As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, now is the perfect time to ensure your tractor is in top shape for the New Year. One crucial area to focus on is your tractor’s tracks and undercarriage. Regular inspections and timely replacements are key to avoiding costly breakdowns and ensuring your machinery is ready to roll when the busy season starts.
Here are some important tips on why and how to check over your tractor’s undercarriage before the Christmas break:
1. Check for Wear and Tear
Tracks and undercarriage components are subject to constant wear, especially during the intense farming seasons. Look for signs of wear such as:
- Cracks, cuts, or fraying on the rubber tracks.
- Loose bolts or missing hardware on the undercarriage.
- Worn or damaged sprockets, rollers, and idlers that affect track tension and performance.
Catching these early ensures that minor damage doesn’t escalate into a major issue.
2. Evaluate Track Tension
Improper track tension can lead to excessive wear, poor traction, and reduced efficiency. Overly tight tracks increase stress on the undercarriage, while loose tracks can slip off and damage your machine. Make sure to:
- Check the tension and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Inspect for uneven tension or sagging, which could indicate issues with the undercarriage components.
- Check for correct nitrogen pressure in the accumulator and for any hydraulic oil leaks around the tensioning cylinder.
- Check for alignment issues causing uneven wear on the tracks.
3. Examine the Undercarriage for Debris Buildup
Mud, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the undercarriage, causing premature wear and affecting performance. Before the break:
- Clean the undercarriage thoroughly to prevent corrosion and damage.
- Check for any buildup around rollers and sprockets, which can reduce efficiency.
4. Plan for Track or Undercarriage Replacement
If your inspection reveals significant wear or damage, it may be time to replace your tracks or certain undercarriage components. Worn-out tracks can lead to poor fuel efficiency, slippage and increased downtime, so replacing them now ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running in the New Year- just simply call 1300 65 11 43 to book your machine into one of our service centres. Don’t wait—check your track and undercarriage now.
By taking the time to inspect, clean, and replace worn tracks and undercarriage components before the Christmas break, you’re setting your tractor up to start the New Year strong!
