Pro Tips to Help You Check Dozer Track Tension

Dozer tracks are like a chainsaw. If the blade is too loose, you’re going to throw it and suffer downtime getting it back on. Too tight, and you’re putting extra wear on both the tracks and the power train. Here’s how to check dozer track tension.

Estimated read time: 3 minutes

Bulldozer tracks are amazing to see in action. They allow your machine to work hard in difficult terrain and conditions. 

And dozer tracks need care and attention to keep working as hard as you need them to. Remember that they’re constantly in contact with whatever you’re pushing, grading or spreading. If the tracks are too loose or too tight, you risk throwing the track while putting premature wear on the carrier rollers, frame and power train. It’s also a safety issue. 

On top of all this, a badly adjusted track is just bad for your business. You could be looking at unplanned maintenance and repair costs. Luckily, there's a simple way to check your Cat® dozer’s track tension. No need to haul your equipment off to the shop.

First off, daily maintenance increases the life of seals and components. Here are some tips:

  • Clean the undercarriage every day.

  • Use a shovel to remove excess dirt and debris from the track roller frame and equalizer bar ends, pivot shaft, track idlers and rollers. 

  • If the tracks are caked with heavy mud, spray them out with water, but take care not to spray seals or the track pin, roller or idler stoppers.

It’s also important to inspect the track. Some best practices are: 

  • Listen for excessive squealing during operation. That’s usually an indication of dry joints that need attention.

  • After you shut the machine down, lightly feel the ends of the pins and bushings to see if they’re excessively hot. 

  • Check the track roller frame for any cracks or leaks.

  • Make sure the equalizer bar pin is in good condition. 

How to check dozer track
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How to check dozer track

 

HOW TO CHECK DOZER TRACK TENSION

  • Put a string or a straight edge on the grousers to check for consistent wear patterns. See photo above for areas to measure on a track with a carrier roller.

  • If your bulldozer doesn’t have a carrier roller, measure the sag between the sprocket and the front idler.

  • Keep in mind that there are different dimensions for machines with and without carrier rollers.

  • Check your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for more details about measuring tension.

  • Also check your OMM for proper dimensions for your undercarriage type.

HOW TO CHECK DOZER TRACK TENSION
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HOW TO CHECK DOZER TRACK TENSION

 

HOW TO ADJUST DOZER TRACKS

If you check your OMM and determine the track tension isn’t right, here’s how to proceed.

If the track is too tight:

  1. Remove the access cover to the track adjustment valve.

  2. Add multipurpose grease to the valve until you reach the correct dimensions.

  3. Operate the machine back and forth to equalize the pressure of the grease in the track adjustment valve. Do not allow the machine to coast or use the brakes.

  4. Remeasure the track dimensions to confirm they are now correct.

It the track is too loose:

  1. Remove the access cover to the track adjustment valve.

  2. Loosen the relief valve slowly and allow grease to escape. This will allow the front track roller frame to retract.

  3. Close the relief valve once you have reached the proper track tension.

 


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