By McLaren Industries 
How To Inspect Your Skid Steer/Mini Excavator Rubber Track
When it comes to keeping your skid steer or mini excavator equipment in peak performing condition, the state of its tread plays a key role. Not only do these components ensure optimal traction during operation, but they enable the machine to work in wet areas and maintain productivity in wet and soft soil conditions. Because of this, practicing frequent and thorough inspections of your rubber tracks is an essential part of keeping up with regular machine maintenance.
Still, this process can be difficult if you aren’t accustomed to it. Read on to learn how to inspect your skid steer or mini excavator rubber track properly.
Check Your Track’s Tread Condition
First, it’s important that you look at the treads of your skid steer tracks. This pattern is what allows your equipment to grip the terrain and provide you with optimal control in the driver’s seat. As such, it’s vital that you examine the treads carefully for deep cuts and cracks. Any exposed cabling can quickly rust, hurting its performance and breaking much sooner. Higher-quality rubber tracks made by reputable manufacturers such as McLaren Industries, build and design their rubber track carcass to protect the steel cables for the life of the track.
Monitor the overall height of your track’s tread. Over time, the rubber will wear down as it wears against rough surfaces. Therefore, once the treads start to look low, it’s best to start shopping for replacements before you have a machine down because of rubber tracks.
Secure All Rollers
Another crucial part of inspecting your skid steer or mini excavator rubber tracks is ensuring all attached rollers are tightened, aligned, and in good working condition. These parts work in correspondence with the tracks to ensure smooth maneuverability, control, and affect ride comfort. Because of this, checking them is just as important as identifying issues with your rubber tracks themselves.
Wash Tracks After Each Use
We also recommend washing your skid steer after every use. This serves to prevent dirt and debris build-up in your treads and reduces the chances for accelerated wear of your rubber tracks and undercarriage. With your tracks sufficiently cleaned, it also becomes easier to inspect your equipment. This way, you can better recognize problems and get them fixed right away.
Store Your Skid Steer Properly
A successful inspection requires you to store your skid steer properly, too. Like cleaning your tracks, the right storage method limits the amount of interaction your tracks have with corrosive materials. Since rubber tracks are particularly sensitive to the sun, we recommend storing them in a covered or shaded area if possible. This will reduce Ozone cracking caused by the sun.
McLaren Industries makes caring and shopping for new skid steer tracks a breeze. To learn more about our selection of rubber tracks for skid steers and mini excavators, reach out to a representative online or call us at (866) 418-7578.