How Should the Tracks and Tires of a Mobile Crusher Be Maintained?

Maintaining the tracks and tires of a mobile crusher is essential for ensuring high productivity and minimal downtime in mining and aggregate production. Poorly maintained mobility components can lead to unexpected failures, costly repairs, and reduced efficiency. Whether the crusher operates in a quarry, an aggregate plant, or a construction site, proper maintenance practices are necessary to extend its lifespan and ensure smooth operation.

Regular Inspections to Detect Wear and Damage

Frequent inspections help identify potential problems before they escalate into major issues. Operators should check tracks and tires daily for cracks, cuts, or excessive wear. In a mobile stone crusher(vendo trituradora de piedra móvil), undetected damage can lead to uneven movement, reduced traction, and even equipment failure. It is crucial to inspect the following:

• Tread Condition: Uneven wear patterns indicate misalignment or improper weight distribution.
• Sidewall Integrity: Cuts or bulges in tires can result in sudden blowouts.
• Track Links and Rollers: Cracks, excessive wear, or misalignment in tracked crushers can lead to failure.
• Loose or Missing Components: Bolts, pins, and track guides should be checked and tightened regularly.

Proper Track Tension Adjustment

For crushers using tracks, maintaining the correct track tension is essential. Loose tracks can derail, causing severe damage, while overly tight tracks increase stress on rollers and wear down faster. Regular adjustments, based on the manufacturer’s specifications, are necessary to ensure smooth mobility, especially in rough terrain.

How to Adjust Track Tension

To achieve the correct track tension:

• Park the crusher on level ground and relieve pressure on the tracks.
• Measure track sag using manufacturer guidelines.
• Adjust the track tensioning mechanism as needed.
• Recheck tension after operation to ensure proper adjustment.

Cleaning Tracks and Tires to Prevent Buildup

Debris accumulation is a major cause of premature wear in mobile crushers. Stones, mud, and other materials can get trapped in tracks or between tire treads, leading to poor traction and uneven movement. Cleaning the tracks and tires after each work shift helps maintain efficiency.

Effective Cleaning Methods

• Use a high-pressure washer to remove mud and debris.
• Inspect the undercarriage for lodged stones or foreign objects.
• Apply a rust inhibitor to metal components to prevent corrosion.

Lubrication for Reduced Friction

Tracks and tires have moving parts that require lubrication to reduce friction and wear. Tracked crushers have rollers, pins, and bushings that need regular greasing, while tire-mounted crushers should have properly lubricated wheel bearings.

Best Lubrication Practices

• Use manufacturer-recommended grease to prevent component damage.
• Apply lubrication at scheduled intervals based on operating conditions.
• Check for excessive grease buildup, which can attract dust and debris.

Tire Rotation and Replacement

For mobile crushers on wheels, tire rotation ensures even wear, prolonging service life. When tires become excessively worn, they should be replaced to maintain stability and mobility, especially when transporting heavy loads in an aggregate plant(planta de agregados).

Key Tire Maintenance Tips

• Rotate tires every few hundred operating hours to prevent uneven wear.
• Replace tires when tread depth is too low for safe operation.
• Check for sidewall damage that could lead to sudden failure.

Monitoring Tire Pressure for Optimal Performance

Incorrect tire pressure leads to instability, excessive wear, and reduced fuel efficiency. Keeping tires inflated to the recommended PSI ensures proper load distribution and enhances traction in mining and construction environments.

Why Proper Tire Pressure Matters

• Underinflated tires reduce load capacity and cause premature wear.
• Overinflated tires decrease traction and increase the risk of blowouts.
• Regular pressure checks prevent unexpected failures and costly repairs.

Avoiding Overloading to Reduce Stress

Excessive loads place unnecessary strain on tracks and tires, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of damage. Operators should adhere to the weight limits specified by the manufacturer. Overloading affects mobility components and reduces the efficiency of the crusher, whether it’s a cone crusher(partes de una chancadora conica) or a jaw crusher.

Proper Storage to Extend Lifespan

When not in use, mobile crushers should be stored on stable ground to prevent flat spots on tires or excessive strain on tracks. Weather conditions can also affect rubber components, so storing equipment in a covered area or using protective covers can help prevent degradation.

Best Storage Practices

• Park on level ground to avoid stress on tracks and tires.
• Use blocks or stands to lift tires off the ground when in long-term storage.
• Apply tire protectants to prevent cracking from sun exposure.

Conclusion

Routine maintenance of tracks and tires is crucial for the long-term performance of mobile crushers. By conducting regular inspections, adjusting track tension, cleaning debris, lubricating components, and monitoring tire pressure, operators can reduce downtime and enhance efficiency. Whether in a quarry, mining site, or aggregate plant, following these best practices ensures smooth operation and minimizes costly repairs.