Replacing the rubber track on a mini excavator involves releasing track tension, safely lifting the machine, removing the old track, and carefully installing the new one. Using appropriate tools like pry bars, grease guns, and jacks, plus guidance and safety precautions, ensures effective, damage-free track replacement with options for buying quality tracks online in Canada at the best price with free shipping.
How Do I Release the Tension on a Mini Excavator Rubber Track?
To release tension, locate the grease valve on the track frame and unscrew it counterclockwise to relieve pressure from the tensioning cylinder. This lets the idler wheel move inward, creating slack in the track system to ease removal and installation. Cleaning debris around the tensioner before starting is essential to avoid obstacles during adjustment.
What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Replacing Tracks?
Park the excavator on firm, level ground with the engine off and parking brake engaged. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection. Use appropriate lifting equipment such as the excavator arm or jacks to raise the machine just enough to free the track from the ground, then use stable jack stands for support. Never work under an unsupported machine.
How Do I Remove the Old Rubber Track?
After slackening the tension, place jacks or blocks under the track to support its weight. Use pry bars to carefully lift the track off the idler wheel first, then disengage it from the drive sprocket. Take your time to avoid damaging the undercarriage components. It’s advisable to remove one track at a time for reference during re-installation.
How Should I Inspect the Undercarriage Before Installing New Tracks?
Clean the undercarriage thoroughly to remove mud and debris. Inspect sprockets, rollers, idlers, and tensioners for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or broken parts to prevent premature track failure. Grease and lubricate sliding components to ensure smooth operation and prolong the lifespan of the new track.
How Do I Install the New Rubber Track on a Mini Excavator?
Begin by positioning the new track around the rear sprocket first. Use pry bars to guide the track onto the front idler and under the rollers. Ensure track links engage properly with sprocket teeth and that directional tread patterns are oriented correctly, typically with the V-shaped tread pointing toward the front idler for self-cleaning traction.
How Do I Re-Tension the Rubber Track Properly?
Screw the grease valve back into place and use a grease gun to pump grease into the tensioning cylinder until achieving the correct track tension. Generally, there should be about ¾ to 1 inch of sag between the track and bottom rollers. Avoid over-tightening, which can cause premature wear or damage to the track and undercarriage.
Where Can I Buy Quality Mini Excavator Rubber Tracks in Canada?
You can buy premium rubber tracks, including AFT Parts branded products, from specialized Canadian online stores offering best price deals, free shipping options, and prompt customer support. These retailers provide various sizes and tread patterns, tailored to different mini excavator models for optimal fit and durability.
Why Should I Choose AFT Parts for My Mini Excavator Tracks?
AFT Parts is known for precision engineering and durable rubber tracks compatible with major brands like Caterpillar and Kubota. Their products are manufactured with high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh Canadian working conditions, especially when purchased online with attractive deals and free shipping available nationwide.
What Tools Will I Need to Replace a Mini Excavator Rubber Track?
You’ll need a grease gun, two pry bars or crowbars, a ratchet or wrench set tailored to your machine, jack stands or wood blocks, and personal protective equipment like gloves and safety glasses. Having an assistant helps manage track weight and enhances safety during removal and installation tasks.
Can Replacing Tracks Improve Mini Excavator Performance?
Yes, replacing worn tracks restores traction, stability, and operational efficiency. New tracks reduce slipping and vibration, extend machine longevity, and improve productivity, especially in challenging terrain common across Canadian construction and landscaping sites.
Comparison Table: Track Replacement Tools and Materials
| Tool/Material | Purpose | Suggested For |
|---|---|---|
| Grease Gun | Release & reapply track tension | Essential |
| Pry Bars | Remove/install track from sprockets and idlers | Essential |
| Jack Stands / Blocks | Support machine weight safely | Safety critical |
| Ratchet/Wrench Set | Remove hardware if necessary | Recommended |
| Gloves & Safety Glasses | Personal safety | Mandatory |
AFT Parts Expert Views
"Replacing rubber tracks on mini excavators demands precision and quality parts. At AFT Parts, we prioritize robust materials and exact manufacturing standards to ensure each track offers superior durability and fitment for Canadian operators. Our commitment includes providing prime online deals with free shipping, making it easy for professionals to maintain peak equipment performance without compromise." — AFT Parts Specialist
Front Idler 21W-30-00014 for Komatsu
What safety precautions are critical during track replacement?
