Should I Replace All My Excavator Track Rollers at the Same Time?


As an operator of excavators, you may be wondering whether you should replace all your track rollers at once or only when one fails.


This question has no simple answer and depends on various factors, such as the age of your machine, its usage, and your budget.


In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of replacing all your excavator track rollers at the same time to help you make an informed decision.


First, we will explain the importance of track rollers in the excavator’s performance. Next, we will discuss the benefits of simultaneously replacing all your track rollers, followed by the drawbacks. Finally, we will provide some tips on maintaining your track rollers and prolonging their lifespan.


What Are Excavator Track Rollers?



Track rollers

play a crucial role in the excavator’s performance.

Bottom rollers

absorb the machine’s weight and distribute it evenly on the tracks.

Top rollers

support the track as it travels over the idlers and sprockets.


However, the rollers are subject to wear and tear due to harsh working conditions, such as friction, impact, and dirt. When the rollers wear out, they can cause uneven track wear, misalignment, and reduced traction, leading to reduced productivity and increased maintenance costs.


Benefits of Replacing All Excavator Track Rollers at Once


Replacing all your excavator track rollers at the same time can have several benefits, including:



  • Consistency:



    When you replace all the rollers simultaneously, you ensure that they have the same level of wear and performance, which can improve the excavator’s stability, balance, and manoeuvrability.


  • Time and cost savings:



    If you replace the rollers one by one, you will need to stop the machine every time, which can be time-consuming and costly. By replacing all the rollers simultaneously, you can reduce downtime and save money on labour and transportation.


  • Prevent premature failure:



    If you replace only the worn-out rollers, you risk having the new ones wear out faster due to the uneven load distribution on the tracks. By replacing all the rollers, you can ensure they all have a similar workload and last longer.


Drawbacks of Replacing All Excavator Track Rollers at Once


However, replacing all your excavator track rollers at the same time can also have some drawbacks, such as:



  • High upfront cost:



    Replacing all the rollers can be expensive, especially if you have a large excavator with many rollers, which can strain your budget.


  • Unnecessary replacement:



    If some of your rollers are still in good condition, replacing them can be wasteful and unnecessary, as you could have used them for longer and saved money.


  • Overlapping with other repairs:



    If you need to replace other components, such as the

    tracks

    ,

    sprockets

    , or

    idlers

    , at the same time, the total cost can be even higher, and the downtime longer.


Factors to Consider Before Replacing All Excavator Track Rollers at Once


Before deciding whether to replace all your excavator track rollers at once, you should consider the following factors:



  • Age and usage of the machine:



    If your excavator is relatively new and has low usage, you may not need to replace all the rollers at once, as they may still have a long lifespan. However, if your machine is old and has been used extensively, replacing all the rollers may be more cost-effective to avoid frequent breakdowns and repairs.


  • Type of work:



    If your excavator operates in harsh environments, such as construction sites, quarries, or mines, the rollers may wear out faster due to the abrasive materials and the heavy loads. Replacing all the rollers may be necessary to ensure the machine’s reliability and safety.


  • Budget and cash flow:



    If you have a tight budget or need to optimise your cash flow, replacing all the rollers at once may not be feasible. You may need to prioritise the most critical components and replace the rollers gradually as required.


How to Maintain Excavator Track Rollers


To prolong the lifespan of your

excavator track rollers

and avoid premature failure, you should follow these maintenance tips:


  • Clean the rollers regularly from dirt, mud, and debris using a pressure washer or a brush, as this will prevent abrasion and corrosion and improve the rollers’ performance.

  • Inspect the rollers for wear and cracks regularly. If you notice any damage or deformation, replace the rollers promptly to avoid further damage to the tracks and other components. Astrak offers a free onsite track inspection service –

    find out more

    .

  • Adjust the track tension regularly to ensure that the tracks have the right amount of slack and reduce the load on the rollers.


Astrak – Maximising Your Machinery Uptime!


Replacing all your excavator track rollers at the same time can have benefits and drawbacks, depending on your specific situation.


If you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to

get in touch

with our expert team of advisors on

0330 555 2000

.