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Undercarriage Maintenance: Extending the Life of Your Heavy Machinery

When it comes to earthmoving and construction equipment, the undercarriage does the heavy lifting — quite literally. It supports the entire weight of your machine and faces constant wear from demanding site conditions. Proper undercarriage maintenance is essential for reducing downtime, improving performance, and getting the maximum lifespan from your investment.

Why Earthmoving Machinery Why Undercarriage Maintenance Matters

The undercarriage accounts for up to 50% of a machine’s lifetime maintenance costs. Neglecting it can lead to premature wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and costly repairs. Regular inspection and timely replacement of key undercarriage parts — such as track chains, rollers, idlers, and sprockets — ensure your machinery continues to perform at its best.

Common Signs of Undercarriage Wear

Identifying wear early helps prevent small issues from turning into major failures. Keep an eye out for:

  • Uneven or excessive track tension
  • Worn or cracked track shoes
  • Flattened or chipped sprocket teeth
  • Loose or noisy rollers and idlers
  • Vibration or instability when operating

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time for a detailed inspection or professional service.

Factors That Affect Undercarriage Life

Several factors influence how quickly undercarriage components wear:

  • Site conditions: Mud, gravel, rock, and sand all cause different types of wear.
  • Operator habits: Sharp turns, over-speeding, and uneven terrain increase stress.
  • Maintenance routine: Regular cleaning and tension adjustments dramatically reduce wear.
  • Part quality: Using high-quality OEM or ITR® undercarriage parts ensures better performance and longer lifespan.

Tips to Extend Undercarriage Lifespan

  1. Clean regularly: Dirt and debris act like sandpaper, accelerating wear on moving parts.
  2. Check track tension: Both over-tight and loose tracks can cause damage.
  3. Inspect frequently: Look for early signs of wear, misalignment, or oil leaks.
  4. Rotate components: Turn or replace track pins and bushings when required to maintain even wear.
  5. Use quality parts: MST supplies genuine ITR® undercarriage components for all machine types — from mini excavators to large mining machines.

Why Choose MST for Undercarriage Parts and Support

As the UK’s largest undercarriage parts supplier and manufacturer, MST provides expert advice, top-quality components, and national support. With over 50 years in the industry, our team ensures the correct replacement parts are supplied for your specific machine and site conditions.

Whether you need track chains, rollers, idlers, or sprockets, MST offers unrivalled availability and service to keep your machines moving.

Extend the life of your equipment with the right undercarriage maintenance and support from MST.
Request a quote today or contact your local MST Parts Group branch for expert guidance.