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April 2022
 
Stockchaser
 
 

Recoil Springs

The recoil springs are the shock absorbers that protect the undercarriage from impacts and overload. When in motion the tracks encounter resistance and load shocks especially on harsh ground conditions; large solid objects, rocks, trees, deep holes, broken ground, stumps etc. The recoil spring absorbs these shocks, that would otherwise damage the undercarriage. Without the recoil spring these shocks will impact the frame, the tensioner piston and the final drives.

There are two operating factors that can optimize undercarriage wear and repair costs; maintaining the correct track tension for the operating conditions and operator skill. Tension settings on the tracks is critical to the longevity of these components. If the track tension is too loose, the tracks can de-track, If the tension is too tight [packed with dirt and rocks], the undercarriage will be working with an extremely high load, causing equipment power loss and high wear to all the undercarriage components.

 

Track Tension Adjustments

Track tension is controlled by the track adjuster. Tension adjustments are made by pumping or draining grease through the track adjuster valve. When track tension adjustment is required [instructions are listed in the Operator’s Manual], grease is pumped into the cylinder which pushes the idler wheel, thus tightening the track. To slacken the track, a wrench is used to loosen the grease fitting releasing some of the grease, loosening the track.

 

Make Frequent Adjustments

Something as simple as temperature or weather changes can affect the conditions of the job site. A perfect example would be a dry sunny day followed by a rainy day, packed mud on the tracks will make the tension too tight and will require on-site adjustment. Tension adjustments made during these changes can help reduce track wear and repair costs.

 

Operator Skills:

  • Abrupt or aggressive turns, place unnecessary stress on the track and undercarriage leading to accelerated wear.

  • Continuous turning to the same side can cause uneven wear. Try to alternate the direction when turning.

  • Increased speeds cause more wear on the undercarriage. Use the slowest speed possible for the job.

  • Driving over curbs puts excessive stress on the tracks, which can cause de-tracking. Even if the tracks don't de-track, the stress leads to premature wear and track failure.

  • Reverse operation wears tracks much more quickly than forward operation. Tracks and undercarriage components are designed for forward motion. Don't operate in reverse unless necessary

 

Replace Worn Components

A broken recoil springs can no longer absorb the load shocks, replacing the broken spring as soon as possible minimizes the stress to the associated components. Springs have a life cycle, if one of the springs has failed, replace both springs [left side & right side] since the partner of the broken spring will soon fail.

 

Caution: When replacing recoil springs a spring compression tool must be used for disassembly and assembly, due to the extreme pre-load required on the spring assembly.

 


 
 

 
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