Excavator Track Shoes

If you were to mention that you are planning to replace your track shoes, most of the world would wonder if you would be going with Nike or Adidas, but our operating engineers know that this job involves something more complex and quite a bit heavier than sporting footwear.

Track shoes are a component of machines that use a track rather than tires to support and move the equipment. Like their footwear equivalents, they are the first point of contact between the wearer and the ground, and as with most machine components, track shoes have to be replaced now and then.

This article explains what a track shoe is, how the installation and removal procedure is done, and what tools are needed to do it. It also covers the pros and cons of using track shoes. Although an excavator is used as a working example, the same principles apply to any tracked machine that has shoes.

What Is a Track Shoe?

Excavators use one of two different types of tracks: rubber or metal. The former is typically constructed of a single piece of rubber and needs to be replaced as a whole. Rubber tracks have a lower initial cost but wear out more quickly. However, if most of your work involves traveling on finished surfaces such as lawn, concrete or asphalt, the rubber track may be your best option.

The metal track is made up of a continuous band of links called a crawler track or track chain (think bicycle chain) to which individual shoes are attached. This has an advantage in that a few shoes, or even just one, can be replaced when needed instead of having to replace the entire track. Metal tracks are quite a bit more expensive, but because of being able to replace individual shoes, they last a lot longer than single-piece rubber tracks.

Metal track shoes, also known as grousers, are long and narrow metal plates onto which one to three metal ridges are shaped, perpendicular to the plate. They are attached to the crawler with four square heavy-gauge bolts and nuts. The different number of ridges are for accomplishing different types of work.

Triple-ridge grousers are the most commonly used because they are the most versatile in terms of work applications. The three ridges give them a higher level of flotation. They offer a balance between traction and smooth movement. They operate well on soft to medium-hard ground and provide stability without disturbing the ground excessively. Double ridge grousers provide a balance between the single and triple-ridge models. They allow for smoother turns and better handling while still providing good traction. They are typically used on excavators that do work on a variety of terrains. Single ridge grousers offer strong traction because of having less surface area for floatation and are able to dig deeper into the soil. They are commonly used when operating on hard or compact surfaces. Because of their strong traction, they are good for pushing or pulling heavy loads.

There are also specialized shoes that are designed for specific types of work. With heavy-duty shoes, the plates and ridges are thicker and stronger, providing higher bending and wear resistance. They are suitable for high impact and highly abrasive applications. With its low noise and vibration characteristics, the roadliner shoe, also known as the city shoe, is designed to operate easily and smoothly on asphalt, concrete and other paved surfaces.

Pros and Cons of Using Track Shoes

The benefits of using track shoes include improved traction on a variety of surfaces. Double grousers in particular help the machine make smoother turns on different terrains. The design of the track shoe provides for an even distribution of weight across the surface of the terrain. And because the replaceable shoes take the majority of the wear and tear, the life of the actual track as well as the entire undercarriage is prolonged.

On the other hand, while track shoes perform well on soft and uneven terrain, they are not as effective on hard, flat surfaces like asphalt and concrete, which can damage those surfaces and reduce the lifespan of the track shoes themselves. Track shoes are also subject to heavy wear and tear, especially when used on abrasive surfaces like rocky terrain. And removing and installing shoes is a complex and time-consuming process; it takes experience and the right tools to do it properly and can take hours to swap out an entire set of shoes.

Installation and Removal

Building on this, the question becomes: how are track shoes installed and then removed when change is mandatory? There is a short list of tools that are required, but they need to be job specific.

To start, it is essential to have the operator’s manual for your exact excavator model which will provide complete instructions. Make sure you have a set of wrenches, a hydraulic jack (or similar equipment) to lift the excavator, and a set of jack stands or a stable, raised surface to support the machine while you work. Additionally, you will need the correct replacement bolts and washers, specific to the size of the excavator and the type of track shoes being used.

As with any job involving heavy and potentially dangerous machinery, safety comes first. Before beginning any type of work, ensure that the machine is properly raised and stabilized, and be sure to follow the proper lockout/tagout procedures.

To install the shoes, begin by aligning the plates with the track’s mounting holes. Insert the bolts into the holes and attach to the nuts. When tightening the bolts, ensure they are not overly tight as this can potentially strip the threads on the nuts or bolts and can even crack the shoe plate.

Removal is just the opposite of the installation process. Loosen the bolts carefully to avoid damaging the threads. If there are signs of excessive wear or damage to the shoes, inspect the track links and replace any bolts that show signs of damage.

Looking to Buy?

When considering acquiring an excavator, determine what its primary use is going to be. That will aid in deciding whether a metal or rubber-tracked machine will be right for the job. In addition, consider the pros and cons of each. If a metal-tracked unit is the answer, then evaluate whether tracks with one, two or three ridges would best suit the requirements. Keep in mind the amount of work involved in changing out an individual shoe or an entire set. And don’t forget regular inspections and proper maintenance. That will keep the excavator running smoothly in its track shoes for a long time to come.