I'm getting what I think is snow/ice build up on my tracks that results in periodic loud BANGS on the tracks. It's not a good sound, and I'm wondering if it will cause damage. It's like the track is skipping. I can see the slack coming out of the tracks prior to the bang and skip. All this is while clearing deep, heavy snow. Is it OK to just keep running with this?
What machine are you using???? Might help to loosen up the tracks some,but need to be careful you don't loosen them to much. The snow is compacting in the rails and sprocket area,causing the tracks to be to tight,those compressing the track recoil spring. I have had it do it in dry dirt when clearing trees grubbing out the roots at base and not moving the machine back and fore very far. Normally sounds worst then it is.But you could break the recoil spring if not careful. They made pads that has holes in the top of the pad to help with the compacted snow, soil and dirt.Sure someone else will help with more info.Good luck:usa
Thanks - It's a D5G
Track Ice build up Wet snow compacted becomes ice. It sticks to the pocket between the bushings and rails, where the sprocket tooth goes. Normally it just drops out when traveling. But under certain conditions it just stays there and builds up. Causing the track to get tighter and tighter. Then the recoil spring is forced in, and when the ice breaks under pressure, the track tension is released, and recoil spring moves forward. Snap Bang,Snap Bang,Snap Bang, is the noise heard. Its the sprocket tooth entering the pocket, as the ice breaks and the recoil spring extending. In prolonged winter operations, holes must be cut in the pads to allow the ice and snow to escape, relieving the pressure. Running loose tracks helps, but watch it, not too long.Prolonged loose tracks dramatically increase wear rates. In REAL cold temps it's not a problem.
Twisted, Constructo hit right on the head about the tracks running compacted. You need to find out what the specs are for track tension and set your track at that specific setting for packed tracks (rails). We run our D6R at 4 inches of slack. If I run in mud then the rails become compacted and we have to put slack back in the tracks to compensate for the compacted rails. Hope this helps. I know it sounds alot worse than it is.
Everyone is right, the holes in the center of the pad is the way too go. Most times you will notice the snapping when you have the blade angled and the windrow side is picking up the snow because the blade is actually not wide enough to throw the snow far enough away. So when pushing heavier windrows, slighty angle your blade in, snow does roll off as well, but it will stop the banging and snapping. When the windrow starts to flow back over the inside edge, just turn to the windrow and unload the blade, and start again. Takes a little more time, but is better than listening to the noise or fixing.