Welcome to McLaren Industries!                                                                                        Check our McLaren's recently updated PDF brochure about Solid Cushion Tires.                                                                                        Recent developments:   McLaren Industries Opens R&D Facility to Support North American OEMs Read Announcement                                                                                                   McLaren Industries Expands Popular Nu-Air Solid Cushion Tires to Include Backhoes. Read the full announcement here                                                                                          Advanced Rubber Track Technology Applied on Mini Excavator Tracks for the First Time. Click here to read the announcement                                                                                              Helpful article:   Keep your rubber tracks in top shape with these handy rubber tracks maintenance tips.                                                                                      Please, be sure to check our News & Resources section on this website to stay up to date with the latest developments at McLaren Industries.                                                                                        We strive for continous improvement!   Our ability to innovate depends on your continous feedback.    Please take a short moment to complete a quick online customer survey.                                                                                         Here are some comments we have received from customers:       "Great initial and post service. 5 stars rating in my books! Exceptional service differentiates Mclaren from its competitors." - Rob Pagacz (Bobcat S300 skid steer loader);                                                                                            "Tires are still working out great. Tons of hours left on them!" - Levi McDermott (Mustang 2086 skid steer loader);                                                                                           "Made my bobcat work like a Cat dozer; Easy on off" - Roy Young (Bobcat S250 skid steer loader);                                                                                            "I think you make a superior product..." - Eric Wellish, (Case 1845C skid steer loader);                                                                                           "I really like the traction that I get from my tracks, and will most likely consider repurchasing when needed... I have the TDF series track." - Scott Robinson (Takeuchi TL 150 compact track loader);                                                                                           "Your Protrac rubber have saved me thousands of dollars! I rented a track machine for one month prior to having your tracks, that rental cost would have covered the cost of the McLarens. I was expecting to have bought a new machine, but there has been no reason to as the OTTs have added lift capacity, stability, a softer ride, and of course traction beyond my wildest expectations. My machine rep is not happy with your product, no sale for him... Could not be happier, literally!" - Simon Huxtable (Bobcat 763 skid steer loader);                                                                                            "The up front cost is greater than others but quality and performance far outweigh the cost." - Bearden Services (Bobcat S250 skid steer loader);                                                                                            "The sales rep that handled my purchase was knowledgeable, polite, and knew his product... Good job, keep it up. " - Mike Essenpreis (John Deere 325 skid steer loader);                                                                                           "The salesman helped me quite a bit with the sizing issue." - Dennis Weiss (Bobcat Model 100);                                                                                         "I appreciate the after sales follow up."  - Eagle Golf Inc. (Caterpillar 236B skid steer loader);                                                                                           Need to contact McLaren Customer Serive in the US? Send an email to: cs@mclarenusa.com                                                                Please take a moment to complete a sort online customer survey.                        

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Tips for Installing Rubber Tracks on Your Mini Excavator

Tips for Installing Rubber Tracks on Your Mini Excavator

Is your mini excavator due for new rubber tracks? Then you need to know how to install these tracks, and you’ve come to the right place. We put together a comprehensive guide including some tips for installing rubber tracks on your mini excavator. If you want to learn more about installing your new rubber tracks we encourage you to continue reading. You’ll be changing your tracks in no time.

Safety First, and Keep the Team Small

As with any operation or routine maintenance, safety should be top priority. Always use your operator’s manual and follow the instruction for changing rubber tracks as listed since your make and model may be different from others. If you have any concerns about safety – please reach out your machine’s manufacturer or dealer for specific instructions.

Every worker should wear safety goggles and gloves. Additionally, to avoid tripping over each other, limit the number of people involved in the installation process. Removing and installing rubber tracks is a two (maybe three) person job. Plus, you’re going to partially suspend the machine, and if you do so incorrectly, you risk injuring a team member. By ensuring fewer workers stick around the site, you reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries.

Suspend the Mini Excavator, Loosen Track Tension, and Open the Grease Valve

As you likely know, propping up a mini excavator using the bucket and boom is the easiest and safest way to suspend the machine. It is necessary to use additional jacks for support as an extra safety precaution. Once you have the mini excavator partially suspended, you can loosen the track tension and grease valve. By loosening the tension and grease valve, the weight of the track will begin to sink which will make removing the old track much easier.

Remove the Track With an Operator and Start at the Idler

Have an operator in the cab of your mini excavator rotating the sprocket forward, and then you should remove the track from the idler first. Once you slide the old tracks off the idler, you should be able to remove the track from the sprocket easily. Some old tracks can be worn-in around the sprocket teeth, so you might need to use a pry bar around the teeth. Once you free the first couple of teeth, the rest of the track should come off easily.

Take this Opportunity to Inspect the Undercarriage

After you remove the old track, before installing the replacement, you should inspect the undercarriage. Check your sprockets, rollers, and idlers for any severe wear and replace them if necessary; swapping out any faulty parts during this time can save you from unnecessary downtime in the future. You may also want to perform general maintenance such as tightening or replacing valves, nuts, and bolts if you didn’t do so previously.

Attach Your New Rubber Tracks and Ensure You’re on Track

To attach your new rubber tracks, you’ll want to reverse the process we covered above. This time, you should start by attaching the tracks on the sprocket—this way, the track is already held by the teeth. Then, the operator should rotate the sprocket slowly forward, as it will help you install around the idler. Throughout the installation process, be sure to keep your hands clear of the undercarriage. If you’re having a hard time getting your new track on, you can use a pry bar to assist and guide the track onto the idler. Before lowering the mini excavator, you should retighten the grease valve and track tension. The operator should test the machine slowly in both forward and reverse to make sure the track is seated correctly. Once you’ve ensured the track is properly seated, you can reattach the grease valve cover, remove any jacks, and lower the mini excavator with the bucket first and then the boom. Now that your mini excavator is on the ground, you should run the machine forward and in reverse one last time before sending it back to the job site.

Why You Should Use McLaren Rubber Tracks

For over twenty years, McLaren has invested both time and money in research and development. We set out to offer the best rubber tracks, and ours are more durable than anyone else’s. In fact, our competitors only lab-tested their tracks, while we’ve lab and field-tested ours. Our tracks will improve your bottom line, productivity, and employees’ comfort. Also, our tracks provide superior pushing power and traction because of our advanced rubber compounds, SpoolRite Belting Technology™, and up to 50% stronger forgings.

We take pride in the fact that we understand your goals. We’ve been in our customers’ shoes before, so we dig deep to create products specifically manufactured to their needs––other companies don’t. Our team recognizes the need for specialized rubber tracks that can handle the most demanding operating environments. McLaren has supplied OEM tracks for years, we know exactly how to engineer aftermarket tracks for machines used in challenging environments.

No doubt, installing high-quality rubber tracks on your mini excavator is important for your machine’s longevity. That said, you should only work with a company that understands the industry first-hand. McLaren Industries is a respected manufacturer and supplier not only because of our personal experience in the field but also our determination to be the best. We invest in quality because we know how important it is to have reliable equipment on the job site. It’s time to further expand the potential of your machinery with our rubber tracks for mini excavators.

If you’re looking for a long-term relationship with a company that understands you and your industry, look no further than McLaren. Ready for a quote or have questions regarding our tracks? Contact us today—we’ll be happy to help.

Installing Rubber Tracks Inforgraphic