Undercarriage Measurement SOP

Study Notes

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the safe and responsible process for measuring undercarriage wear in heavy machinery.
The objective is to establish clear guidelines for assessing the wear and tear of undercarriage components.
This procedure ensures compliance with customer-specific and industry-standard health and safety regulations.

Field Service Technician: performs undercarriage wear measurements, adheres to all safety regulations, ensures accuracy of measurements, and reports any safety concerns.
Workshop Manager: provides training and guidance for technicians, ensures they have the necessary tools and resources, oversees compliance with safety regulations, and handles any issues or discrepancies identified during the measurement process.
Health and Safety Officer/Coordinator: collaborates with the supervisor to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations during measurement activities.

Before beginning, ensure the machinery is in a safe location and the engine is off.
Conduct visual inspection for any visible damage or loose parts.
Thoroughly inspect the tracks for cuts or bends.
Determine if there is enough tension in the tracks.
Measure the distance (pitch) between 5 box sections, center to center of pins.
Ensure the track chain is in place and has no signs of disengaging.
Check pins and bushings for wear and if they need turning.
Inspect rollers for damage, flat spots, and wetness, which may indicate leakage.
Sprockets are often a strong indicator of undercarriage health. If they are sharp and show signs of wear, other components may require attention.
Use calipers to measure the top and bottom rollers.
Measure pins and bushings with a pin-and-bushing caliper.
Measure track shoe width with a tape measure and depth with a depth gauge.
Measure the rail height with a depth gauge.
Use a smaller depth gauge to measure the idler.
Use a wear percentage chart to determine the wear of each component.
Enter all measurements into the undercarriage report book, including customer details.
Make suggestions or remarks regarding the wear assessment.

After the measurements are complete, document the results in the undercarriage report book.
Include detailed information such as:
- Machine serial number
- Hours of operation
- Date of measurement
- Customer name
- Specific measurements for each component.
Provide a clear summary of wear, highlighting any critical components requiring attention.
Retain a physical copy of the report, ensuring proper storage and accessibility.

Conduct regular reviews of this SOP to maintain its relevance and effectiveness.
Seek feedback from technicians involved in undercarriage measurements to continuously improve the procedure.
Stay informed about changes in safety regulations and industry best practices.
Update the SOP accordingly to ensure compliance with the latest standards.