Track Replacement
Cranes used during construction have come a long way from the tripods used by the ancient Greeks thousands of years ago. From smaller rough terrain cranes and boom trucks that are ideal for smaller loads in hard-to-reach spots to the very largest all-terrain cranes that can lift close to 300 tons, there is a crane for any job at that worksite.
Obviously, not all cranes are created equal. Different situations call for different machinery. And while many cranes use anywhere from two to six axles and wheels for mobility, crawler cranes use tracks similar to tanks. This allows them to operate on almost any surface, including construction sites where the ground can often be too soft for heavy cranes that employ wheels.
We provide financing options for your next crane purchase. Triad Machinery works with a number of lenders and can provide you with the best rates to meet your business needs.
There are other advantages of crawler cranes, too. Their wide construction and overall weight negate the need for outriggers, although the cranes themselves should be on somewhat level ground for full use. Crawler cranes can also move while holding materials and because of their design can lift huge amounts of weight.
Crane Track Replacement
Every component of every crane – control mechanisms, hydraulic systems, rigging materials – should be well-maintained and in good working order. However, if there is a problem with the tracks on your crawler crane, productivity is severely limited and the crane should no longer be used.
Crane tracks are made of several different components Just like the weakest link in a chain if any of these parts fail, the crane’s mobility and even stability could be compromised:
- Track Shoes – The series of interlocking plates that make up the ground facing part of the track.
- Track Chains – Found between the shoes and the rollers, sprockets, and idlers, chains keep the tracks moving forward and backward by locking into the sprocket.
- Track Rollers – There are two sets of rollers. The bottom rollers support the weight of the crane while the top rollers or carrier rollers are responsible for supporting the track chain and, in turn, the interlocking shoes.
- Sprockets – Providing the propulsion of the track, the sprockets are gears found at the front of the track system.
- Idlers – The counterpart to the sprocket, idlers are in place to keep the track moving and in line.
By maintaining these components, you’ll ensure your crawler crane will retain mobility. However, unexpected obstructions, improper use, and other compromising events can lead to failure at any point. Because there are so many points, you may not have to replace the whole track mechanism.
Still, if an idler is worn or even a few shoes become disengaged, it could reduce your crawler crane to the world’s largest paperweight. Constant monitoring or even rotating the top or bottom rollers to evenly spread wear and tear can keep these miscues to a minimum.
Just like any piece of heavy machinery, parts get worn and will fail after time. Removing these overworn pieces before failure allows you to control downtime instead of having it thrust upon you. Planning replacements will save time and money.
Worked With Experienced Professionals
As the lone authorized dealer of Link-Belt cranes, all of our service technicians have been factory-trained to maintain, replace, and repair tracks on Link-Belt crawler cranes. They have been trained to inspect potential problem areas within the track and offer solutions that are both expeditious and safe.
Unable to bring your crane to us? With six locations strategically placed throughout the Pacific Northwest, one of our service crews is never too far away. In addition to repairing or replacing tracks, our service trucks are fully equipped to handle any situation you may be facing in the field.
If it’s time to invest in a new crawler crane, Triad Machinery has you covered there, too. Our inventory of new and used Link-Belt cranes is unsurpassed in Oregon and Washington. We also carry other brands as well as a rental fleet of regularly serviced cranes and other heavy machinery.
Need crane parts or accessories, LBX rental equipment, or forestry equipment from Link-Belt, T-Mar, or Tigercat? Triad Machinery has what you’re looking for. Need a hard-to-find part for a different brand? Our network of field Parts & Service Sales Representatives will track it down. For more information on our services, reach out to the nearest Triad Machinery location and talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service reps.
We provide the cranes and support you need.
We pride ourselves as a full-service dealership, providing repairs, parts, and maintenance for your equipment needs. Each of our six branches specializes in new and used equipment, equipment rentals, parts, and service.
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