COMPACT EQUIPMENT

Track technologie
 Types of rubber chains Sample applications

Reference (apr02)
Main differences
between rubber chain for excavator and compact track loader

- CTL chain for fast speed, designed for higher travel speed

- CTL chains rolling on the inner side

of the rubber part

- excavator chains rolling on core metal

protrusion

Reference (apr02)
Structure of chains
Interchangable Type (excavator) Conventional type (CTL)

Reference (apr02)
Manufacturing
Interchangable Type (excavator) Conventional type (CTL)

When the track is under

abnormal stress such as
excessive tension, failure
occurs at the ends of the
overlap area
Advatages: - Spiral structure,- no overlap
- Smooth running
New: Spiral structure also for - Constant stress distribution
excavator tracks at higher tensile load
Disadavtages:
- Higher production costs
Reference (apr02)
Comparison of roller types

Interchangable Type (Excavators) Conventional type (CTL)

Reference (apr02)
Features (Bridgestone)

Technology to minimize edge-cut damage

WN models: 3503, 38Z3, 75Z3, 8003, 14504
CTL 1101

Gives a good ride comfort through the tapered shape

of the running surface
WN models: 8003

Avon use there own patented system where the steel cord
interlocks; this gives also a perfect ride comfort
WN models: 803 1703, 28Z3, 50Z3

Reference (apr02)
 By interlocking adjacent core metals the track
benefits from more lateral stiffness.
WN models: 3503, 38Z3, 75Z3, 8003, 14504
CTL 1101

A new Bridgestone patent manufacturing prozess.

WN models: CTL 1101

Reference (apr02)
 Increased rust protection by advanced anti
rust steel cord; e.g. fluid inlet through cut in the
rubber surface
WN models: 2503, 75Z3
Salt bath testing over 7 days
CTL 1101

The use of Anti-Cut Rubber compound minimizes

significantly the cut damage and chunking caused
by sharp objects.
WN models: 14504
CTL 1101

Reference (apr02)
Damages
Steel cord brakage

Causes of damage
- Steel cord damage
- Over tension
- Combination of both

Circumstances for steel cord damage:

When a rubber track gets a cut and / or crack that reaches the steel cords
When debris such as: Sand, rocks and packed soil enter undercarriage steel cord abrasion
can occur
When moisture and strong chemicals reach the steel cords corrosion can occur
Reference (apr02)
Circumstances for over tension:
When recoil / tensioning system is not functioning properly.

When large objects enter undercarriage such as:

Rocks, timber, debris, or packing of foreign materials

When a rubber track detracks; it can get locked between

the undercarriage and the main body of the machine

Prevention:
Periodic tension monitoring
Watch terrain carefully and avoid sharp, hard and large objects
Avoid unnecessary quick and hard turns to prevent detracking

Reference (apr02)
Dirt packing wear

Circumstances
Dirt, stones and debris packing on
undercarriage frame will become
hard and abrasive when dry
Once build up accumulates and reaches
the rubber tracks motion, the
abrasion caused by the packing will lead to premature
wear.

Preventation
Remove dirt packing from undercarriage frame
Periodic cleaning of undercarriage is recommended

Reference (apr02)
Ozone cracks
Small cracks on root of tread

Ozone cracks are a natural aging

phenomenon of rubber
Sea shores, snow areas, cold temperatures and
sun rays are well known causes that accelerate
ozone cracks

Prevention:
Minimize exposure to direct sunlight and precipitations as descripted (e.g.indoor storage)

Reference (apr02)
Tread wear

Replacement is recommended
if tread height is less than 5 mm
Replace rubber track if steel
cords are exposed

Prevention:
Avoid unnecessary sharp turns, track spinning and overloading
Minimize hard surface operation

Reference (apr02)
Edge cut
Parallel cuts alomg side edge

Riding over a curb at an angle will

cut the track at tip of steel embed

Prevention:
When driving over curbs or steps, approach at a 90 angle

Pro Edge system helps to minimize edge cuts

Reference (apr02)
Roller edge scratch
The edge scratch is made by the under-
carriage components such as track rollers
and outer running type idlers

When the machine is primarily used under

heavy loaded conditions or dozing operations
where the rear idler is standing the scratch
intensifies

Prevention:
Avoid pin point rear loading
Monitor roller and idler edges to make sure edges are not worn sharp

Reference (apr02)
Inner rubber chipping

This is a natural aging phenomenon of rubber tracks

Rock, stone, gravel and crushed concrete are well
known causes of inner rubber chipping
Track rollers ride over materials on the roller path;
the pressure of the roller on the materials cuts the
rubber and these will extend over time

Prevention
Avoid sharp turns to minimize catching debris in the undercarriage
Avoid pin-point rear loading by not digging too deep

Reference (apr02)
Steel embed separation

Several causes for this damage:

- If steel embed is hit, either directly by
roller/idler or interfacing with debris,
the steel embed receives inertia
energy such as weight and speed (Fig.1)
- Detracking (Fig. 2)
- Worn sprocket (Fig.3)

Prevention:
Tension monitoring
Regular cleaning of undercarriage
Replace sprocket and other undercarriage components if worn

Reference (apr02)
Steel embed wear
Causes:
- Sandy condition
- Over tension
- Improper sprocket dimension
and/or profile by wear

Wear - limits

Prevention:
Periodic tension monitoring
Minimize machine operation in sandy conditions
Reference (apr02)
 Hybrid tracks (Bridgestone)

WN models: 6003, 75Z3, 8003, 14504

Advantages:

Benefits of steel- and rubber track in one

Higher durability compared to rubber tracks because
of stronger rubber compound
Well self cleaning
Special treated material for the core metal
Easy change over from steel to hybrid track; only the steel plates must be replaced by
the hybrid pads

Reference (apr02)
Design:
For each track side are e.g. 39 pads (for 6003) on a steel chain belt
(same as for a steel track) mounted

Tension roller and idler are the same as on the steel track
Thanks to this mounting system, best stability is achieved
(No shift or losing of the pads compared to Clip on pads)

Reference (apr02)
Interlocking design reduces the build-up of sand, gravel, rocks
and other material or objects in and around the undercarriage,
thereby avoiding premature damage

The special rounded profile wing design combined with the

tapered rubber tread lug profile disperse stress concentrations
which significantly reduces edge-cut damage caused by riding
over curbs or sharp obstacles

Reference (apr02)
The core metals are embedded in athick super
abrasion-resistant rubber compound which
provides a highly robust and durable solution for
tracked machines

Damage pictures of low-cost pads

(WN 8003, 885 working hours)

Reference (apr02)