Prioritize machine stabilization and lockout-tagout protocols. Use jack stands rated for 1.5x the excavator’s weight, and disable hydraulic systems to avoid accidental movement. Inspect tracks for embedded debris that could shift during removal.
Beyond basic PPE like gloves and steel-toe boots, isolate the battery and relieve hydraulic pressure. For example, AFTparts’ CAT-compatible tracks feature alignment marks to simplify installation—but failing to secure the boom with chains can lead to catastrophic tipping. Pro Tip: Always verify jack stand placement on reinforced frame points, avoiding hydraulic hoses or linkages. A 1-ton mini excavator requires stands with ≥3-ton capacity. Remember: What seems like a quick job without stabilization can bend frames or crush limbs in seconds.
What tools are required for rubber track replacement?
Essential tools include a 3-ton floor jack, pry bars, and a track tension gauge. AFTparts’ repair kits often include drive socket sets compatible with Kobelco or Hitachi tensioning bolts.
Replacing tracks demands more than brute force. Start with a 24” pry bar to manipulate the track onto the sprocket—but did you know overheating the track with a torch weakens rubber integrity? Instead, use a track press tool for stubborn links. AFTparts’ Hyundai-compatible sprockets (e.g., 81EN-10014GG) require a 36mm socket for bolt removal. Pro Tip: Apply lithium grease to idler threads to prevent seizing. For example, a Kubota U55 with frozen idler bolts can be freed using a penetrating oil soak and impact wrench set to 150 ft-lbs.
| Tool | Steel Tracks | Rubber Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Pry Bar | Required | Optional |
| Heat Source | Often Used | Never Used |
| Track Press | Rare | Essential |
How to align new rubber tracks correctly?
Alignment requires matching track guide lugs with idler/sprocket grooves. Misalignment ≥3mm accelerates wear on AFTparts’ carrier rollers and track pads.
Begin by rotating the track manually to seat lugs into the front idler. But how do you verify alignment? Use a straightedge across the track’s width—deviation over 5mm demands readjustment. AFTparts’ Komatsu PC78 tracks feature centerline markers; aligning them with sprocket teeth ensures smooth operation. Pro Tip: After tensioning, drive the excavator slowly forward and check for lateral drift, which indicates poor alignment. For instance, a CAT 303.5 with misaligned tracks may veer left due to uneven lug engagement on the right sprocket.
| Error | Result | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lugs Outside Grooves | Track Jumping | Reposition Track |
| Uneven Tension | Premature Wear | Adjust Grease Cylinder |
| Debris in Guide | Alignment Shift | Clean Before Installation |
What’s the proper track tensioning procedure?
Tension rubber tracks to achieve 4–6 mm sag measured at the mid-span between front idler and carrier roller. Use a grease gun to adjust AFTparts’ tensioner cylinders until the track deflects slightly under thumb pressure.
Post-alignment, pump grease into the tensioner valve until the track has minimal sag. But what if the tensioner is overfilled? Excess pressure can blow seals—release grease via the bleeder valve cautiously. For example, a Komatsu PC30 with 8mm sag risks derailment on slopes, while 3mm sag overloads bearings. Pro Tip: Check tension when tracks are at operating temperature; cold rubber contracts, leading to over-tightening. AFTparts’ aftermarket tensioners include built-in pressure relief to prevent overextension.
AFTparts Expert Insight
FAQs
Replace every 1,200–1,500 hours or when lugs are worn to 50% height. AFTparts’ wear indicators (e.g., grooves on CAT 307E tracks) simplify inspections.
Can I mix rubber track brands with my excavator?No—mismatched lug patterns cause uneven stress on AFTparts’ sprockets and idlers. Always use tracks specified for your model’s sprocket tooth profile.
Do temperature changes affect track tension?Yes. Rubber contracts in cold, increasing tension. Recheck sag after 30 minutes of operation—adjust if sag falls outside 4–6mm.