Track Loader Inspection Tips
If you are like us at Best Line, then that means spring time is work time! As you are racking up hours on your Bobcat track loader, there are a few things you should keep your eye out for. By doing a few small routine maintenance checks, you can save your machine in the long run. The next time you start up your Bobcat track loader, keep these inspection and maintenance tips in mind.
Every time you run your track loader, you should do a small walk around inspection of the machine. A few things you will want to keep an eye out for is sprocket wear, pivot points, track alignment and grease points. When looking at your sprockets, look for any that wear to a point. This is how you will know that they need to be replaced.
Pivot points are not as simple but knowing what to look for will make it much easier to catch wear. When inspecting your pivot points, the first one that wears out is where the bucket meets the loader arms. Also, be sure to give extra attention for grease. When checking other grease points, be sure to follow the owner’s manual and grease everything that it recommends.
The next part of the machine you need to inspect is the track itself. Make sure you check for signs of track misalignment. Inside of the tracks, there is a “guide” that helps the machine to move straight and more importantly, have the tracks stay on. A big sign of track detracting is when there is wear around the flanges of the bottom rollers.
When inspecting the track, it is important to pay attention to the track tension as well. The recommended amount of sag between the roller and the track itself is between ½ an inch to 5/8th of an inch. If you have an automatic track loader, your machine will adjust the tension on its own. The only Bobcat loader on the market that has this automatic capability is T-870. Unless, you have the T-870 you are stuck doing it the old fashion way with a grease gun. The good news for you is that it is a very simple application. All you need to do is jack up the loader until the rollers are loose from track, wipe the excess grease around the front idler and pump grease using the grease gun. As you pump grease into the front idler, it pushes the idler forward to tighten the track. It is recommended to check your track tension every fifty hours.
Lastly, keep your radiator breathing. If you are operating in tough conditions containing lots of debris, check on your radiator and make sure that it is clear. This may require you to clean it every once in a while.
Remember, if your machine is showing service codes, do NOT ignore them. Ignoring the service codes could cause a larger problem down the road. You should read and follow your owner’s manual for machine repairs and maintenance until you are familiar with the procedure. If the job is too much for you to fix on your own, stop by Best Line Equipment’s service department to have our trained professionals take a deeper look at the issue.