Idler Wear Patterns
Idler wear patterns can be used to help
interpret abnormal wear causes on mating
parts, track links, plus interpret other con-
trollable and non-controllable accelerator
variables, which may be affecting non-
mating parts such as rollers which are
harder to see and inspect.
The idler tread wear rate is very sensitive
to tight track.
Tread Wear
Normal wear pattern
CAUSES: Sideways sliding motion with
track link rail surface.
ACCELERATORS: Machine weight,
horsepower, speed, and applications which
put more weight on the front of the
machine. Impact, abrasiveness, packing,
terrain and turning. Tight and/or snaky
track and misalignment are main control-
lable variables.
EFFECTS: If worn past 100 percent at
deepest part may reduce rebuildability and
may crack at 120 percent or more worn.
REMEDIES: Reduce or eliminate too tight
track and correct misalignment problems
as indicated by off-center wear pattern.
Rebuild treads when service limit reached.
Flange Side Wear
CAUSES: Engagement motion with track
link inner railside.
ACCELERATORS: Same as “Tread
Wear” except terrain (side hill) turning
and misalignment have much greater
result on flange side (see discussion on
idler alignment). Track tension and snaky
track and worn front guiding guards also
have greater result on flange sides than
treads. Too wide shoes also contribute.
EFFECTS: Reduces idler tread rebuild-
ability due to (welding) difficulty. Effect
on link rail inside is more important than
effect on idler itself however.
REMEDIES: Reduce or eliminate control-
lable accelerator variables including mis-
alignment, worn front guiding guards,
snaky track, too tight track and too wide
shoes.
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General Information
IDLERS