# Preparing the Drive System of a Construction Machine for Efficient and Trouble-Free Operation

> Discover how to effectively prepare a construction machine for work. Learn about the importance of undercarriage maintenance, tire and rim checks, and the need for regular servicing. Understand the significance of consistent checks on drive engines and the impact of overlooking minor faults. A must-read for anyone involved in construction equipment maintenance.

### How to effectively prepare a machine?

The undercarriage of each construction machine **requires special care**, as its efficiency determines whether the equipment will be ready to work at all.

**Proper maintenance** and **regular servicing** of the system's elements is therefore a necessity - fortunately, consistency allows to avoid costly breakdowns.

### Tires and rims - the basis to start with

We start the review of the **undercarriage** condition with **tires**. This is an element often overlooked until the moment it actually refuses to cooperate further.

Remember that tires must be primarily matched to the type of ground our machine moves on. A loader working in a mine or gravel pit should therefore be fitted with **rock tires**.

We should also regularly check the **tread condition** and never use tires of a different size than recommended by the **machine manufacturer**. It is also worth taking a closer look at the rims, as in old machines there are punched out holes that cause a slight wheel play and as a result, the axles are exposed to damage.

![dump truck tire](https://wibako.com/media/articles/article-128/wheel-3853539-1280.webp)

### Pay close attention to the condition of the chassis

When looking under the chassis, be sure to check all seals. Even a minor leak, e.g. from a **bridge seal**, can eventually cause a breakdown. Also check the **oil level in the differential**.

Particular attention should be paid to **drive shafts and crosses**, which must be properly tightened, as this is a matter of operator safety and efficient machine operation.

If we have a tracked machine, the basic **operational and service activity** is to check the condition of the tracks (and find any damage) and bell housings. Any disturbing sounds coming from the vicinity of this element may indicate a breakdown.

Regular checks are also required for **drive engines** - an experienced operator will certainly pay attention to whether both tracks work evenly. If it is different, the first suspicion should fall on these elements.

![wheel loader](https://wibako.com/media/articles/article-128/gianluigi-marin-kgbbhr7wfyc-unsplash.webp)

### Consistency is worth the price

Regardless of the **type of undercarriage** we observe, whether the machine's engine **performance does not decrease** after heating up, as this is a common ailment of neglected and old machines.

Regular servicing of construction equipment always pays off. A harmless fault is **easy and cheap** to repair, but trivializing it almost always leads to unpleasant consequences for the wallet and immobilization of the equipment for a longer period.

Published: 2024-03-26

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Source: https://wibako.com/about-us/blog/128-preparing-the-drive-system-of-a-construction-machine-for-efficient-and-trouble-free-operation
Contact: +48338704200, biuro@wibako.pl