Severe Vibrations May Result In Undercarriage Damage Caterpillar

Problem:

Under certain operating conditions, the Mobile-trac belts installed on the VFS undercarriage may generate high vibration levels. These severe vibration levels may damage the frame of the undercarriage or the attachment mounted to it. This condition occurs when the undercarriage is loaded at, or near maximum gross weight, and is being driven between 5-10 mph on hard surfaces such as road or frozen ground. Undercarriages equipped with new trailer belts or used Challenger belts with less than 1 inch of grouser height are most likely to encounter this problem.

Solution:

To help relieve this this type of vibration, follow the recommendations listed below.

1.When fully loaded on a hard surfaces, drive slower than 5 mph or faster than 10 mph, thus avoiding the speed range that excites the vibration. If possible, drive only on soft underfoot conditions.

2.If assembling a new hitch equipped undercarriage, insert some type of resilient soft mount isolator between the undercarriage frame and the load. A 60 durometer material, 1 inch thick by 4 inch wide strip is recommended.

Further testing is being done to validate other solutions. If vibration problems are discovered, contact Kent Lynch (309)-675-4053 or Tonya Martin (708)-859-5927 for further instructions.

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