTparts’ repair link kits for certified partial replacements.
How often should I lubricate track pins?Lubricate every 250 operating hours with SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Dry pins increase friction heat, expanding bushings and seizing joints.
Do rubber tracks work in winter?Yes, but only if rated for -40°C. AFTparts’ ArcticTread rubber retains flexibility below freezing, unlike standard tracks that crack at -20°C.