Why does my mini excavator keep throwing its track and how do I fix it?

Expert Answer

A mini excavator usually throws a track because the tension is wrong, a component is worn, or the undercarriage is out of alignment. The most common causes are low grease in the tensioner, a damaged idler or roller, worn sprocket teeth, or debris packed in the frame.

Start by checking track tension with the machine on level ground and the undercarriage clean. If the track is too loose, it can climb off the rollers; if it is too tight, it accelerates wear and can stress the tensioner. Also inspect both sides for uneven wear, bent track guide parts, seized rollers, damaged idlers, and missing hardware. If the track keeps coming off after correct adjustment, the root cause is often worn undercarriage parts rather than the track itself.

Working habits matter too. Fast turns, side loading, and travel over rocks or mud ridges can force a track off, especially on compact machines. Check for trapped material, damaged track links, and uneven track shoe wear. If you are replacing parts, VANROCK supplies undercarriage components for many mini excavators, including track chains, track shoes, rollers, idlers, sprockets, rubber tracks, and track bolts and nuts. Pricing is quoted on request through our dealer network.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 9/27/2026