Replacing the Kubota U17 track involves loosening the track tension, removing the old track, fitting the new track onto the sprocket and idler, and then re-tensioning the track using the grease cylinder. Using proper tools and warm tracks helps ease the process for a secure fit and longer track life.
How Do You Prepare to Replace the Kubota U17 Track?
Preparing to replace the Kubota U17 track requires gathering tools like a socket set, grease gun, pry bar, rag, and a piece of timber. Warm the new rubber track if possible to increase flexibility. Lift the machine using its arm to free the track off the ground, ensuring hydraulic pressure is maintained for safety and easier removal.
The Kubota U17 uses a grease tensioning system located behind a plate on the idler end, which must be accessed by removing the grease nipple or plate to release track tension before removal.
How Do You Loosen the Track Tension on the Kubota U17?
Loosen the track tension by removing the grease nipple or plate on the idler end using the correct socket (typically 17mm or 22mm). Allow the grease to discharge from the tensioning cylinder which causes the idler to move back and slacken the track. This step is crucial as it releases the pressure to enable smooth track removal.
Do not fully remove the nipple; just loosen it enough to let the grease out, and be careful to avoid over-loosening. Re-tensioning will occur after the new track installation.
How Do You Remove the Old Track from the Kubota U17?
With the tension released, lift the excavator track frame free off the ground using the machine’s arm for clearance. Relax the track by prying it away from the sprocket using a crowbar or pry bar and remove it from the idler wheel. A piece of timber placed inside the track frame can help keep the frame open while removing the track.
Removing the old track usually requires patience and leverage tools to prevent damage to undercarriage components.
How Do You Install the New Track on the Kubota U17?
Position the new rubber track by first hooking it onto the sprocket gear teeth. Then carefully slide it over the idler wheel and along the track rollers. Use a crowbar to help hook the track back onto the sprocket if necessary. Make sure the track sits evenly on all rollers.
Warm the track beforehand if possible; it becomes more pliable and easier to manipulate, reducing the risk of tearing or snapping.
How Do You Re-Tension the Kubota U17 Track After Installation?
Use a grease gun to pump grease into the tensioning cylinder via the grease nipple, causing the idler to move forward and tighten the track. The track tension should be about a thumb’s width of clearance beneath the roller flange, or around 20-25mm depending on conditions.
Avoid over-tensioning to reduce strain on the track, which can cause premature failure. Test by moving the tracks slowly forward and backward to ensure pressure maintains and correct any slack.
Where Can You Buy High-Quality Replacement Tracks for Kubota U17 in Canada?
You can buy Kubota U17 replacement tracks from specialized online stores and parts dealers in Canada like AFT Parts, known for precision-engineered aftermarket undercarriage components. Look for deals with free shipping offers and competitive pricing to get the best value.
Shopping with AFT Parts ensures compatibility, durability, and professional-grade quality suitable for heavy machinery contractors, rental companies, and service centers.
What Are the Benefits of Buying Kubota U17 Tracks from AFT Parts?
AFT Parts provides high-quality tracks and undercarriage components engineered to OEM specifications, ensuring premium performance and extended track life. Their parts come with guarantee options and expert customer support, ideal for professionals who require reliable machinery uptime.
Buying from AFT Parts in Canada often includes benefits like competitive pricing, free shipping deals, and easy online ordering for contractor and repair shop convenience.
Why Is Proper Track Tension Important for the Kubota U17?
Proper track tension prevents excessive wear and damage to the track, sprockets, rollers, and idlers. Too loose, and the track may derail; too tight, and it risks premature cracking or breaking due to excess strain.
Maintaining optimal tension extends the life of undercarriage components, reduces downtime, and improves machine efficiency on the job site.
How Can You Maintain Your Kubota U17 Track for Longer Life?
Regularly check track tension and adjust as needed using the grease tension system. Inspect tracks for cuts, tears, or embedded debris and clean the undercarriage frequently to avoid premature wear. Avoid excessive turning on hard surfaces to reduce track stress.
