Maximizing ROI: How To Extend The Lifespan of Excavator Undercarriage Parts

Hi everyone, Lisa here from DOQI Machinery.

Working in our factory in Fujian, I see thousands of undercarriage parts roll off our production lines every single day. I also talk to fleet owners and purchasing managers from all over the world—especially guys running tough mining sites in Peru and Brazil.

They all ask me the same question: "Lisa, how can we make these parts last longer?"

Look, buying good steel is important. But how your operators treat the machine matters just as much. The undercarriage can eat up 50% of your maintenance budget. If you want to save money, here is some direct advice from our factory floor on how to protect your excavator undercarriage parts.

1. Wash the Mud Off (Seriously!)

This sounds like a joke, but it’s the #1 problem we see. When your operators finish a shift and leave the mud in the tracks, it dries like concrete overnight. This extra weight stretches your track link assembly and ruins the seals on your excavator track rollers. Tell your guys to clean the tracks every single day. A clean machine saves you money.

2. Check the Track Tension

Track tension isn't a one-time setup. If you are working in thick mud, keep the tracks a bit loose. If you are on hard rock, tighten them up. If the tracks are too tight, your front idler and excavator drive sprocket will wear out incredibly fast. It puts too much stress on the metal.

3. Stop Driving Backward So Much

Your excavator is not a car. Driving in reverse puts a massive amount of friction on the bushings and sprockets. Try to plan your jobs so the machine drives forward most of the time. Also, slow down! High-speed walking kills the bottom rollers fast through overheating.

4. Don't Mix Old Parts with New Ones

I see this a lot: a customer has a completely worn-out sprocket (the teeth look like sharp knives), but they only buy a new track chain to put over it. Don't do this. That old sprocket will chew up your brand new chain in just a few weeks. It is always cheaper to buy a complete set of aftermarket excavator parts at the same time.