AXLES, TIRES, and TRACKS Liquid Fertilizer Applicator A10 / A13 / A18 / A24 Page 41
Track Use
General Guidelines
• Before trailering on-road for the first time, precondition tracks. See Track Systems Break-
In.
• Avoid traveling at high speeds with a new set of tracks and wheels, especially during the
first 50-100 hours.
• Trash build-up can cause fire from increased friction. Remove trash from trash build-up
points between track and trailer frame.
• Avoid operating tracks in grease, oil, or other petroleum chemicals. Avoid spilling these
materials on tracks and wheels during service.
Maximizing Track Life
Track carcasses are designed to exceed tread wear out, but only so long as the integrity of the
carcass is maintained. It is critical to keep moisture out of the steel carcass and to avoid situations
where localized cable overloading could occur. Track machine owners are advised to follow these
guidelines to achieve maximum track life and avoid operational problems, all of which result in
lower cost per operating hour:
• Minimize roading. Excessive roading can increase track wear up to 15 times field wear
rates.
o Minimize transport weight during road transport.
o Reduce maximum travel speed especially during high ambient conditions.
• Use correct operational techniques.
o Avoid skidding and tread bar scrubbing on hard surfaces to reduce track wear.
o Use care when crossing ditches or transitions while making turns. Diagonal
crossing of ditches causes track to become unsupported in the center and the
idler(s) to hit the opposite embankment. This can cause momentary loss of tension
that can drop the center section down and outside the drive or idler wheels making
derailing a much higher risk if in a turn.
o Use a ratchet-turn or bump steer technique. When turning at the end of a field,
steering performance can be gained by turning in several small turns, returning to
neutral position between each ratchet steer. This helps gain more traction and
complete the turn more efficiently and with less ground disturbance than by
attempting to power and spin through turn.
• Maintain correct track tension.
o Under-tension causes rapid wear on tracks and the inside surface of the belt due
to slippage and may potentially cause material buildup.
o Over-tension adds extra load and stress to undercarriage bearings, internal track
cables, and the track frame.
• Keep irregular material out of tracks.
o Sharp, hard material inside the track is the primary reason for localized track tears
and subsequent entry points for moisture into the track carcass.
Track System Break-In
Break-In Overview
Avoid roading at high speeds with a new set of tracks or wheels, especially during first 50-100
operating hours. Damage to drive lugs and wheels may result.
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