4 hours ago
The Drott 40 crawler excavator is a classic machine cherished for its durability but often faces challenges related to track system performance. One common and frustrating issue is uneven track engagement or the machine failing to track straight, which can hinder productivity and operator control.
Typical Track Problems
Operators note that perfect straight-line tracking is rare in used or heavily used excavators due to natural component wear and manufacturing tolerances. Machines with over 1000 hours commonly show some drift. A balanced approach accepts minor imperfections but addresses significant faults impacting work quality.
Summary
Drott 40 track issues typically stem from hydraulic flow inconsistencies caused by pump, motor, valve, or swivel joint faults. Systematic swapping and testing isolate the problem source efficiently. Repairing or replacing compromised components restores reliable tracking performance, ensuring safer, more productive machine operation. Understanding the hydraulic and mechanical dynamics is key to managing this common challenge in classic crawler excavators.
Typical Track Problems
- One track may not engage properly, causing the machine to veer or lose traction on one side.
- Uneven wear or damage in travel motors, idler wheels, or valve systems can cause inconsistent track speeds.
- Hydraulic pressure imbalances between the two travel motors are a frequent root cause.
- Control valves or the swivel joint can develop faults, disrupting hydraulic flow to the tracks.
- Mechanical issues like stuck valves, broken piston rings in travel motors, or worn idler wheel bearings contribute to poor track performance.
- Swap hydraulic lines at the travel motors to determine if the problem shifts sides—if it does, the issue likely lies in the pump or supply lines; if not, it’s a motor or undercarriage problem.
- Inspect and test travel motors using K-strain or pressure tests to check internal motor health.
- Check the condition and smooth operation of the swivel joint, which allows hydraulic flow through the rotating upper structure.
- Verify control valve spool condition; while commonly not the primary cause, worn valve bodies can cause leaks.
- Couple travel motor lines to ensure equal flow in one direction and observe track behavior, acknowledging this disables turning.
- Swivel Joint: A hydraulic rotary union allowing fluid flow to the rotating upper structure without hose twisting.
- Travel Motor: Hydraulic motor driving the tracks independently on each side.
- K-Strain Test: A diagnostic test on travel motors checking internal leakage or seal wear.
- Control Valve Spool: A sliding component directing hydraulic fluid flow within valves.
- Idler Wheel: A leading or trailing wheel in the undercarriage supporting and guiding the track.
- Hydraulic Pump: Supplies pressurized fluid to the travel motors.
- Confirm whether the pump produces even flow; imbalances usually necessitate pump repair or replacement.
- Repair or replace faulty travel motors, paying attention to seals and internal components.
- Maintain or overhaul the swivel joint to ensure leak-free fluid delivery.
- Consider installing control systems to couple motor lines for straight travel during longer moves, accepting limited steering.
- Regular maintenance of hydraulic systems and undercarriage parts extends machine life and reliability.
Operators note that perfect straight-line tracking is rare in used or heavily used excavators due to natural component wear and manufacturing tolerances. Machines with over 1000 hours commonly show some drift. A balanced approach accepts minor imperfections but addresses significant faults impacting work quality.
Summary
Drott 40 track issues typically stem from hydraulic flow inconsistencies caused by pump, motor, valve, or swivel joint faults. Systematic swapping and testing isolate the problem source efficiently. Repairing or replacing compromised components restores reliable tracking performance, ensuring safer, more productive machine operation. Understanding the hydraulic and mechanical dynamics is key to managing this common challenge in classic crawler excavators.
