4 hours ago
Understanding Track Problems on the Hitachi 35-2 Excavator
The Hitachi 35-2 excavator, like many compact hydraulic excavators, relies heavily on a well-functioning undercarriage and track system for efficient mobility and operational precision. Track issues can manifest as uneven movement, difficulty in steering, abnormal noise, or even complete failure to track properly—leading to job site delays, increased wear, and costly repairs.
Common track problems on this model often relate to roller wear, track tensioning failures, hydraulic system anomalies affecting travel motors, and sometimes electrical or mechanical component misconfigurations.
Key Symptoms of Track Issues
One owner of a Hitachi 35-2 experienced severe pulling to the right. After thorough testing, it was determined that one hydraulic pump output was slightly higher, causing that track to move faster. A temporary hydraulic line coupling to balance output flow allowed the machine to track straight until permanent motor repairs were made.
Another case involved track pins working loose as c-clips vanished. A quick welding-based clamp was fabricated to hold pins securely and keep the excavator operational while waiting for awaiting OEM parts.
Similarly, a jobsite reported slow movement caused by seized rollers packed with dirt and rust. After servicing and replacing the rollers, track responsiveness was restored, and noise diminished drastically.
Additional Practical Tips
Track issues on the Hitachi 35-2 excavator typically stem from roller wear or seizure, track tension failures, hydraulic motor or pump imbalances, and electrical or mechanical control faults. A systematic inspection encompassing the mechanical undercarriage, hydraulic systems, and electrical controls is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Effective repairs involve servicing or replacing worn rollers, restoring proper track tension, balancing hydraulic flow to travel motors, and securing track pins adequately. Temporary fixes like hose line swapping or welding pin clamps can keep the machine operational but should be followed by permanent repair actions.
Proactive maintenance practices, including regular lubrication, cleaning, and hydraulic system care, coupled with attentive operator handling, can minimize track-related issues and maximize the Hitachi 35-2 excavator’s performance and uptime.
This comprehensive approach ensures smooth operation, precise movement, and longevity in challenging working conditions, transforming potential downtime into reliable productivity.
The Hitachi 35-2 excavator, like many compact hydraulic excavators, relies heavily on a well-functioning undercarriage and track system for efficient mobility and operational precision. Track issues can manifest as uneven movement, difficulty in steering, abnormal noise, or even complete failure to track properly—leading to job site delays, increased wear, and costly repairs.
Common track problems on this model often relate to roller wear, track tensioning failures, hydraulic system anomalies affecting travel motors, and sometimes electrical or mechanical component misconfigurations.
Key Symptoms of Track Issues
- Excavator veering or pulling strongly to one side during travel
- Difficulty moving straight or maintaining directional control
- Slow or weak travel motor response on one track
- Hard-to-turn rollers causing abnormal resistance and possible noise
- Track slack or improper tension causing track derailment or increased wear
- Missing or malfunctioning controls such as the 2-speed button affecting track speed settings
- Seized or Hard-to-Turn Rollers: Rollers supporting the track chain can wear out or seize due to lack of lubrication or contamination. This increases friction and strain on the track system.
- Track Tension Issues: The track tensioner assembly, often a hydraulic cylinder and spring mechanism, maintains proper track slack. Leaks or failures in seals within this assembly lead to slack tracks that reduce control and accelerate wear.
- Travel Motor and Pump Output Imbalance: The excavator’s travel is powered by two separate hydraulic motors/pumps feeding each track. A difference in output pressure or flow causes one track to move faster, making the machine pull to one side.
- Control System and Electrical Problems: Malfunctioning switches (such as an unhooked or broken 2-speed button) or faulty wiring can impact speed control and track performance.
- Track Pins and Clips: Worn or loose track pins and missing c-clips allow tracks to loosen or come apart, requiring immediate intervention.
- Rollers: Cylindrical components supporting the track chain and allowing it to roll smoothly under the machine.
- Track Tensioner: Hydraulic or spring-loaded device maintaining proper tension on the track.
- Travel Motor: Hydraulic motor driving each track independently.
- Hydraulic Pump: Supplies pressurized fluid to the travel motors.
- 2-Speed Button: Control switch that enables switching between low and high-speed travel modes.
- C-Clip: Small clip locking the track pin in place to secure track chains.
- Visual and Physical Inspection: Check rollers for seizure or excessive wear. Rotate rollers by hand or with the machine lifted to detect resistance.
- Check Track Tension: Inspect the tensioner for leaks or hydraulic fluid loss. Verify proper adjustment to avoid loose or overly tight tracks.
- Test Hydraulic Functions:
- Use pressure gauges to test hydraulic flow and pressure to each travel motor.
- Swap hydraulic hoses for the tracks to see if the pulling side changes, indicating pump or motor imbalance.
- Use pressure gauges to test hydraulic flow and pressure to each travel motor.
- Inspect Electrical Controls: Verify if the 2-speed button and other travel control buttons are properly connected and functional.
- Examine Track Pins and Clips: Inspect for missing or damaged c-clips and loose pins, which can cause track instability.
- Roller Service and Replacement: Lubricate or replace seized or worn rollers promptly to reduce strain on the undercarriage and avoid further component damage.
- Repair or Rebuild Track Tensioner: Replace defective seals or the entire tensioner assembly to restore proper track adjustment and avoid slack issues.
- Balance Hydraulic Flow: Address travel motor or pump imbalances by repairing or rebuilding the faulty motor, replacing worn pump components, or coupling lines to equalize flow as a temporary fix.
- Reconnect or Repair Controls: Fix wiring or switch connections to ensure full functionality of speed and directional controls.
- Secure Track Pins: Replace missing c-clips and hammer pins back into place; temporary welding solutions can be applied cautiously to hold pins until proper parts arrive.
One owner of a Hitachi 35-2 experienced severe pulling to the right. After thorough testing, it was determined that one hydraulic pump output was slightly higher, causing that track to move faster. A temporary hydraulic line coupling to balance output flow allowed the machine to track straight until permanent motor repairs were made.
Another case involved track pins working loose as c-clips vanished. A quick welding-based clamp was fabricated to hold pins securely and keep the excavator operational while waiting for awaiting OEM parts.
Similarly, a jobsite reported slow movement caused by seized rollers packed with dirt and rust. After servicing and replacing the rollers, track responsiveness was restored, and noise diminished drastically.
Additional Practical Tips
- Regularly clean and lubricate undercarriage components to prevent dirt buildup and corrosion.
- Monitor hydraulic fluid cleanliness and consistently replace filters to avoid damage to travel motors and pumps.
- When replacing parts, always use genuine or high-quality aftermarket components to ensure longevity.
- Maintain a log of undercarriage inspections and repairs to anticipate component life cycles.
- Operator training on smooth track acceleration and minimizing harsh turns can extend component lifespan.
Track issues on the Hitachi 35-2 excavator typically stem from roller wear or seizure, track tension failures, hydraulic motor or pump imbalances, and electrical or mechanical control faults. A systematic inspection encompassing the mechanical undercarriage, hydraulic systems, and electrical controls is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Effective repairs involve servicing or replacing worn rollers, restoring proper track tension, balancing hydraulic flow to travel motors, and securing track pins adequately. Temporary fixes like hose line swapping or welding pin clamps can keep the machine operational but should be followed by permanent repair actions.
Proactive maintenance practices, including regular lubrication, cleaning, and hydraulic system care, coupled with attentive operator handling, can minimize track-related issues and maximize the Hitachi 35-2 excavator’s performance and uptime.
This comprehensive approach ensures smooth operation, precise movement, and longevity in challenging working conditions, transforming potential downtime into reliable productivity.
