Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Problems With Compact Track Loaders

Compact track loaders are practical tools for a variety of construction-related jobs. Like all mechanical equipment, however, they are subject to a variety of drawbacks, limitations and mechanical failures. Some of these issues can be mitigated by proper maintenance, while others can be solved by making sure that a compact track loader is truly the right tool for the task at hand.
Debris in the Tracks
As with any piece of machinery, deferred maintenance can lead to a host of issues. Through regular use, the tracks of a compact track loader are prone to collecting debris such as mud, dirt or rocks, depending upon how and where the equipment is being used. If these materials are allowed to remain in the tracks and harden they can cause damage. This problem can be avoided by cleaning the debris from the tracks after every use, although this may feel a bit labor intensive after a while.
Mechanical Issues
Despite their name, compact track loaders are most commonly used for digging jobs. However, according to Crawler Loader, this type of machine is rarely the best option for the task. The site maintains that track machines have a a reputation for "major mechanical problems." Amongst these is throwing a track, or losing maneuverability and momentum.
Balance Issues
Balance issues in a compact loader may largely be the result of improper use. For example, throwing the bucket of a compact loader too high can cause the loader to get out of balance. Additionally, DV Depot cautions that an operator should never use a compact track loader to push anything that might have the capacity to push back, such as flexible or bouncy materials. These materials can throw a compact loader off balance and result in serious injury. While other machinery may have more force to stabilize against such loads, an operator should remember that a compact loader is not suited for such purposes.

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