How do you put a track back on an excavator that has come off?

Question

VANROCK Track Solutions · Accepted Answer

Start by safely relieving track tension, then lift the machine enough to get the track back onto the sprocket, rollers and idler. The basic sequence is: loosen the grease from the track adjuster, position the undercarriage, feed the track onto the sprocket first, and slowly rotate the drive so the chain seats evenly before re-tensioning to the correct sag.

A practical way to do it is to work on the loose side with the boom and arm, keeping the machine stable and the area clear. Align the lower run of the track with the sprocket teeth, then guide the track over the bottom rollers and around the front idler. A pry bar, timber block, or a second person can help keep the links straight while the track is being pulled into place. Move slowly and keep hands, feet, and tools away from pinch points.

Before you reinstall, check why it came off. Common causes include:
• track tension set too loose or too tight
• worn sprocket segments, rollers, idler flanges, or track chain links
• mud, rocks, or other debris packed in the undercarriage
• damaged carrier rollers or a misaligned undercarriage

Do not force the track with excessive travel speed or by standing in the line of movement. If the adjuster will not release properly, if the track is badly twisted, or if a component is visibly worn, stop and repair the root cause first. Putting the track back on without fixing wear usually means it will derail again.

After it is seated, grease the adjuster back up and verify the sag against the machine’s service guidance. If you need replacement undercarriage parts, VANROCK supplies track chains, track shoes, rollers, idlers, sprockets and related components for 350+ machinery brands through our appointed dealer network, with pricing quoted on request. If an OEM brand is named, VANROCK is an independent manufacturer not affiliated with the OEM.