If you’re involved in heavy-duty construction, mining, or agricultural machinery, you’ve likely come across a track press. These devices are an essential tool for repairing and maintaining the undercarriage of heavy equipment. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on track presses, including what they are, what they are used for, and how to use them.
What is a track press?
A track press is a hydraulic tool used to press and remove pins, bushings, and other undercarriage components from heavy-duty equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and track loaders. Track presses are used to maintain and repair the undercarriage of heavy equipment, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the machine. Therefore, by using a track press to replace these components, the equipment can be restored to optimal performance levels, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
What is a track press used for?
Track presses are an essential tool in the maintenance of heavy machinery. Its main purpose is to assist in the removal and installation of tracks on construction equipment. The press utilises hydraulic power to apply pressure on the tracks, allowing them to be loosened or tightened as needed. Moreover, pins can be extremely dangerous to remove if some old methods are used. This also applies to the master pin, which is why sometimes a track press is called a Master Pin Pusher. By using its force to jolt the pin out of its place, a risky job can be done more or less automatically, therefore revolutionising the safety and efficiency aspects of heavy equipment maintenance. This tool is commonly used in construction sites and mining operations where heavy machinery is heavily relied upon.
How do you use a track pin press?
Using a track press involves several steps:
Preparing the machine
Before using it, the machine must be positioned on level ground and secured to prevent movement during the pressing process. The undercarriage must also be cleaned and inspected for any damage or wear.
Positioning the track press
The tool must be positioned so that the press plates are aligned with the undercarriage component being pressed. This requires careful positioning and alignment to ensure a successful pressing process.
Disassembling the track link
Then, the track link must be disassembled to gain access to the component being pressed. This involves removing the nuts and bolts that hold the track link together and separating the track link to expose the component.
Pressing the pin
Once the component is exposed, the pin pusher can be used to extract the old pin. The press plates are positioned around the component, and the hydraulic cylinder is activated to apply the required force. The old pin can then be removed and replaced with a new one.
Reassembling the track link
Lastly, after the new pin has been pressed in place, the track link can be reassembled. The nuts and bolts are reinstalled, and the track link is reconnected.
What is the price of a portable track press?
The price of a portable track press can vary depending on the brand, model, and features of the tool. A basic model can cost around £2000, while a more advanced model with additional features can cost upwards of £5000. It’s important to choose one that is suitable for your specific needs and budget. HEMS’ Master Pin Pusher is a market leading model, and is one of the most famous products sold by HEMS.
What is the function of a master pin in undercarriage?
The master pin is a crucial component of the undercarriage system. It is the largest pin in the undercarriage and holds the track chain together. The master pin is subjected to constant stress and wear and thus can become damaged over time. A damaged or worn master pin can result in reduced machine performance and increased downtime. Using a track press to replace the master pin can help ensure optimal machine performance and reduce downtime.
HEMS Track Press
HEMS track presses, known as the HEMS Master Pin Pusher, are a high-quality hydraulic tool designed for pressing and removing undercarriage components. This track press is easy to use, highly effective, and suitable for a wide range of heavy equipment. The HEMS pin press is known for its durability, efficiency, and ease of use. There are several models, each with their own capacity. For example, the most common is the HEPP 100 ton press, with has a capacity of 100 tons. However, there are also larger models with a capacity of to 300 tons. Also, there are smaller models for those with requirements that aren’t as extreme. These products can also come accompanied with a pump of various formats. For instance, there is an electric pump that works automatically, however there is also a manual hand pump for those looking to minimise their costs.
Advantages of using a track press
Using a track press offers several advantages, including:
- Reduced downtime: By using a pin pusher to repair and maintain the undercarriage, downtime can be reduced, leading to increased productivity and profitability.
- Precision: A pin pusher can provide precise pressing and removal of undercarriage components, ensuring that the replacement components fit properly and work efficiently.
- Safety: Using a pin pusher can help improve safety by reducing the risk of injury or damage to the machine during the repair process.
- Cost-effective: By using a pin pusher, repair costs can be reduced, making it a cost-effective solution for heavy equipment maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a track press is an essential tool for anyone involved in heavy-duty construction, mining, or agricultural machinery. It is used to repair and maintain the undercarriage of heavy equipment, ensuring optimal machine performance and reducing downtime. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn how to use a pin press effectively and safely. We recommend using a high-quality pin press such as the HEMS Master Pin Pusher, which offers durability, efficiency, and ease of use.
FAQs
Q: What is a track press used for?
A: Track presses are used to repair and maintain the undercarriage of heavy equipment by pressing and removing pins, bushings, and other components.
Q: How do you use a track press?
A: Using track presses involves several steps, including preparing the machine, positioning the tool, disassembling the tracks, pressing the pin, and reassembling the tracks.
Q: What is the price of a portable track press?
A:The price of a portable track presses can vary depending on the brand, model, and features of the machine. The lower quality ones come in at around £2,000 whilst high quality products can be upwards of £5,000.