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Track Maintenance, Stuck Situations, and Hose Protection

32:00
35:23
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At 32:00 in

I Rented a $150,000 Bobcat Forestry Mulcher—Here’s What Nobody Tells You | DANGEROUS!

What happens here

To maintain optimal performance and prevent track damage, it's essential to monitor track tension. The operator can check the tension by removing a plate on the side of the track (using a 13mm wrench), then using the mulching head to lift the front idler wheel off the ground. With the idler wheel suspended, pump grease into the fitting until there is about a 0.5-inch gap between the bottom rollers and the rubber track. Over or under-tensioning can lead to premature wear or track derailing. Avoid turning sharply or operating in unprocessed material, as this can easily cause a track to de-track. If you do get stuck or a track comes off, it's best to call the rental company for assistance rather than attempting repairs yourself due to the machine's weight and complexity. Also, be mindful of the hydraulic hoses. Avoid driving over material that could snag or break a hose, as this can lead to costly repairs and machine downtime.

Goal: Ensure proper track tension and know how to handle getting stuck or hose damage.

Tools and materials

  • 13mm Wrench — Removing the track plate for grease access
  • Bobcat T86 Compact Track Loader Bobcat — The machine requiring track maintenance
  • Grease Gun — Adding grease to the track tensioner
  • Grease — Lubricating the track tensioner