Tracks, tyres and rubber for military and commercial machines

Heavy machines wear out where they meet the ground. Tracks, tyres, pads, idlers and rollers are expensive but safety-critical parts.

Track assemblies. On tracked vehicles, inspect every pin, bush, link, idler, sprocket and roller. Worn track assemblies can throw a track or damage the drive. Replace pins and bushes in sets, not individually.

Rubber pads and blocks. Many steel tracks are fitted with rubber pads to protect road surfaces. Replace missing or perished pads and check the retaining bolts. Pads that are loose or uneven will wreck the track and the road.

Heavy tyres and wheels. Agricultural, commercial and earthmoving tyres need the right load and speed rating. Inspect for sidewall damage, bead leaks and perished rubber. Split-rim wheels need specialist handling and inflation cages.

Suspension and axles. Check suspension pivots, axles, hubs, bearings, seals and brakes. Replace anything that is worn, leaking or cracked. Grease everything properly during assembly.

Hydraulic rams and linkages. Pins, bushes, ball joints and rams on the running gear work hard. Rebuild or replace them, and protect with the correct grease regime.