LeeBoy 8515 Track Wear Problems

[MikePhua]

The LeeBoy 8515 asphalt paver is widely used in municipal paving, commercial parking lots, and small‑to‑mid‑size road projects. Although known for its compact footprint and smooth mat quality, some owners have reported premature wear of bogie wheels, sprockets, and track pads—sometimes occurring in fewer than 1,000 operating hours. This article explores the machine’s background, the causes of uneven track wear, and practical solutions to extend undercarriage life.

Background of the LeeBoy 8515
LeeBoy, founded in 1964, built its reputation on compact asphalt pavers designed for small contractors and municipalities. The 8515 model became one of the company’s most successful machines, with thousands sold across North America.
Key characteristics of the 8515 include:

• A compact, maneuverable chassis
  
• A reliable diesel engine (varied by production year)
  
• A floating screed with electric or propane heat
  
• A hydrostatic track‑drive system
  
• A simple operator platform with intuitive controls
  

The 8515 was designed to bridge the gap between small pull‑type pavers and large highway‑class machines, making it ideal for driveways, parking lots, and patching work.

Premature Wear at 700 Hours
In the reported case, a nearly new 8515 with only 700 operating hours showed:

• Bogie wheels worn out
  
• Drive sprocket severely worn
  
• Track pads wearing heavily on the right side
  

For a machine with fewer than 1,000 hours, this level of wear is abnormal. Typical undercarriage components on a paver of this size often last 2,000–3,000 hours under normal conditions.
This discrepancy suggests underlying mechanical or operational issues rather than simple wear‑and‑tear.

Understanding the Undercarriage Components
To diagnose the issue, it helps to understand the parts involved.
Bogie Wheels 
Small rollers that support the track chain and distribute weight evenly.
Drive Sprocket 
The toothed wheel that engages the track chain and propels the machine.
Track Pads 
Rubber or polyurethane pads that contact the ground and provide traction.
Track Chain 
The assembly of links that connects pads and transfers motion from the sprocket.
Terminology Notes

• Undercarriage Alignment 
  The precise positioning of track components to ensure straight, even travel.
  
• Side Loading 
  Excessive lateral force on one side of the track system, often caused by uneven weight distribution.
  
• Hydrostatic Drive 
  A drive system powered by hydraulic motors rather than mechanical transmissions.
  

Causes of Uneven Wear on the Right Side
Uneven wear on one side of the machine—especially the right side—can result from several factors:
1. Misaligned Track Frame 
If the track frame is not square to the chassis, the track will scrub sideways, accelerating wear.
2. Uneven Weight Distribution 
Pavers often carry more weight on one side due to auger drive motors, operator position, or screed extensions.
3. Improper Track Tension 
Tracks that are too tight increase friction; tracks that are too loose cause slapping and shock loads.
4. Worn or Damaged Bearings 
A single seized bogie wheel can cause the entire track to drag.
5. Manufacturing Variations 
Early production runs of some paver models had undercarriage alignment issues that were later corrected.
6. Operating Conditions 
Working on abrasive surfaces such as millings or crushed stone accelerates wear.

Why Bogie Wheels Fail Early
Bogie wheels on compact pavers endure constant load because:

• The machine’s weight is concentrated on a small footprint
  
• Pavers often operate at slow speeds, increasing friction time
  
• Debris such as asphalt chunks and gravel can wedge into the track system
  

If seals fail prematurely, the wheel bearings lose lubrication and wear rapidly.

Drive Sprocket Wear Patterns
A worn sprocket at 700 hours suggests:

• Misalignment between sprocket and chain
  
• Excessive tension
  
• Chain stretch
  
• Poor lubrication
  
• Manufacturing defects
  

Sprocket wear often mirrors chain wear; if one is worn, the other usually needs replacement.

Track Pad Wear on One Side
Heavy wear on the right‑side pads indicates:

• The machine is drifting to one side
  
• The right track is working harder than the left
  
• The hydrostatic drive motors may be out of balance
  
• The operator may be compensating with steering corrections
  

This creates a feedback loop that accelerates wear.

Solutions and Corrective Actions
1. Perform a Full Undercarriage Alignment Check 
Measure:

• Track frame squareness
  
• Sprocket alignment
  
• Roller spacing
  
• Chain tension
  

Correct any deviations.
2. Replace Worn Components as a Set 
Replacing only one component (e.g., sprocket) can accelerate wear on the new part.
Replace:

• Sprocket
  
• Chain
  
• Bogie wheels
  
• Pads (if severely worn)
  

3. Inspect and Replace Seals 
Failed seals in bogie wheels or idlers must be addressed to prevent repeat failures.
4. Adjust Track Tension Properly 
Follow manufacturer specifications.
Over‑tightening is a common cause of premature wear.
5. Evaluate Operating Surfaces 
Avoid excessive operation on abrasive materials when possible.
6. Train Operators on Smooth Travel 
Sharp turns and pivoting in place dramatically increase track wear.

A Real‑World Example
A paving contractor in the Midwest reported similar wear on an 8515. After investigation, the root cause was found to be a misaligned right‑side track frame from the factory. Once corrected, the replacement undercarriage lasted more than 2,500 hours, demonstrating how alignment issues can drastically shorten component life.

Preventive Maintenance Recommendations

• Clean the undercarriage daily
  
• Inspect bogie wheels weekly
  
• Check track tension before each shift
  
• Grease all fittings regularly
  
• Replace worn pads before they damage the chain
  
• Monitor hydrostatic drive performance
  

Consistent maintenance can double the lifespan of undercarriage components.

Conclusion
The LeeBoy 8515 is a capable and widely used asphalt paver, but premature undercarriage wear—especially at only 700 hours—signals deeper mechanical or alignment issues. By understanding the causes of uneven wear, performing proper diagnostics, and maintaining the undercarriage regularly, owners can restore reliability and significantly extend component life.