Australian Earthmoving – June 2018

MAINTENANCE

AUSTRALIANEARTHMOVING.COM.AU 68

Another good question to ask is whether the

vibration only seems to occur in a certain range of

speed. A vibration that is most apparent within a

certain speed range is a pretty classic symptom

of either a wheel or tyre being out-of-round, as

the vibration harmonic reaches a point where it

modulates and overcomes the suspension’s ability

to damp it out.

Do remember, however, that these are guidelines

rather than hard diagnoses; it’s certainly possible

for a bent front wheel to shake the seat more than

the steering wheel, and it’s also possible for a bad

alignment or sloppy front end to mimic any of these

types of vibrations. You’ll need to get the wheels off

the machine to get hard data, but getting this basic

information gives you a good place to start.

What about track based equipment?

In the case of rubber tracks I’ve noticed recently

positive feedback on multi block tread designs for

Compact Track Loaders, or tracked skidsteers. The

circumference of a rolling tyre is much different

to the “rolling angles” of a CTL rubber track on

a tracked loader. The broad footprint of a “large

block” tread design (also referred to as mono block,

C-pattern or H- pattern) is a much greater area to

roll the sharp undercarriage angles.

Tracks such as CAMSO’s B pattern found in the CTL

SD Superior duty range have multi block design

essential design for lower ground impact for all

season use. However feedback from customers

promotes that the smaller tread pattern design

along with the open gap between the lugs provides

a much softer ride. Particularly on hard or compact

ground at higher travel speeds.

The greater flex of the B type tread design intern

delivers lower vibration and a smoother ride for

the operators in general use. Optimising the tread

pattern still provides a great contact area whilst

provide excellent traction.

The Wrap.

Many vibration issues need to be checked, and

most are normally fixable, via a good mechanical

diagnosis. Off-the-road equipment is certainly

less sensitive to vibration that a road tyre that is

normally traveling at high speeds on a very good

road surface. Nevertheless an issue relating to

vibration will drive an operator bonkers especially if

they are in the cab for long shifts.

Mechanical issues aside; one of the simplest trials

you can conduct is by matching tyres and tracks

to the surface of your normal operating conditions.

Leading manufactures of off-road tyres and rubber

tracks normally provide information on their

products such as vibration tests, manoeuvrability

tests, braking tests or even just On-road/Off-road

percentage use of the product. If you can improve

the operator comfort and maintain or improve

running costs you’re on a winner.