Cleaning Excavator Tracks Daily Is Worth the Effort

[MikePhua]

Why Mud Matters More Than You Think
Working in muddy conditions is unavoidable in earthmoving, especially during wet seasons. While some operators assume that dried mud will naturally fall off the tracks overnight, this belief can lead to costly damage. Mud packed into the undercarriage doesn’t just add weight—it interferes with the movement of critical components like carrier rollers, idlers, and sprockets. Over time, this can lead to premature wear, flat spots on rollers, and even seized components.
In one documented case, a Komatsu CD60 crawler dump returned from rental with a carrier roller worn flat on one side. The cause? Dirt buildup had jammed the roller, preventing it from turning. This wasn’t considered normal wear and tear—it was a preventable failure due to poor maintenance.
The Role of Carrier Rollers and Track Frames
Carrier rollers support the top portion of the track chain and are essential for maintaining tension and alignment. When mud packs tightly around them, they can lock up, causing the track to drag and increasing fuel consumption. Worse, the friction can grind down the roller surface, leading to expensive replacements.
Track frames are designed to shed debris, but they’re not immune to buildup. Wet clay and sticky soils are especially problematic, forming dense layers that resist natural shedding. If left overnight, these materials can freeze in colder climates, immobilizing the machine and requiring hours of labor to clear.
Best Practices for Daily Cleaning
Operators should make cleaning the undercarriage a routine part of end-of-shift maintenance. Recommended methods include:

• Manual shoveling: Effective for removing heavy clay and compacted soil
  
• Water flushing: Using a 2-inch pump and hose to blast out debris in summer
  
• Track puddle technique: Driving through deep water to loosen mud naturally
  
• Lift-and-spin method: Raising each side and running tracks in reverse to dislodge buildup
  

While some may view this as unnecessary, especially in warmer climates where freezing isn’t a concern, the long-term benefits are clear. Clean tracks reduce wear, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent unexpected downtime.
Environmental and Legal Considerations
In regions with strict biosecurity laws, cleaning tracks before transporting equipment is mandatory. Soil can carry invasive weed seeds, pathogens, or contaminants that pose risks to agricultural zones. Trucking companies may refuse to haul machines with dirty undercarriages, and fines can be issued for non-compliance.
One operator recalled a chunk of mud falling from a machine during transport and cracking the windshield of a nearby Mercedes. Incidents like this aren’t just inconvenient—they’re liabilities.
When to Prioritize Cleaning
While daily cleaning is ideal, certain conditions demand extra attention:

• Freezing temperatures: Clean thoroughly to prevent frozen tracks
  
• Sticky clay environments: Clean multiple times per day if buildup affects performance
  
• Before floating or transport: Ensure tracks are free of debris to meet legal and safety standards
  
• When top rollers stop turning: Immediate cleaning is necessary to prevent damage
  

Even if the machine will return to muddy conditions the next day, cleaning the tracks prevents cumulative damage. As one seasoned operator put it, “It’s a pain to shovel out wet clay, but it’s a bigger pain to replace a roller.”
Conclusion
Cleaning excavator tracks may seem tedious, but it’s a vital part of equipment care. Ignoring this task leads to mechanical failures, environmental risks, and operational delays. Whether through manual labor or creative techniques like puddle driving, keeping the undercarriage clean ensures your machine stays productive and your maintenance costs stay low. In the long run, a few minutes with a shovel can save thousands in repairs.