Hitachi EX60 URG Track Guide Shoe Wear and Undercarriage Optimization

[MikePhua]

The EX60 URG and Hitachi’s Compact Excavator Lineage
The Hitachi EX60 URG is a compact hydraulic excavator designed for urban construction, utility trenching, and precision grading. Part of Hitachi’s EX series, the EX60 URG was engineered to meet the demands of confined workspaces while maintaining the durability and hydraulic finesse of larger models. With an operating weight around 6 metric tons and a dig depth exceeding 3.7 meters, it became a popular choice in Asia and Europe for its maneuverability and serviceability.
Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970, built its reputation on robust undercarriage systems and efficient hydraulic platforms. The EX60 URG features a steel track undercarriage with sealed rollers, tensioning idlers, and track guide shoes—components that play a critical role in maintaining alignment and reducing wear.
Function and Importance of Track Guide Shoes
Track guide shoes, also known as track guards or track guides, are bolted to the track frame and positioned between the track chains. Their primary function is to prevent lateral movement of the track links, keeping the track aligned with the rollers and sprockets.
Key benefits include:

• Reduced risk of track derailment
  
• Minimized wear on rollers and sprockets
  
• Improved stability during turning or slope work
  
• Enhanced operator control and machine responsiveness
  

On the EX60 URG, guide shoes are typically mounted near the front idler and rear sprocket, where lateral forces are highest. Their design includes hardened steel edges and a contoured profile to match the track pitch.
Common Wear Patterns and Failure Modes
Track guide shoes are subject to constant friction and impact, especially in abrasive or uneven terrain. Common wear patterns include:

• Edge rounding from sidewall contact
  
• Bolt hole elongation due to vibration
  
• Cracking from repeated shock loads
  
• Surface scoring from gravel and debris
  
• Misalignment caused by bent mounting brackets
  

Operators may notice increased track slap, uneven travel, or difficulty maintaining straight lines when guide shoes are worn or missing. In one case, a contractor in Malaysia reported frequent derailments on his EX60 URG while trenching in clay. Inspection revealed that two guide shoes had fractured and detached, allowing the track to drift under load.
Inspection and Replacement Strategy
To maintain undercarriage integrity, guide shoes should be inspected every 250 operating hours or monthly in high-duty cycles. Key inspection points include:

• Visual check for cracks, bends, or missing bolts
  
• Measurement of shoe thickness and edge profile
  
• Verification of bolt torque and bracket alignment
  
• Comparison of wear between left and right sides
  

Replacement steps:

• Remove track tension using grease valve or idler release
  
• Unbolt worn guide shoes and clean mounting surfaces
  
• Install new shoes with hardened bolts and lock washers
  
• Torque bolts to spec (typically 120–150 ft-lbs)
  
• Re-tension track and test alignment during travel
  

A technician in Alberta replaced all guide shoes on an EX60 URG after noticing uneven roller wear. The machine’s tracking improved immediately, and roller lifespan increased by 30%.
Material Selection and Aftermarket Options
OEM guide shoes are typically made from heat-treated steel with a Brinell hardness rating above 300. Aftermarket options may include:

• Hardened cast steel for extreme conditions
  
• Bolt-on wear strips for extended service life
  
• Polyurethane-coated shoes for noise reduction
  
• Reinforced brackets for high-impact applications
  

When selecting replacements:

• Match shoe profile to track pitch and chain width
  
• Verify bolt spacing and bracket compatibility
  
• Choose materials suited to terrain (e.g., clay vs. granite)
  
• Consider upgrading to dual guide shoes for added stability
  

A fleet manager in Texas retrofitted his EX60 URG with dual guide shoes and reported improved performance on sloped grading projects.
Preventive Maintenance and Long-Term Care
To extend guide shoe life and reduce undercarriage wear:

• Clean track frame and shoes daily to remove debris
  
• Avoid sharp turns on hard surfaces
  
• Maintain proper track tension (1–2 inches of sag)
  
• Inspect rollers and sprockets for lateral scoring
  
• Document shoe replacements and wear intervals
  

Use of track guards in combination with guide shoes can further reduce lateral movement and protect the undercarriage during aggressive digging.
Field Stories and Practical Solutions
In 2022, a utility crew in Ontario experienced repeated track derailments on their EX60 URG during winter trenching. After replacing worn guide shoes and adjusting track tension, the issue was resolved. They later added a monthly undercarriage inspection protocol and reduced downtime by 40%.
Another example comes from a vineyard in Chile, where an EX60 URG was used for irrigation trenching. The operator noticed excessive vibration during travel. Inspection revealed that one guide shoe had cracked and shifted. Replacing the shoe and reinforcing the bracket restored smooth operation.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Track guide shoes are essential wear parts that preserve alignment, reduce stress on undercarriage components, and improve machine stability. On the Hitachi EX60 URG, maintaining these shoes is critical to long-term performance and safety.
Recommendations include:

• Inspect guide shoes monthly and replace when worn or cracked
  
• Use hardened steel or reinforced aftermarket options for durability
  
• Maintain proper track tension and clean mounting surfaces
  
• Upgrade to dual guide shoes if operating in high-impact terrain
  
• Document wear patterns and align replacements with roller service intervals
  

With consistent care and strategic upgrades, the EX60 URG remains a precise and reliable compact excavator—ready to dig, grade, and trench with confidence across varied terrain.