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5.3.1 Using the crawler track chassis
An access platform with skid steer chassis, equipped with crawler track chassis, offer many
advantages compared with a machine on wheels. However, certain things regarding working and
working environment must be taken into account with an access platform on tracks. In order to
achieve the maximum life for the rubber tracks and crawler track chassis follow the instructions below.
The lifespan of the track system of an access platform on rubber tracks is heavily dependent on the
working environment and the way of working. If the access platform is being used in terrains with
stones or gravel, on demolition sites where there is concrete, or in an environment with scrap metal,
the lifespan of the track system can be significantly reduced.
In order to extend the lifespan of the track system avoid driving on the following terrains or work sites:
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Environments with crushed stone, iron bars, scrap metal or similar recycling material.
Rubber tracks are not designed for this kind of environments.
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Daily/continuous driving on asphalt or concrete.
Continuous operation on these surfaces
will shorten the lifespan of rubber tracks.
-
Work sites with sharp objects, like broken stones or concrete waste.
This kind of sharp
objects can cut or damage the rubber tracks permanently. Conditions which can damage tyres
can also damage rubber tracks. Damaged tracks can normally not be repaired, they must be
replaced. Warranty doesn’t cover tracks that get damaged in this kind of conditions.
-
Work sites with corrosive substances (fuels, oil, salt or fertilizers).
Corrosive substances
can oxidize the metal parts in rubber tracks. If such substances come in contact with the
surface of the rubber track, the tracks must be flushed with water immediately after ending
operation.
Damages on the tracks, track rollers or crawler track chassis, caused by operation in such
environments, are not covered by warranty.
Operating instructions:
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Change turning direction as often as possible.
Turning continuously only in one direction
will cause uneven wear of the sprocket and the rubber track.
-
Check condition of the track system regularly.
Excessive wear on the rollers, idlers,
sprockets and bearings can damage the tracks.
-
Avoid driving sideways on a gradient.
Always drive the slopes straight up and down, and
turn on flat even surface only. Continuous operation on uneven terrains or driving sideways on
a gradient causes wear in the track guides and rollers and makes tracks jump off the
sprockets.
-
Avoid continuous sharp turns.
By making wider and more gentle turns you can avoid
unnecessary wear of the tracks and/or tracks jumping off the sprockets.
-
Avoid driving with one track on level surface and one track on a gradient.
Always drive
on an even surface. If the tracks bend continuously from the inside or from the outside during
operation, the metal structure of the tracks can break.
NOTE! Always ensure that rocks,
gravel, snow or other materials don’t build up
between the rubber track and the track wheels. Risk of damage to the track chassis!
