How to get track tension right

How to Check Track Tension on Bobcat Excavators & Loaders

Small maintenance steps can make a big difference in your equipment’s performance and longevity. One often-overlooked - but critically important - area is track tension. Whether you’re running a Bobcat excavator or a track loader, getting the track tension just right helps you avoid costly downtime and repairs.

Why track tension is important

Improper track tension can lead to a range of problems in the field. Tracks that are too loose can derail, while tracks that are too tight put excessive stress on your machine.

“When you're doing a sharp turn and there's a stump on the ground and it catches, it can take your track off,” says Jose, a Field Service Technician with Triangle Equipment Group.

“I've seen tracks that are too loose, and I’ve seen tracks that are over-tightened. Too tight puts a lot of tension on the drive motors, and it can cause premature wear.”

How to check track tension on a Bobcat excavator

1. Use the boom and blade to lift the machine: Jose recommends rotating the turntable so the boom is behind the cab, then using the boom and blade to lift the machine off the ground.

2. Locate the middle roller.

3. Measure the gap: Look for the space between the bottom of the track and the edge of the roller.

“We need half an inch of space between the bottom of the track and this edge of the roller,” Jose explains.

“More than half an inch means the track is too loose. Less than half an inch, and it's too tight.”

How to check track tension on a Bobcat track loader

1. Jack up the machine until the track is off the ground.

2. Locate the right rollers: Count from the second roller to the back of the machine.

3. Measure the gap: “The spec on the loader is three-quarters of an inch,” Jose says.

“If it's more than ¾ of an inch, it's too loose. If it’s less, it’s too tight.”

Let Triangle Equipment Group help

Not sure if your track tension is within spec? Need service or parts to keep your Bobcat in peak condition? Our Field Service team is here to help, with fast response times and unmatched expertise.

Visit one of our four locations in North Carolina or South Carolina or schedule on-site service today.