The demand and use of mini excavators has hugely expanded since they first came onto the scene in the early 1970s. The compact design with its wide range of attachments and multiple bucket sizes, makes it ideal for a range of functions where lighter equipment is needed for smaller earthwork operations. So what are the main benefits of using these versatile excavators? Agility: One of the main reasons why many operators prefer the mini excavator is because of its ability to work in confined spaces. They can access many areas that a larger excavator can't and are often a lot more precise. Ease of use: Most operators can learn to use a mini excavator very quickly. Its responsive and easy-to-use controls make it simple to operate. If you have used a standard excavator before then operating a mini excavator is an even simpler task. Transportation: Mini excavators are a lot less expensive to transport around than larger excavators. They are easy to transport by trailer which also decreases the logistical cost and hassle. Damage Limitation: In general, because the mini excavator is lighter, it causes less damage to its working environment. Many are fitted with Rubber tracks to prevent churning up the ground in environments where damage to operating surfaces needs to be prevented as much as possible. Financial Savings: Operating a mini excavator instead of a larger one can save money in many operations. Its smaller engine consumes less fuel and any spare parts are often less expensive and easier to fit. Excavator Parts Direct supply a wide range of undercarriage wearing parts for almost all mini excavator on the market. See our full range Here
There are many factors that you may want to consider before making the decision to use steel or rubber tracks for your mini excavator. Whilst the obvious factor for many operators is price, there are also other considerations to take note of such as durability and the application of the machine. See the main factors below that we think are important to consider before making your decision. 1. Cost - In general rubber tracks are cheaper than steel which makes them seem like a better option. However rubber tracks are also more likely to wear quicker meaning that they will have to be replaced more often in the long run which can get expensive and increase the machine downtime. 2. Ground Erosion - Rubber Tracks cause less erosion or damage than steel tracks on most terrain due the increased flexibility and softer rubber compounds. 3. Vibration - Rubber tracks reduce vibration which in turn means less strain on the undercarriage components. Rubber tracks also are not as noisy as the clattering of steel tracks. Both of these factors also increases operator comfort. 4. Durability - Steel tracks excel when it comes to durability. Rubber tracks are more prone to be cut and torn by sharp terrain whereas with steel tracks, the strong, tough material is highly unlikely to be affected. 5. Traction - Both steel and rubber tracks are highly mobile and provide excellent traction on most terrain. On relatively smooth, dry surfaces such as concrete, turf or asphalt, rubber tracks have the advantage. However steel tracks give superior traction on harsher terrain such as extremely rocky or wet, muddy terrain. Here at Excavator Parts Direct we stock a full range of both Rubber Tracks and Steel Tracks for a wide range of mini Excavators.
A worn Sprocket on your excavator can cause significant damage to the other undercarriage components - especially the tracks. How do I check the wear on the Sprockets? Although accelerated wear on the sprockets is not common, it is essential that this component should be checked often for signs of damage or wear. To check the wear on a Sprocket the main area to check is the teeth that engage with the track on your machine. If the Sprocket is worn, the teeth will be more pointed and sharp whereas a good Sprocket will have more rounded teeth. This is shown in the two examples below. It is especially important to check the Sprockets when changing the tracks on your machine. A worn sprocket will accelerate wear on the track links and cause your tracks to wear in significantly less time. We would always recommend to change your sprockets when you fit a new set of tracks to your machine as not only does this save the time and cost of fitting them but also will prevent premature wear and extend the up-time of your excavator. Here at Excavator Parts Direct we offer a full range of mini excavator Sprockets See our full range Here
Measuring the size of the Rubber Tracks on your excavator is not as difficult as many people think! Due the the vast range of excavators being manufactured, the range of Rubber Track sizes has also increased considerably making it very important that you choose the correct size. We have compiled a step by step guide below including diagrams to take you through the process of measuring your Tracks to ensure you order the correct size for your excavator. Step 1: Width - Simply measure from edge to edge on the outside of the track. This measurement is always given in millimetres. (eg. 230mm) Step 2: Pitch - This measurement is the distance from the centre of one link to the centre of the next link on your track. This measurement is also given in millimetres. (eg. 96mm) Step 3: Links - This measurement is simply the number of links (or lugs) in the track (eg. 31 links). A link is the metal bar that engages round the sprocket to drive the machine. These three measurements combine together to make the Track size - in the examples above the size is 230 x 96 x 31. The track size is usually stamped into the rubber on the inside of your Rubber Tracks. At Excavator Parts Direct we stock a full range of Rubber Tracks from 130mm wide right up to a massive 800mm wide. See our full range of Rubber Tracks Here.