Cat undercarriage systems are made specifically to work and wear as a complete system to allow for complete machine operation. The undercarriage attachment is a very costly component of the machine, so its maintenance costs would naturally consume a significant portion of your budget. If you are planning to purchase a used Cat D9R dozer for example, then it is vital to inspect the undercarriage thoroughly to prevent any maintenance expenses in the near future. Dozer under carriage inspection requires proper expertise, so it is always better to hire a professional to perform this task. Some of the undercarriage’s major parts of the used Cat dozer are given below:

Large dozer’s like this Used Cat D9R Dozer requires that one pays extra attention to its undercarriage.

The comprehensive undercarriage parts inspection procedure include the following key points:

• Shoes: Thoroughly check the shoe and link-mating surface.

• Seals: Check the sealing area carefully for scratch, dent, roughness, and deterioration.

• Spacers: Closely examine the spacer part for decomposition, rust, breakage and crack.

• Pins: Examine the pin surface and ends of the undercarriage for cracks, faults, and scraping.

• Links:Links are the most important component; check the load ring carefully for any damage and especially the area where surface comes in contact with the link.

• Bushings: Check the bushing surfaces for any damage marks rust or cracks.

Essential tips for extending undercarriage performance and life

• Use right track shoe width

Use the narrowest and right track-pad to maintain satisfactory flotation. If a track-pad is extra wide, then there is excessive stress on other parts, particularly on the track link seals.

• Adjust proper track tension

Follow the instructions in the OEM operator’s guidebook to find out the machine’s proper track tension. Keep that in mind and adjust the track tension according to operating conditions.

• Search for any alignment problem

The fastest way to identify any alignment problems is to search for anything glossy that should not normally be shiny. If the inside of the track lines are scrapped and glossy, roller and idle flanges look damaged,while sprocket sides are linking with the inside of track links, then the alignment system needs immediate servicing.

• Keep the sprockets clean

Thoroughly observe the sprockets’ condition for any damage, which is a glaring warning of undercarriage problems and can show wear and tear on internal pins and bushing assembly. Changing sprockets is usually compulsory whenever the mating surface of the bushing is replaced or changes are done to the chain assembly.

This inspection procedure is essential to maintain the performance of used heavy equipment.