1. Introduction to Hydraulic Track Drive

Hydraulic track drive plays a vital role in excavators. Excavators usually work in various complex terrain environments, such as muddy and rugged construction sites, which require a powerful drive system to ensure their normal operation. The hydraulic track drive just meets these needs.

Its basic working principle is that the chassis crawler drive of the excavator is usually hydraulically driven, and the hydraulic motor in the form of a plunger motor is driven by high-pressure hydraulic oil. This design makes the excavator more flexible to operate and suitable for various complex working conditions. The crawler walking device consists of “four wheels and one belt” (i.e. driving wheels, guide wheels, supporting wheels, supporting wheels, and crawler tracks), tensioning devices and buffer springs, walking mechanisms, walking frames, etc. When the excavator is running, the driving wheel generates a pulling force at the right side of the track – the driving section and the ground section (support section). Since there is enough adhesion between the track under the supporting wheel and the ground, the track is prevented from being pulled out, forcing the driving wheel to roll the track, and the guide wheel then lays the track on the ground, so that the excavator can move forward along the track with the supporting wheel.

Generally speaking, the current excavators are driven by hydraulic motors. The pressure power transducer is the soul of the hydraulic system. It converts the mechanical energy generated by the engine into the pressure of the hydraulic oil and then converts it into rotational force through the hydraulic motor to drive the track. The crawler travel device is characterized by a large driving force. Usually, the driving force of each track can reach 35%-45% of the machine weight, and the ground pressure is small, generally 40-150kPa. This makes the excavator have good off-road performance and stability, large climbing ability, generally 50%-80%, and the maximum can reach 100%, and a small turning radius and good flexibility.

2. Key Factors for Selecting High-Quality Hydraulic Track Drive

(I) Performance considerations

The performance of hydraulic track drives has a crucial impact on the working efficiency and quality of excavators. Driving force is a key indicator. Strong driving force enables excavators to operate easily in various complex terrains. For example, the driving force of each crawler can generally reach 35%-45% of the machine weight. Such high driving force enables the excavator to cope with heavy-load excavation tasks and also show strong power when climbing. The climbing ability is generally 50%-80%, and the maximum can reach 100%. Stability is also a factor that cannot be ignored. A stable hydraulic track drive can ensure that the excavator will not shake or tilt during operation, ensuring the accuracy and safety of the operation. The response speed of the hydraulic system will also affect the operating experience of the excavator. A fast-responding hydraulic system can enable the operator to control the movement of the excavator more accurately.

(II) Quality evaluation

Quality factors are crucial when selecting hydraulic track drives. Durability is one of the important indicators for measuring quality. A durable hydraulic track drive can reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement and reduce the cost of use. Wear resistance is also very important. In harsh working environments, crawler drives are prone to wear. Good wear resistance can extend their service life. For example, the use of high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes can improve the wear resistance of hydraulic track drives. In addition, sealing performance also affects quality. Good sealing can prevent hydraulic oil leakage and ensure the normal operation of the system.

(III) Adaptability analysis

Adaptability is one of the key factors in selecting hydraulic track drives. Different models of excavators have different requirements for hydraulic track drives, so it is necessary to select a drive system that is highly compatible with the excavator. Adaptability includes matching in terms of size, power, interface, etc. If the hydraulic track drive does not match the excavator, it may lead to performance degradation, frequent failures, and other problems. When selecting a hydraulic track drive, it is necessary to consider factors such as the excavator’s working requirements, load conditions, terrain conditions, etc. to ensure that the selected drive system can fully utilize the excavator’s performance.

(IV) Brand and after-sales

Choosing a well-known brand of hydraulic track drive can provide more protection for excavator manufacturers. Well-known brands usually have a good reputation and credibility, and their product quality and performance are more guaranteed. In addition, good after-sales service is also an important consideration in choosing a hydraulic track drive. After-sales service includes repair, maintenance, technical support, and other aspects. Timely and professional after-sales service can reduce the downtime of the excavator and improve work efficiency. When choosing a hydraulic track drive, you need to understand the brand’s after-sales service policy and service network to ensure that you can get timely support when needed.

