Komatsu Utility 15001, Operation & Maintenance Manual

Page: 132 / 234

MACHINE OPERATIONS AND CONTROLS
130
3.3.18 RUBBER SHOES
(Machines equipped only with rubber shoes)
3.3.18.1 OPTIMAL USE OF THE RUBBER SHOES
Rubber shoes have exceptional characteristics that cannot be found in steel shoes. However, if they are used as if
they were steel shoes, their advantages cannot be fully exploited.
Make sure to avoid subjecting the rubber shoes to excessive stress and to take in consideration the conditions of
the work site and the nature of the operations to be performed.
COMPARISON BETWEEN RUBBER SHOES AND STEEL SHOES
Considering the properties of the materials used, rubber shoes offer various advantages. However, their weak
point is scarce durability. For this reason, it is important to know the characteristics of the rubber shoes and of the
road liners, to take the precautions suggested and to avoid performing operations that are not allowed. In this way,
the rubber shoes will last longer and it will be possible to take full advantage of their pluses.
Before using the rubber shoes, read paragraph "3.3.18.3 USING THE RUBBER SHOES".
3.3.18.2 RUBBER SHOE WARRANTY
It is important to inspect and maintain the tracks at the correct tension. Furthermore, these shoes must not be
used near objects where they are likely to suffer damage, such as the corners of steel plates, U-shaped ditch lin-
ers, blocks, on crushed rock or the sharp edges of rocks, iron beams, or scrap iron.
Any damage resulting from the customer's mistaken use of the machine shall not be included in the scope of the
warranty.
3.3.18.3 USING THE RUBBER SHOES
PROHIBITED WORKS
Do not carry out the following types of work.
• Rotations or other operations on hard rocky surfaces, rocky surfaces with protrusions, steel bars or scraps, or
near the edges of steel plates damage the rubber shoes.
• On river banks or in other places where there are many stones of different size, these may get stuck in the rub-
ber shoes, damaging them or causing them to come off. If the machine is used to carry out levelling operations
when the shoes slide on the ground, this will reduce their service life.
• Do not dirty the rubber shoes with oil, fuel or chemical solvents. If one of these substances gets on the shoes,
clean them immediately. Do not use the machine on roads where there are traces of oil.
• When the machine is going to remain unused for a long period (3 months or more), keep it indoors, away from
direct sunlight and protected from rain.
Rubber shoe Steel shoe
Little vibration Excellent Average
Smooth travel (No creaks) Excellent Good
Little noise Excellent Average
No damage to paved surface Excellent Average
Easy to handle Excellent Average
Easily damage Average Excellent
Strong drawber pull Excellent Excellent