NEWS & TIPS

How to Inspect Excavator and Bulldozer Sprockets for Wear and Damage

Sprockets play a key role in the undercarriage. They drive the track. They carry the load. One weak sprocket can slow down the entire system. Inspection is the first step to avoid breakdowns, delays, and high repair bills.

Start with visual checks. Look at the sprocket teeth. Good teeth are sharp, evenly spaced, and symmetrical. Worn teeth become pointy, thin, or hooked. Hooked teeth grab the chain unevenly. This causes extra wear on the track links. It also increases vibration.

Next, check for uneven wear patterns. A healthy sprocket wears evenly across the face. If one side is thinner, your alignment may be off. Track tension may be too tight or too loose. Ignoring this causes faster damage to chains, rollers, and idlers.

Check the gaps between teeth. If the gap is too wide, the sprocket will skip or slip under load. Measure the pitch diameter and compare it to the OEM specs. If it’s off, the sprocket is ready for replacement.

Surface cracks are another danger sign. Look near the root of each tooth. Fine cracks grow under pressure. Cracks may seem small but lead to sudden failure. Use a flashlight and cleaning brush to expose hidden damage.

Don’t forget the sprocket bolts. Loose or missing bolts cause misalignment. Misalignment puts stress on the drive motor and shortens component life. Torque them according to your machine’s manual. Replace worn or stripped bolts immediately.

Feel the material surface. Good sprockets are smooth, hard, and consistent. Pitted or flaking steel means the heat treatment has worn off. This leads to faster wear and weak performance.

At Fulian Machinery, we understand sprockets. Our sprockets are forged with precision, heat-treated for strength, and machined to OEM standards. We supply single and double flange sprockets for all major brands—Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, Bobcat, Yanmar, and more. High-quality steel. Long-lasting performance. No guesswork.

We also offer fast identification help. Send your old sprocket photo and machine model. Our team will match it for you. Bulk orders, custom branding, worldwide shipping available. Trusted by dealers and machine operators in 60+ countries.

A worn sprocket doesn’t just slow your job. It risks the entire undercarriage. Inspect early. Replace smart. Choose Fulian. Reliable quality, ready to ship.


Fulian Operation Team
2025.5.12

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