Track rotation direction

It would be better to run the pads wrong than the chains, or you will kill the sprockets and bushings

Hi, D6 5R.
As I understand it, regardless of whether itza a loader, dozer, excavator or whatever, if the links and plates are separate and bolted together, the rear or trailing edge of one plate should lap up over the leading edge of the following plate when the track is up on top and travelling in the forward direction.. This applies to pretty much all mobile tracked plant, except tracked cranes with 1-piece plates.

Edit - I forgot to add that many tracks are designed so that the plates will only bolt on one way due to the fact that the leading end of the link which carries the pin is wider than the trailing end or 'bush' end of the link as the 'pin' end has to fit around the 'bush' end outside it to allow the pin to go through the bush and hold the 2 links together. Because of this, the bolt holes at the 'pin' end of the link are often further apart than on the trailing or 'bush' end of the link.

Just my 0.02.

Keep the chains the right way with the 'pin' end of the links leading into the sprocket underneath.

I thought I read some where that track loaders should have the tracks on backwards to the way we normally think they should be???
I will see if I can find the source.

I thought I read some where that track loaders should have the tracks on backwards to the way we normally think they should be???
I will see if I can find the source.

[quote="Andrew"]I thought I read some where that track loaders should have the tracks on backwards to the way we normally think they should be???
I will see if I can find the source.[/quote]

Your right about that Andrew, but only in the old days.

Kelly

Hey Guys--what are the actual dynamics on the pins and sprockets if the tracks are mounted backwards??

You said they ran the tracks backward in the old days on highlifts. I'm wondering why compaired to modern practice. I will put the tracks on right for the rails and run the pads backwards. Too expensive to replace all the bolts. Thanks to all who replied.

This is the article I was thinking of. May or may not be relevant but still interesting though.