3. Market Status and Trends

(I) Main brands and product features

At present, the main brands of hydraulic track drive on the market are Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, etc. Caterpillar’s hydraulic track drive is known for its powerful driving force and excellent stability. For example, some models of Caterpillar excavators are equipped with hydraulic track drives. The driving force of each crawler can reach more than 40% of the machine weight, and the climbing ability is as high as 85%, which can operate efficiently under extremely harsh terrain conditions. Its products use advanced hydraulic systems with fast response speed and high operating precision.

Komatsu’s hydraulic track drive focuses on durability and energy saving. By using high-quality materials and exquisite manufacturing processes, Komatsu’s hydraulic track drive has excellent wear resistance and long service life. At the same time, its hydraulic system is reasonably designed, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and improve fuel economy.

Hitachi’s hydraulic track drive has outstanding performance in technological innovation. For example, some of Hitachi’s products use intelligent hydraulic control technology, which can automatically adjust hydraulic parameters according to different working scenarios to improve work efficiency. In addition, Hitachi’s hydraulic track drive also has good sealing performance, which effectively prevents hydraulic oil leakage and ensures the stable operation of the system.

(II) Future development trends

With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the future development trend of hydraulic track drive will present the following aspects:

Intelligence: The future hydraulic track drive will be more intelligent, and can realize functions such as automatic fault diagnosis and automatic parameter adjustment, improving the convenience and safety of operation.

Energy saving and environmental protection: With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, the hydraulic track drive will pay more attention to energy saving and environmental protection. Use advanced energy-saving technology to reduce energy consumption and reduce pollution to the environment.

High performance: To meet the growing engineering needs, hydraulic track drives will continue to improve performance indicators such as driving force, climbing ability, stability, etc.

Customization: Different engineering needs have different requirements for hydraulic track drives. In the future, we will pay more attention to customized services and provide personalized solutions according to the specific needs of customers.

4. Summary and Suggestions

Choosing high-quality hydraulic track drives is crucial for excavator manufacturers. On the whole, the following are the key points for choosing high-quality hydraulic track drives:

Performance: Pay attention to the driving force to ensure that it is strong enough to cope with various complex terrains and heavy-load excavation tasks. Generally, the driving force of each crawler should be around 35%-45% of the machine weight. At the same time, stability cannot be ignored, which can ensure the accuracy and safety of operation. In addition, a fast-responding hydraulic system can enhance the operating experience and enable the operator to control the excavator’s movements more accurately.

Quality: Durability is the key, which can reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement and reduce the cost of use. Wear resistance should be good, such as using high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes to improve wear resistance. Sealing performance is also important to prevent hydraulic oil leakage to ensure the normal operation of the system.

Adaptability: The matching degree of size, power, interface, etc. with the excavator should be considered to avoid performance degradation and frequent failures due to mismatch. The choice should be made in combination with the working requirements, load conditions, and terrain conditions of the excavator.

Brand and after-sales: Choose a well-known brand, whose product quality and performance are more guaranteed, and usually has a good reputation and credibility. At the same time, good after-sales service includes repairs, maintenance, and technical support, which can reduce downtime and improve work efficiency.

For excavator manufacturers, the following are some practical suggestions:

First, when choosing a hydraulic track drive, you must fully understand the product characteristics and advantages of different brands and conduct a comprehensive comparison and evaluation. You can refer to the products of major brands on the market such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, etc., and choose the most suitable drive system according to actual needs.

Secondly, establish a good cooperative relationship with suppliers to ensure that high-quality products and after-sales services can be obtained promptly. In the process of cooperation, pay attention to communication and feedback to jointly solve possible problems.

Finally, pay attention to the development trend of the industry, especially in terms of intelligence, energy saving and environmental protection, high performance, and customization. Continuously introduce advanced technologies and concepts to enhance the competitiveness and market share of excavators.