Across the large hydraulic excavator range, a new range from a leading manufacturer has combined several features and innovations that extend undercarriage life, eliminates ‘pin-walking’ and prevents entry of contaminants and leaking of vital lubricant.

Combing these characteristics, amongst other features, Caterpillar has reduced maintenance needs and down-time. The company’s class leading undercarriage delivers as one integrated system, with specific product offerings available to match varied on-site applications.

For example, customers can choose between Positive Pin Retention (PPR2) and non-PPR2 track or heavy duty (HD) cast and fabricated idler options. All Cat rollers and idlers utilise Duo-Cone™ seals, which provide exceptional sealability and longer component life.

“Keeping roller and idler oil sealed inside the system is the key to realising long undercarriage life and low operating costs,” points out Barloworld Equipment group product specialist, Deon Delport. (Barloworld Equipment is the Cat dealer for southern Africa.)

For added durability, PPR2 track is a Caterpillar exclusive offering for excavator products and is designed to reduce end play (the loosening of the track joint) by eliminating the movement of the track pin (known as pin walking). “Keeping the track joint properly pressed together prevents entry of contaminants and the exit of vital lubricants, increasing track life and reducing the operating cost per hour,” he explains.

HD cast idlers provide longer structural life under the most severe applications, incorporating harder shafts and bores along with solid centre flanges to prevent collapsing in demanding situations, failures which can result in costly downtime and repairs.

For even tougher applications in varied ground conditions where heat build-up and longer travel distances are a factor, an ideal option is Cat Moly Grease Lubricated Track (GLT). This feature eliminates internal track wear until the grease dissipates from the track assembly, extending internal wear by 25% or more.

Adds Delport: “To match this longer internal life, the outer bushing diameter is increased, allowing machine owners to get the maximum life from the complete system.”