I see guys using rubber tracked machines in the woods actually logging and I cringe, figured I would ask and see if any of you are having issues ? I've got just over 1500hrs, on the 2nd set with no bad rollers, good sprockets, I've changed 1 worn idler but nothing that says "faulty". track tension is correct, doesnt matter, the minute you get near a rock or a stump this thing has a track off. Tracks aren't torn up, sort of shaking my head about this one and getting good at putting tracks back on. 😂
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/34634/20180914_162156.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1537240669)
Would a set of rock guards and bear paws help?
I pulled both tracks off last week when we changed the back idler, no slop in the front, movement, nothing. In wet decent ground the thing is an animal, we do probably 20+ septics a yr siwith it, you get into rough rocky ground or near a stump, throws a track immediately. I'm just wondering because I see guys on FB literally skidding with them and claim no issues. 😂
If they have come off enough times to deform where the track engages the sprocket, it may help to rotate them side to side.
Never had a problem with my ASV 110.
Cat 299D2 XHP that I used back in 2014 for a bit had track issue occasionally but not that bad, nothing like you mention.
My ASV has been bullet proof. Now having said that I will have a track problem.
I do forestry mulching in some god-awful conditions and throwing a track is the least of my worries most of the time.
We run 2 Cat 299D2 XHPs and have had a few tracks off here and there, especially pre-commercial thinning...all those little stubs are tough on tracks. Our better operators recognize the track is coming off and can usually save it by backing up...our ham-fisted meathead operators are a different story. it's usually "This thing's a piece of crap, I was just trying to get some work done and the track fell off...again" ::) :D
I've worked with guys like that, they typically feel that they are such superior operators that they can't take any tips from the guys that say, don't have their tracks falling off.
I see one website refers to the New Holland, John Deere etc as compact track loaders (CTL) and the ASV, Terex, Cat as multi terrain loaders (MTL) with the torsion bar idlers etc.
1) Maybe ask summit rubber tracks if they can recommend a better track design & construction amongst the many available e.g multi-bar?
2) Steel tracks should not flex as much as rubber, but harder on machine, operator and pavement - duroforce (guess you know about the steel track cats (after the rubber tracks wore too quickly) and supertrak etc)
DuroForce Steel Track Conversion for Track Loader - YouTube (https://youtu.be/v2i88BOy2wY)
CTLs if you compare the John Deere and the New Holland - JD runs a wide front and rear idler (maybe the wide idler holds the track better as it loops around the front and rear idler?) compared to the New Holland which have a narrow front and rear idler?)
JD 333G with mulcher (
DAF-180D - John Deere 333G - DENISCIMAF.com - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YklhS8egSg)
Is yours rigid bottom rolls or are they suspended?