Undercarriage is where most of the value goes.
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Where the money goes
Undercarriage and what your machine is worth
On most tracked machines, the undercarriage is where the money goes. Here's how to read yours before you call anyone.
Machine report
Tell us what's sitting there
or call 236-239-0420
Spec sheet
Undercarriage parts and what wear looks like
| Track chain | Stretched chains sag more and slap. Worn bushings show flats. |
|---|---|
| Track shoes | Grousers worn down to stubs mean low traction and old shoes. |
| Rollers | Flat spots, leaking seals, or rollers that won't turn. |
| Idlers | Worn flanges and leaking seals. |
| Sprockets | Hooked or pointed teeth mean the sprocket is worn. |
| Rubber tracks | Cracks, missing lugs and exposed steel cords. |
What to photograph
One photo of each side at track level, standing a few steps back, shows most of what we need. Add a close-up of the sprocket and one of the worst-looking roller.
Quick checks
What to photograph
- Each side at track level
- The sprocket teeth
- One roller and the idler
- The track tension
How undercarriage wear shows up in a quote
You don't need to measure anything to give us a good picture.
Percentage worn
Dealers measure undercarriage as a percentage of wear. Rough is fine for us. Photos tell us more than a number. Photos from each side at track level are enough.
Mixed wear
It's common to have new rollers and old chains, or new tracks and worn sprockets. Tell us what's been replaced. Receipts help, but rough dates are fine.
Rubber versus steel
Rubber tracks wear out faster and cost less to replace than a full steel undercarriage, but they still count. Cracked or missing-lug rubber tracks are priced as replacements.
Track tension
Very loose tracks can mean worn parts or a failed adjuster. Tell us if a track has come off. A track that has come off can still be loaded with care.
Reusable parts
Good track groups, rollers and sprockets from retired machines are resold. That's part of why we can pay for worn-out machines.
Scrap floor
Even fully worn undercarriage is heavy steel. It always has some value. That's the floor under every figure we give.
Rubber track machines
On CTLs, mini excavators and carriers, rubber tracks are the main wear item. A new set is a big expense, so track condition moves the quote.
Steel track machines
On dozers, track loaders and larger excavators, the full undercarriage is the expense. Chains, rollers, idlers and sprockets all count. Their condition moves the figure more than anything else on those machines.
Mixed condition
If some parts were recently replaced, tell us which ones and roughly when. Receipts help. Recent work is a real cost already covered.
Why we can still pay for worn machines
Even a worn undercarriage has steel value, and good parts from a mixed undercarriage can be resold. That's why a worn machine is never worth nothing.
Sprockets
Pointed or hooked sprocket teeth mean the sprocket is worn. A sprocket in good shape has rounded teeth with a flat top. A photo from the side shows it clearly.
Rollers and idlers
Flat spots, leaks and worn flanges show wear on rollers and idlers. Seized rollers wear flat quickly. Count how many look bad on each side.
Pins and bushings
Turned or worn bushings change the chain's pitch and wear the sprocket faster. If they were turned or replaced, tell us when.
Straight answers
Questions we get
Do I need to measure the undercarriage?
No. Photos are enough.
Is a worn undercarriage a deal breaker?
No. It lowers the quote, it doesn't stop the sale.
Does a new undercarriage add value?
Yes. Keep the receipts.
Do rubber tracks count for much?
Yes. They're a real cost to replace, so their condition shows up in the figure.
Should I replace tracks before selling?
Usually not. The figure rarely rises by as much as the tracks cost.
Do you buy machines with a track off?
Yes. A thrown track can still be loaded with care.
Do you buy machines with a new undercarriage?
Yes, and a recent undercarriage adds real value. Receipts help, because they show exactly what was replaced and when.
Does undercarriage matter on a scrap machine?
Less. On a machine going for scrap, good track groups can still be resold, but worn ones are counted as steel.
Want a quote on your machine?
Send the photos. We'll read the wear for you.