Maintaining Your Undercarriage - Inspection & Replacement Tips

In the construction industry, heavy machinery is the backbone of every project. To maintain productivity and safety, your equipment needs to operate at peak performance, especially the undercarriage, one of the most critical components. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to properly inspect and replace undercarriage parts to extend the life of your machine and reduce downtime.

Undercarriage Inspection Steps

Performing regular inspections helps identify wear before it turns into costly repairs.

1. Visual Inspection

   Look for:

   • Bent or cracked track shoes
   • Loose or missing bolts
   • Uneven or abnormal wear patterns


2. Measure Track Tension

   Track tension is critical.

   • Loose tracks increase wear and instability
   • Over-tight tracks cause unnecessary strain on rollers and bearings


3. Check Rollers & Idlers

   Inspect for play, leaks, or damage. Excessive movement or worn components usually means replacement is needed.

4. Inspect Sprockets

   Look for worn or pointed teeth. Worn sprockets can speed up track wear and reduce machine efficiency.

5. Examine Track Shoes

   Check for scalloping, cupping, or uneven wear. These signs affect traction, stability, and operating costs.

6. Inspect Track Chains (Track Links)

   Track chains transfer power from the sprockets to the tracks. Key signs of wear include:

   • Stretched pitch length
   • Pin and bushing wear
   • Dry or seized joints
   • Frequent re-tensioning required
   • Metal-on-metal contact or “popping” sounds during movement

Replacement Guidelines

When replacement is needed, follow these best practices:

• Identify Undercarriage System Specify whether it is conventional or a Make-Specific system (e.g., CAT System One/Two, Komatsu Plus).
• Replace as a Set Replacing parts individually can cause uneven wear. When possible, replace components together.
• Use Quality Parts Invest in high-quality components from trusted suppliers to ensure reliability and durability.
• Proper Installation Follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid premature wear and safety hazards.
• Maintain a Routine Schedule Keep parts clean, lubricated, and regularly inspected to maximize lifespan.

Undercarriages & Uptime

Your equipment’s undercarriage plays a vital role in overall machine performance. Regular inspection and timely replacement directly reduce downtime, improve safety, and extend the life of your heavy equipment. For replacement parts and professional guidance, Call AMS Parts: 1-800-255-6253 we’re here to keep your machines moving.