SAFETY FIRST!
This task should only be carried out by a trained operative. Please pay attention to your safety.
CLARK TRACKS tracks mounting of the tracks
Here are some tips for a quick and simple fitting of the tracks
Easy mounting of the tracks:
The tracks will be supplied in four sections, with two joined sections required for each side of the machine. Tracks are manufactured in standard lengths for each tyre size and may be too long, requiring the removal of one full track plate section prior to fitting in order to obtain the correct tension. This is dependent upon whether the track is fitted to new or worn tyres and can also vary due to machine type and bogey design. A caterpillar includes on delivery 8 short and 8 long links. 2 pads located on each side of the track, can be removed by unscrewing the connecting links.
Always make sure the tire pressure is correct (that is, the maximum allowed) when driving with tracks.
Step by step assembly instructions
First use of the tracks
When using the tracks for the first time, you must very often tighten them. The cause of this is the break-in of the sliding surfaces. The paint and the rough surface are sanded until the sliding surfaces overlap on a large surface. It is therefore often necessary to remove a pad. With a suitable clamping tool such as the Clark QTT400 in combination with an impact wrench or with the Havel hydraulic tensioner, assembly is quick and easy. Releasing the tension on the new belts is not a sign of premature wear, but acts according to the operation of the slippery combinations.
It is in the first week that the tightening is the most necessary, afterwards it becomes less and less significant. A skate may need to be removed in the first few weeks.
The life of the track depends on soil conditions, tension and traction force. Sand containing quartz represents a particularly high risk of wear, whereas use on clay soil allows a longer life.
The Clark Haggis joints offer a considerable advantage here. Their oval shape allows for a much larger contact surface than with round bolts, the elongation of the crawler is minimal – its life will be longer.
Tighten the tracks
High voltage reduces the service life. So, you have to make sure that:
- The wheels adhere to the tracks.
- The track overlaps the tire, so the tire surface and the inner web of the track must be the same.
- The track does not touch components such as stakes or cylinders, even when clearing obstacles.
- The track does not cause cuts or tears on the tire.
Excessively tight tracks cause unnecessary loads on axles and bearings and cause belt and tire wear.
Distance between the belt and the components of the machine
To avoid collisions between the track and the machine, a distance of at least 50 mm must be maintained between the track and the machine. It is recommended to conduct driving tests through a trench or backfill during initial assembly to verify that all parts of the machine are far enough away from the maximum angle of inclination of the axle.
The distance between the track and the machine must be measured under the following conditions:
- The tracks on the tire are in their maximum inclination toward the machine
- The bogie axis in maximum amplitude in both directions
Make absolutely sure from the first assembly that this space is sufficient for the track does not touch the machine.
- Distance to doors
- Distance to stairs and steps
- Distance to cylindrical suspensions and front levelling blade
At the rear, it is the distance to the loading plate that is important, and for the machines combined the distance to the back plate. For some harvesters, it is the distance to the pivoting mechanism of the crane that is the critical point. If the space between the wheel frame and the track is very narrow, the QTT401 tensioner and the Havel hydraulic tensioner are dvantageous.
