Komatsu D31EX-21, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Page: 152 / 256

OPERATION
OPERATION
3-100
TIPS FOR LONGER UNDERCARRIAGE LIFE 3
Undercarriage life greatly varies depending on operation method, inspection and maintenance. For most efficient
operation, keep the following point in mind.
OPERATION METHOD 3
q
Select the track shoe that best suits the type of soil to be encountered in service.
Please consult your Komatsu distributor when selecting track shoes.
q
Do not allow shoe slipping to occur during operation.
If shoe slipping occurs, reduce load to the blade until slipping stops.
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Avoid sudden starts, acceleration or stops, unnecessary high speeds and sharp turns.
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Always operate machine in a straight line whenever possible. When making turns, be careful not to allow the
machine to stay to one side, so operation in both turning directions can be done properly. Make turns with the
largest possible radius.
q
Prior to operation, clear boulders and obstacles to prevent machine from riding over them while operating.
q
On a slope, operate the machine parallel to the inclination
of the slope. Do not operate across the slope. Also when
stopping the machine on a slope, the machine should face
toward the top of the slope.
q
When ground inclines to the left or right during digging
operations, do not continue to dig with the incline. Move
the machine back to level ground and start to dig again.
q
Do not force the machine to carry out work that exceeds its
working capability. Such work includes cases where the
idler or sprocket come off the ground when the machine
meets obstacles that resist the power of the machine dur-
ing dozing or ripping operations.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT 3
q
Properly adjust the track tension.
The tension should be measured at clearance (A) between
the idler and carrier roller shown in the right diagram - usu-
ally 20 to 30 mm at this point. For rocky terrain, tighten the
tracks slightly. In clay or sandy areas, loosen them slightly.
(For inspection and adjustment procedures, refer to
“CHECK TRACK SHOE TENSION, ADJUST (4-25)“)
q
Check idler rollers for oil leakage as well as for loose bolts
and nuts. If any trouble is detected, repair immediately.
Clearance A