Skid Steer Track Tension Guide

I have seen compact track loaders with 3,000 hours on the original undercarriage and machines that needed a full rebuild at 1,000 hours. The difference in almost every case was track tension. A properly tensioned track distributes the machine weight evenly across the rollers, sprockets, and idlers. A mis-tensioned track concentrates the load on specific points, causing rapid wear in those areas and extending the life of everything else at the expense of those components.

The cost of getting it wrong is staggering. A full undercarriage replacement on a Bobcat T770 runs $6,000 to $10,000 for the track, sprockets, rollers, and idlers. A new final drive from track-related damage adds another $3,000 to $5,000. That is $15,000 in preventable damage. The adjustment takes five minutes and costs nothing. I tell my clients in Salt Lake City: the five-minute walk-around every morning is the most valuable part of your day.

Track tension also affects machine performance. A track that is too tight robs horsepower and fuel efficiency. The engine has to work harder to overcome the friction in the drivetrain. A track that is too loose causes the machine to wander and makes precise grading difficult. The operator will fight the machine all day, which leads to fatigue and reduced productivity. Proper tension makes the machine handle better and the operator more effective.

The standard method for checking track tension on a CTL is the sag measurement. Position the machine on level ground with the track cleared of debris. Lift the machine just enough to take the weight off the track—a few inches is plenty. Measure the sag at the midpoint between the front idler and the first carrier roller. Most manufacturers specify 1 to 2 inches of sag. Check your operator's manual for the exact spec for your model, because it varies between brands and machine sizes.

The second method is the lift test. On some machines, you can lift one side of the machine, grab the track at the midpoint, and lift. The track should lift 1 to 2 inches off the rollers before resistance is felt. If it lifts easily more than that, it is too loose. If you cannot lift it at all, it is too tight. I use both methods together for a cross-check. I have seen machines in Ogden where the sag measurement said the track was fine, but the lift test revealed that one carrier roller was seized, creating a false reading.

The third thing to check is even wear. Run the track forward and backward a few feet and look at the track lug pattern. If the lugs are wearing unevenly—more on one side than the other—the track is tracking to one side, which indicates a tension imbalance between the front and rear or a misaligned idler. I do a full undercarriage inspection at every PM visit, and I always measure track tension as part of that inspection. It takes two minutes and catches problems before they become expensive.

Track tension is adjusted through the grease fitting on the front idler. Pumping grease into the cylinder pushes the idler forward, tightening the track. Releasing grease allows the idler to move back, loosening the track. The process is simple but requires care. Always adjust in small increments and re-check the tension after each adjustment. Over-tightening is worse than running slightly loose, because excessive tension accelerates bearing and seal wear dramatically.

To loosen a track that is too tight, open the grease relief valve slowly. Grease will squirt out under pressure—wear safety glasses. Release small amounts and check the tension frequently. I cracked a relief valve on a Bobcat in Provo once and the grease shot 15 feet across the yard. It is under high pressure, so respect it. To tighten a loose track, pump grease in with a hand grease gun. Count the pumps and check tension after every three or four pumps.

Seasonal adjustment is important too. Track tension changes with temperature. In the summer, heat expands the track rubber and the undercarriage components, which can tighten the track. In the winter, cold contracts everything, which can loosen it. I recommend checking tension at the start of each season and adjusting as needed. If you run in snow or mud, the track will accumulate debris that affects tension. Clean the undercarriage thoroughly before adjusting. If you need help with track tension or any skid steer repair, give us a call.