Abnormal noise from an excavator’s track chain is a common fault, and improper tension is the primary cause. Incorrect tension will accelerate wear, increase fuel consumption, and even lead to derailment. Judge and adjust accurately following this three-step method:

Step 1: Standard Measurement & Quantitative Diagnosis

Drive the equipment straight forward for approximately 3 meters on a flat, hard surface, then stop the machine after the track is under even stress.

1. Select the measurement point: the middle of the upper track shoe between the idler wheel and the first top roller.

2. Standard measurement method: Use a straightedge, crowbar or similar tool to lift the track shoe upward to its limit, then measure its maximum sag.

   
   

3. Reference standards: Standards vary by model, with typical ranges as follows:

• Small excavators (<20 tons): 20–40 mm

• Medium excavators (20–40 tons): 30–50 mm

• Large excavators (>40 tons): 40–60 mm(Always refer to the equipment operation manual for specific values)

If the measured value is significantly higher than the upper limit of the standard, the track is too loose—this easily causes slapping, derailment and abnormal noise. If the value is lower than or close to the lower limit, the track is too tight—this will cause a sharp increase in travel resistance, abnormal wear on track links and bushings, and high-frequency friction squeal.

Step 2: Correlate Abnormal Noise Characteristics with Track Tension

Noise from an overly loose track

A dull clunking and slapping sound is heard, accompanied by periodic slapping between the track shoes and the idler wheel/top roller. The track may experience teeth jumping during travel.

Noise from an overly tight track

A high-pitched hissing and squeaking friction sound is heard. Travel speed is uneven, the machine feels stiff and sluggish, and fuel consumption increases significantly.

Step 3: Adjustment & Final Verification

Adjustment operations:

1. Tighten the track by injecting grease through the grease nipple of the tension cylinder, or loosen it by slowly releasing pressure via the relief valve.

2. Always adjust both sides synchronously to ensure consistent tension on the left and right tracks.

Final verification:

1. After adjustment, drive the equipment forward and backward several times on a flat surface to distribute track tension evenly.

2. Re-measure and fine-tune the tension to the upper mid-range of the standard value (for worn old tracks, it is recommended to lean toward the upper limit to compensate for link clearance).

3. Perform a slow left and right steering test: check if the abnormal noise disappears, and observe if the track derails and resets smoothly.

Core Tips

1. If abnormal noise persists after adjusting the tension to the standard range, inspect for excessive wear on track links/bushings (measure if the track link pitch exceeds the standard), damaged bearings in the idler wheel/top roller, or missing connecting pins on the track shoes.

2. After each adjustment, be sure to clean and cover the dust caps of the grease nipples and relief valves to prevent contamination from entering.

Adhering to the principle of "measure first, judge second, adjust last" ensures accurate and efficient resolution of most track chain noise issues, avoiding premature component damage and safety risks caused by blind adjustment.