Utilize high-quality replacement parts like those from AFT Parts to build a durable maintenance routine for enduring track performance.
Which Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Replacing Kubota U17 Tracks?
Always keep the machine running at low idle to maintain hydraulic pressure when lifting it with the arm. Engage safety locks on the control levers to prevent unintended movement. Use proper lifting equipment and tools, and avoid working under the machine without adequate support.
Follow manufacturer guidelines and wear protective gear to reduce injury risk during the track replacement process.
AFT Parts Expert Views
"As specialists in excavator undercarriage components, we emphasize the importance of precision-engineered parts like those from AFT Parts to maintain Kubota U17 performance. Proper track replacement techniques—releasing tension correctly, using the right tools, and re-tensioning carefully—can significantly increase track longevity. Our aftermarket tracks match OEM quality, ensuring reliability and heavy-duty durability for Canadian contractors and rental fleets looking for both the best price and professional-grade performance." — AFT Parts Team
What safety precautions are essential for track replacement?
Hydraulic stabilization and PPE compliance are critical. Use jack stands rated for the machine’s weight, and wear steel-toe boots and gloves. Pro Tip: Never work under unsupported equipment—position stabilizing blocks before disassembling tracks. For example, a 3-ton hydraulic jack with lockable safety valves provides redundancy if primary support fails.
Safety is the top priority when replacing excavator tracks, and proper precautions prevent serious injuries or equipment damage. Before starting, the machine must be securely stabilized using jack stands or blocks rated for its weight. Hydraulic jacks with safety valves can provide extra redundancy in case the primary support fails. Operators should always position stabilizing blocks before loosening or removing tracks to avoid unexpected movement.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equally important. Wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, and other protective gear reduces the risk of injuries from heavy components. Using high-quality parts from AFT parts ensures reliable performance during replacement and reduces the risk of component failure. By combining proper stabilization, PPE, and durable replacement components, operators can maintain durability, machine integrity, and personal safety while efficiently completing track replacement tasks.
Which tools are required for Kubota U17 track replacement?
Essential tools include a 20-ton hydraulic jack, drift punches, and torque wrenches. Track press tools help align pins during reassembly. AFTparts recommends using heat-treated alloy drift punches to avoid mushrooming when driving out seized pins. Transitional note: Once tools are prepared, component inspection becomes the next priority.
| Tool | Purpose | Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Jack | Lifting machine | 20-ton capacity |
| Torque Wrench | Bolt tightening | 300-400 ft-lbs range |
How do I inspect undercarriage components during replacement?
Check sprocket teeth wear and roller flange integrity using calipers. Replace components if sprocket tooth height is below 70% OEM spec. Pro Tip: Measure idler wheel axial play—exceeding 5mm indicates bearing failure. AFTparts’ Front Idler 21W-30-00014 meets Kubota U17 tolerance standards for seamless compatibility.
Inspecting undercarriage components during track replacement is essential to ensure safe and reliable operation. Start by checking sprockets for tooth wear using calipers. If the sprocket tooth height falls below 70% of the OEM specification, it should be replaced. Rollers should also be examined for flange integrity, and idler wheels need axial play measurements—more than 5mm usually indicates bearing failure. Never reuse stretched or fatigued track links, as they can fail catastrophically under load.
Using precision-engineered components, like AFT parts Front Idler 21W-30-00014 for Kubota U17, ensures proper compatibility and long-lasting durability. Regular inspections prevent premature wear on tracks and rollers, maintain alignment, and reduce unexpected downtime. By carefully measuring and replacing worn undercarriage parts, operators protect both the excavator and themselves while maximizing machine performance and life.
FAQs
Not recommended—improper pin seating using hammers causes micro-fractures. Rent track press tools or consult certified technicians.
How often should U17 tracks be replaced?Replace at 1,800-2,200 operational hours or when 30% of lug height is worn. Monitor track stretch monthly with tension gauges.