This is why you are not getting the life out of the Cat D6 and D5 under carriage as compared to other series of machines.
I am a contractor who has worked with heavy equipment for over 45 years. I am also a heavy duty mechanic with a passion for heavy equipment.
Over the years, I have seen a lot of different problems that I have repaired. I have also rebuilt a lot of caterpillar equipment. I have seen a lot of changes through the years with new designs and technology changes. I have spent over 45 years operating and repairing Caterpillar equipment and every problem or repair has a reason. For each problem I do a failure analysis and repair the problem. I try to prevent a reoccurence. Over the years, I noticed we have had a reoccuring problem on the high drive of D6 and D5 Caterpillar crawlers, with the track link assembly failure and final drive failing prematurely. I also noticed we would get track frame structural problems. I and others have tried different manufacturers on the track link assembly, but they would also fail prematurely.
On the Caterpillar D6 and D5 high drive, the drive is built with a larger outer flange to hold the gear carrier. The outside of the track link will run between the outer flange and the sproket drive. The link has a clearance of about .75 inches between the bottom of the link and drive hub. When working in moist soil, snow, or mud the soil or material packs in the void area and forces the link to flex when running around the drive sprocket. The material will keep packing up and will allow the drive sprocket to skip in the link and shock the drive gears internally and premature failure occurs.
When the track link comes around the sprocket with material lifting one side of the link, it creates side flex in the link pin and bushing, (which has oil in it) and will allow the oil to sweat out. Once the link goes dry the track fails. By having the link side up on one side, it forces it to run off centre. You then will see the sprocket runs tight to the outside on the inside of the link, which will press the debris into the seal part of the bushing. This will also make it fail prematurely.
It is hard to create an undercarriage that can be compatible to all geographical areas in the world. However, the Clear Track Accessory kit can be a solution to increase your cost efficiency in geographical enviroments that have moist soil, snow, or mud.
OUR JOURNEY STARTED FOR A SOLUTION
THERE WAS A NEED FOR A PRODUCT LIKE CLEARTRACK IN THE MARKET
Like you, I was tired of seeing premature failure and having to replace tracks and undercarriage parts on my Cats.
After more than ten years of research, development, and testing, I created and patented the ClearTrack Accessory.
Since then, we have been growing and helping contractors across various industries by providing the ClearTrack solution to their specific needs.
We are based in the
Western Canadian Prairies
WE HAVE BUILT A LOYAL CUSTOMER BASE
From the beginning, we have always been committed to serving our customers, and this dedication has been the driving force behind our success. Even as we continue to grow, we remain true to our values, and our customers remain our top priority.
WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR PRODUCT AND THE IMPACT IT HAS HAD ON THE CONTRACTING INDUSTRY
Time is money. No contractor wants any lengthy amount of down time on their machine. When premature failure happens, not only is the contractor facing lengthy down time, but also the expense of having to replace internal parts and new tracks on their machine.
As a contractor, we know this concern, and are constantly striving to improve and innovate to meet the needs of our customers.
With our experience, expertise, and commitment to quality, we are confident that we will continue to provide valuable industry solutions for years to come.