Knowledge

Excavator Undercarriages Information

CAT D5–D8 Dozer Undercarriage Parts Guide
Dozer undercarriages are built for pushing loads, not just carrying them: every dozing pass loads the sprocket, chain, rollers, and idlers harder than excavation does. A D5–D8 class machine needs...
Skid Steer and CTL Undercarriage Parts: Tracks, Rollers, and Idlers Guide
Skid steer and compact track loader undercarriages carry a different load than excavator tracks: the machine is driven hard in turns, and the track and roller system absorbs scrub that...
Mini Excavator Undercarriage Replacement: A Complete Parts Map
A mini excavator undercarriage is a closed loop of rubber tracks, rollers, idlers, a sprocket, and the hardware that holds them together, and each part wears on its own schedule....
How Do You Protect Track Hardware From Corrosion?
Protect track hardware from corrosion by rinsing salt, keeping hardware coated, and inspecting for rust on a schedule. Corroded bolts seize, weaken, and fail under load, and on Nova Scotia...
Should You Buy Track Hardware as a Kit?
Track hardware kits save time and prevent mistakes by bundling the correct grade, size, and quantity for the part. Kits beat piecemeal buying when the part count and grades matter,...
Why Do Undercarriage Bolts Keep Loosening?
Undercarriage bolts loosen from vibration, load reversal, stretch, and corrosion. Correct torque, the right sequence, and a re-torque schedule keep them tight; bolts that keep loosening usually signal a hardware...
What Torque Should Track Bolts Be Set To?
Track bolts should be torqued to the values published for your machine and bolt size, with a calibrated wrench and the correct sequence. The service manual for your model is...
Which Bolt Grade Should Undercarriage Parts Use?
Undercarriage fastener grade is position- and model-specific: some applications use high-strength metric classes such as 10.9 or 12.9, but the applicable OEM part number, grade marking, and service specification control...
How Do You Install a Track Master Link?
Install a track master link by releasing tension, removing the worn master link, fitting the new link and pin, and torquing the hardware before a test run. The master link...
Which Repair Link Kit Fits My Machine?
Repair link kits are matched by machine brand, chain pitch, and part number. AFT uses KM-style and CR-style product identifiers for selected kit families, and the serial number confirms the...
How Do You Measure Track Chain Elongation?
Measure track chain elongation by checking the pitch over several links with a gauge, and compare the reading with the limit for your machine. Elongation past the limit means the...
How Do You Install a Track Repair Link Kit?
Install a track repair link kit by releasing tension, removing the damaged link, preparing the pins and bushings, fitting the repair link and hardware, and checking torque before a test...
When Should You Use a Repair Link Kit?
A repair link kit fixes a damaged section of the track chain when the rest of the chain is healthy. Use it for localized damage; replace the chain when elongation...