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.
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.
Mixed wear
It's common to have new rollers and old chains, or new tracks and worn sprockets. Tell us what's been replaced.
Rubber versus steel
Rubber tracks wear out faster and cost less to replace than a full steel undercarriage, but they still count.
Track tension
Very loose tracks can mean worn parts or a failed adjuster. Tell us if a track has come off.
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.
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.
Mixed condition
If some parts were recently replaced, tell us which ones and roughly when. Receipts help.
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.
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.
Want a quote on your machine?
Send the photos. We'll read the wear for you.