Drive Sprocket Inspections And Replacements

Drive sprockets are an important part of a track loader's undercarriage. Each track will contain a sprocket wheel that is attached to the final drive motor. As the motor engages with each sprocket, the sprocket wheels will turn. When a sprocket wheel becomes worn, the teeth on a sprocket will interact improperly with the track links.

Damage to a Drive Sprocket

The tension of the tracks has a bearing on how a sprocket wheel operates. If there is too much tension, the teeth on a sprocket wheel may wear down prematurely. Large amounts of dirt, mud, or loose asphalt that come into contact with your machine's undercarriage can also affect the performance of the drive sprockets.

Heavy duty machinery that is operated daily is prone to undercarriage issues. The undercarriage supports the heavy loads that a track loader moves. The combination of heavy weight loads, improper maintenance, and improper track tension can damage one or both sprocket wheels.

Sprocket Wheel Inspections And Replacements

A drive sprocket looks a lot like a gear. It will be round and contain a series of teeth that have slightly curved ends. If a visual inspection reveals that one or both drive sprockets contain jagged teeth, the sprockets should be removed and replaced. Sprockets are bolted to machinery. The number of bolt holes that a sprocket contains should be counted. This number will aid with ordering replacement drive sprockets that are comparable to the type of equipment that you own.

Compact machinery may contain drive sprockets that are constructed of a single piece of alloy steel. Large pieces of machinery may contain drive sprockets that are constructed of two pieces of alloy steel. The tracks that surround the drive sprockets do not need to be removed during the repair of your equipment. However, temporarily loosening the tension of the tracks and jacking up your equipment may be necessary. This will allow you to access the drive sprockets.

Remove the bolts that are secured to each sprocket. When removing the drive sprockets, grease may spill out. Clean up the grease, prior to installing the replacement sprocket wheels. Line up the replacement drive sprockets and use the bolts to secure them. Readjust the tension of each track and lower the machine. Test out the track loader, to ensure that it moves evenly across the ground. Clean your machine's undercarriage regularly, to prevent vital components from wearing down quickly.

For more information about undercarriage repairs contact an undercarriage repair service near you.


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