12.16 TIPS FOR LONGER UNDERCARRIAGE LIFE Undercarriage life greatly varies depending on operation method, inspection and maintenance. For most efficient operation, keep the following point in mind. 12.16.1 OPERATION METHOD Select the track shoe that best suits the type of soil to be encountered in service. Please consult your Komatsu distributor when selecting track shoes. Do not allow shoe slipping to occur during operation. If shoe slipping occurs, reduce load to the blade until slipping stops. Avoid sudden starts, acceleration or stops, unnecessarily high speed and sharp turns. Always operate machine in a straight line whenever possible.
When making turns, be careful not to allow the machine to stay to one side, so operation in both turning directions can be done properly. Make turns with the largest possible radius. Prior to operation, clear boulders and obstacles to prevent machine from riding over them while operating. On a slope, operate the machine parallel to the inclination of the slope. Do not operate across the slope. Also when stopping the machine on a slope, the machine should face toward the top of the slope. AE077820 When ground inclines to left or right during digging operation, do not continue to dig with machine inclined. Move machine back to level ground and start to dig again.
When idlers or sprockets are lifted due to obstacles during dozing, do not attempt to force the machine to perform. Because work at this time exceeds machine working capability. 2-40