What is an undercarriage on an excavator or dozer, and what parts does it include?

Expert Answer

An undercarriage is the tracked running gear that supports and moves a crawler machine such as an excavator or dozer. It usually includes the track chains, track shoes, rollers, idlers, sprockets or segments, track tension parts, and the bolts and nuts that hold the system together.

In simple terms, the undercarriage is what carries the machine’s weight, transfers drive power to the ground, and keeps the tracks aligned. When people ask about a “train de chenilles,” they are usually referring to this complete track system, not just the visible track shoes. Wear in any one part can affect the whole system: stretched track chains can change pitch engagement, worn rollers can raise friction, and damaged idlers or tension components can cause poor tracking or derailment.

For buying or repair decisions, it helps to check whether you need a complete assembly or only one component. Typical inspection points are the track chain pins and bushings, shoe condition, roller flange wear, idler face wear, sprocket tooth profile, and track tension. VANROCK Track Solutions manufactures undercarriage parts for 350+ machinery brands, including track chains, track shoes, rollers, idlers, sprockets/segments, rubber tracks, rubber pads, and track bolts and nuts. VANROCK sells exclusively through an appointed dealer network, and pricing is quoted on request.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 9/29/2026