7 Considerations When Buying an Undercarriage

7 Considerations When Buying an Undercarriage

Purchasing a new undercarriage for a machine can be a daunting task. Undercarriages are big-ticket items and there is a lot to consider when purchasing one. The seven following tips will make purchasing an undercarriage more successful and less stressful.

Know the undercarriage you are replacing

You should find out the undercarriage model number and key specifications of the undercarriage you are replacing, so that you can either choose an undercarriage that matches your current undercarriage or choose one with different features from the current undercarriage. Check the service history of the undercarriage you are replacing to determine whether it worked well or demanded greater service and downtime than expected. Know how long the undercarriage will last.

Timing is everything

Swapping out an undercarriage can take days. That means you will be without that machine for a while. When do you have the time to take the machine out of production to complete the undercarriage? If you are really busy, you may have to rent a machine. When do mechanics have time to take on the work? You don’t want to schedule it only for it or some other repairs to be delayed. When is the undercarriage seller able to deliver the undercarriage to you? By answering these questions regarding the timing of swapping out the undercarriage, you will be prepared when that machine is taken out of production and won’t inadvertently delay schedules.

Consider the application

Consider the application that the undercarriage will be working in. Is it the same application as the undercarriage you are replacing? How did the undercarriage fair in that application? By considering the application, you can choose the undercarriage that will perform the best and last the longest.

Know the market options

You don’t have to buy the undercarriage from the manufacturer of the machine. There are several undercarriage manufacturers who provide new aftermarket undercarriages. You should definitely check with the manufacturer of the undercarriage you are replacing, but also see what else is available. On occasion, used undercarriages are a good option, especially if the machine is nearing the end of its life or if cash flow is tight. If you choose to purchase a used undercarriage, perform a full inspection with standard undercarriage measuring tools.

Manufacturer, weight, warranty

Who is the manufacturer of the undercarriage? Check the reputation of the brand for producing quality work and supporting their customers. What is the weight of the metal? What is the width of major components (sprockets, idlers, rollers, tracks, and track frame)? What is the warranty? Determining these factors will help you choose an undercarriage that will lower your overall owning and operating costs and decrease downtime.

Options

Depending on machine-type there are a number of undercarriage options. Undercarriages are often classified by how heavy-duty they are. However, metal or rubber tracks may be an option as is suspended tracks versus rigid-mounted (also known as solid-mounted). What type is the undercarriage you are replacing? Would your machine benefit from switching types? There are also different track pattern options, and each offers different benefits. Which one will be best for the application in which it will be used?

Post-delivery inspection

Finally, even though most manufacturers manufacture to high standards and have thorough quality control, and most undercarriage sellers are reputable companies that care about their customers, sometimes products with defects make their way to the customer. Better to find out upon arrival and not when swapping out the undercarriage or in the field.

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We specialize in undercarriage and complete components for excavators, dozers, crawler loaders, and wheel loaders.

pivot excavator parts

Searching For Heavy Equipment Parts?

We specialize in undercarriage and complete components for excavators, dozers, crawler loaders, and wheel loaders.