The efficiency of lifting jobs is determined by crawler cranes, which operate in harsh conditions involving rough surfaces, abrasive materials, and heavy loads. Thus, track shoes need to be replaced frequently to ensure optimal performance of crawler cranes.
Importance of Replacing Track Shoes of Crawler Cranes
Crawler crane track shoes, or pads, grousers, are responsible for carrying the entire weight of the machine and providing ground contact. The main issues with those parts include:
Over-wear of grouser bars
Cracks or bends as a result of impacts
Bolt holes enlargement
Loose shoes because of loss of bolt tension
Neglecting this will cause derailment, misalignment, and even expensive repairs of chain links and sprockets.
Tools & Parts You Will Need
Before beginning the procedure, it is necessary to have the following items:
Replacement track shoes (original equipment or compatible spare part)
Impact wrench/torque wrench
Sockets and breaker bar
Hydraulic track jack or crane support stands
Anti-seize compound
High-strength bolts and nuts (grade 10.9 or higher)
PPE: gloves, steel-toed boots, safety goggles
Replacement of Track Shoes of Crane
Step 1: Safety Preparation
Park the crane on a flat and hard surface.
Engage all safety locks and release all the attachments to the ground.
Shut off the engine and depressurize hydraulic fluids.
Support the other track with blocks and cribbing the crane body.
Step 2: Lift the Track
Use a hydraulic jack to raise the track so that its shoes are lifted off the ground. Ensure that the support stands are set properly beneath the track frame.
Step 3: Removing Old Track Shoes
Remove old bolts and nuts using impact wrenches. Penetrating oil can help remove stubborn bolts.
Slide off the used shoe from the chain links.
Inspection of chain bushings, chain pins, and link rails must be done before installing the new shoes.
Step 4: Preparing New Shoes
Applying anti-seize compound to the bolts helps prevent bolt seizing in the future.
Ensure that the shoe holes align correctly with the link pad positions.
Step 5: Installation & Torquing
Mount the bolts and nuts on the new shoes.
Tightening should be gradual across from each other in a cross manner.
The torque value should be checked using a torque wrench (500-800 Nm).
Step 6: Final Checks
Repeat for all shoes on that track.
Lower the crane and remove supports.
Test the track by slowly rotating forward and backward, listening for unusual noise or misalignment.
Re-torque all bolts after 1–2 hours of operation.
Tips for Extended Track Shoe Life
Swap shoes in case of abrasive use (like sand and gravel).
Check for loose bolts by testing torque each week – this increases wear.
Keep tracks clean to eliminate any abrasive debris.
Always replace shoes in pairs for balanced wear.
