The previous post covered changing the hydraulic oil filters on our CAT 314E excavator.

In part 3, Keith will show you how to properly adjust the track tension on this equipment or any other make and model with steel tracks.

A video version of this task is available on the Tekamo HD YouTube channel.

Set Up the Machine

Fire up the machine, rotate the cabin 90° toward the track you will service, then lower the bucket to raise the track off the ground using the bucket’s round side to avoid damage to the cutting edge/teeth. Keep the boom and arm angle between 90° and 110°.

Once the track is off the ground, spin it backward for about 5 seconds to take any slack (due to wear on pins and bushings) from the top to the bottom, so you can get an accurate reading of how loose the track is.

In regular operating conditions, the sprocket pushes the track links toward the front idler, causing the top of the track to compress between the sprocket and the idler. When you lift the track and spin it backward, the sprocket teeth pull the links of the top section of the track, causing the track to stretch between the sprocket and the idler.

You can see the above explanation in the picture below. Pay attention to the black marks between the links as the mechanic stretches the track.

Image source: www.youtube.com/@THET1916

Check your operator’s manual for the proper track sag for your equipment.

Keith taught us a generic distance based on the machine’s weight, in case you can’t find the manual. The distance varies from one person to another. No problem.

The distance is equal to the palm of your hand (index to pinky) between the bottom of the third track roller (next to the center roller) and the top of the track links.

Fortis HD has the tools to efficiently service any type of heavy equipment. Our mechanics rigorously test every product in the field.

Visit our tools section to purchase the highest quality heavy-duty tools in the industry.

Use the same gap for excavators weighing up to 20 tons. Add your thumb into the gap for larger models (30-40 tons).

Finish by pumping grease and returning the machine to the ground.

Next Post

In our next post, we’ll cover how to change the engine air filters on the CAT 314E excavator.

If you don’t have the time to perform the service yourself or want to enroll in a preventative maintenance program for your heavy equipment,contact Tekamo HD to schedule a heavy-duty mechanic.