Clark Tracks

Running-In and Tensioning of Tracks

When tracks are new, they will quickly slacken off over the first few days of use and will require retensioning.

Retensioning involves the replacement of long track links with short track links and then the removal of one full track plate in order to maintain correct tension.

This process should be done using the Clark Tensioner Tool as described in our fitting instructions.

This slackening of new tracks is not any form of material stretching, but simply a bedding in process of the many components in the track link system.

It can be expected to retension tracks frequently for the first week of work, with this task becoming less frequent as the tracks bed in. It is also expected to have to remove one complete track plate within the first three or four weeks of work and perhaps a second track plate after three to six months of work.

The amount of wear experienced by the track link system over it’s working life is dependent upon the abrasiveness of the ground conditions together with the load and tension experienced by the tracks. (Overtensioned tracks will wear more quickly).

After the initial bedding in process, retensioning will become less frequently required.

Track Tension

Tracks should be run with as low a tension possible providing that:-

1. The tyres are not slipping and spinning inside the track
2. The track is not falling off the tyres
3. The track is not hitting the bodywork or any part of the machine
4. The track is not causing any damage to the tyres

Tracks which are overtensioned unneccessarily will stress axles and hub bearings and increase tyre and track wear.

Recommended track tension gives a sag of between 40mm to 70mm in the centre of the track between the tyres.