Excavator tracks need the right tension to perform. Not too loose. Not too tight. But many operators overtighten their tracks, thinking it improves performance. The truth is, overtightening can lead to serious and expensive damage.
Excess tension puts stress on the entire undercarriage. It increases wear on rollers, idlers, sprockets, and the track chain itself. Steel components rub harder, heat up faster, and wear down sooner. Seals fail. Bushings crack. Your maintenance costs go up fast. Track life gets cut in half.
Machines also lose efficiency. Overtightened tracks create extra drag. That means your excavator uses more fuel. Travel becomes rougher. Turning gets harder. Even hydraulic systems work harder than they should. It may not seem obvious at first, but over time, it all adds up.
How can you tell if your tracks are too tight? Simple check. Lift the track off the ground and measure the sag between the track frame and the lowest point of the chain. Most machines need a certain amount of sag—refer to the OEM guidelines. If there’s almost no sag, you’re running too tight.
Prevent damage before it starts. Use proper grease tensioning methods. Release tension before storing for long periods. Clean debris buildup. Monitor wear patterns. These simple habits help extend the life of every undercarriage part.
At Fulian Machinery, we’ve seen all kinds of undercarriage failures. Many start with incorrect tension. That’s why we provide not just replacement parts but guidance on proper use. Our bottom rollers, idlers, track chains, and sprockets are built tough—OEM-level specs, forged steel, precision machining, advanced heat treatment. But even the best parts fail early if the tension is wrong.
We manufacture undercarriage parts for excavators of all sizes. Mini, standard, heavy-duty. Our product range fits major brands like Komatsu, CAT, Bobcat, Hitachi, Volvo, Kubota, and more. Whether you need one part or a full replacement set, we’ve got you covered.
We support global orders. Quick delivery. Stable supply. Competitive pricing. Technical support from experienced engineers. Our goal is to keep your machines moving with minimum downtime.
If you’re seeing signs of excessive wear, or if you’re not sure about your track tension, reach out today. Get the right parts. Get the right advice. Protect your equipment investment with Fulian quality.
Fulian Operation Team
2025.4.29
