Crawler cranes for construction machinery – purpose, use and replacement
Why are creepers so important?
In every construction machine – from excavators to telescopic handlers – it plays a particularly important role. creepers. They ensure that metal parts move smoothly relative to each other, reduce friction and protect the structure from premature wear.
Crawlers are most often installed:
Because construction equipment often works in the most difficult conditions – in mud, sand or dust – the skids wear out quite quickly. Therefore, it is very important to keep them regularly checked and replaced in a timely manner, to avoid major failures.
What material are the sliders made of?
The most commonly used special technical polyamide, which is characterized by:
- excellent sliding properties,
- resistance to greases and oils,
- high abrasion resistance.
👉 Recommended to choose after turning the sliders, because they are much more durable than those made by casting.
Crawlers in the boom
The booms of backhoe loaders and telescopic handlers allow you to reach deeper digging points or reach further, where the machine itself cannot reach. This is where the crawlers are subjected to the greatest loads, so wear is very common.
The main signs of wear and tear:
- increased gaps in boom movement,
- unstable or "floating" movement,
- poorer control accuracy.
Simple test: Extend the boom about ¾ of its length, rest the bucket on the ground and press. If there is a clear feeling of looseness, the sliders must be replaced. Delay can even damage the cylinder in the boom.
Change process includes removing the bucket, closing the hydraulic hoses, dismantling the boom outlet, removing worn skids and installing new ones with adjustment gaskets. After installation, the movement must be checked - if the housing heats up significantly, it is necessary to reduce the intermediate pressure.
Crawlers in supports
The outriggers ensure that the machine remains stable during digging. If the skids are worn, the machine loses stability, and the work becomes not only inconvenient, but also dangerous.
Care tips:
- Sliders are needed wash daily – by running water through the support pipe to wash away accumulated dirt.
- Hard, dried-on dirt is difficult to remove and accelerates wear on parts.
- In some models (e.g., Caterpillar E and F) stability can be temporarily improved by adjusting the screws and spacers – but this is only a temporary solution.
Replacing all support sliders requires removing the pins, disconnecting the support cylinder, lifting the tube and cleaning the housing thoroughly. New sliders are installed from the inside, their pressure is adjusted by adding or removing gaskets. After installation, it is necessary to check the operation - the supports should move smoothly, with slight resistance.
Why is it worth caring for creepers?
- Ensures machine stability during work,
- Protects expensive components from damage,
- Increases operator safety,
- Reduces repair costs in the long term.
Sliders (slide plates and stabilization plates) are small but extremely important components in every in construction machinery. They ensure smooth boom movement, solid support stability and protect expensive parts from premature wear.
If you are looking for reliable solutions, choose Eska Parts – we offer only high quality construction machinery part, adapted to the most popular models of excavators, loaders and other construction equipment.
Contact us or order online: www.eskadalys.lt
