Drivetrain of Construction Machines - Preparation for Safe and Efficient Work

How to effectively prepare the machine?

The drivetrain of every construction machine requires special care, as its efficiency determines whether the equipment will be ready for work at all.

Proper maintenance and regular servicing of drivetrain components are therefore necessary - fortunately, consistency helps to avoid costly breakdowns.

Tires and rims – the foundation to start with

We start the inspection of the drivetrain system with the tires. This is often overlooked until they actually refuse to cooperate any further.

Remember that tires must be selected primarily for the type of terrain on which our machine operates. For example, a loader working in a mine or quarry should be fitted with rock tires.

Regularly check the tread condition and never use tires of a different size than recommended by the machine manufacturer. It's also worth examining the rims, as in older machines, there may be bent holes that cause slight wheel play and, as a result, the axles are exposed to damage.

Pay close attention to the condition of the undercarriage

When inspecting the undercarriage, be sure to check all seals. Even a small leak, e.g., from the axle seal, can eventually cause a breakdown. Also, check the oil level in the differential.

Particular attention should be paid to drive shafts and universal joints, which must be properly tightened, as this is a matter of operator safety and machine efficiency.

If you have a tracked machine, the basic operational and service task is to inspect the condition of the tracks (and find any damage) and track rollers. Any alarming sounds coming from this area may indicate a malfunction.

The drive motors also require regular inspection - an experienced operator will surely notice whether both tracks are operating evenly. If not, these components should be the first suspicion.

Consistency pays off

Regardless of the type of drivetrain observed, after the engine of the machine has warmed up, we check if the drive performance does not decrease, as this is a common problem with neglected and aged machines.

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