Interlocking

De-tracking is when a track partially removes itself from the undercarriage during operations by disengaging from one of the components such as the sprocket, idler or rollers. This causes down-time and can lead to failure by fatal breakage.

de-tracking

De-tracking at sprocket

de-tracking image

De-tracking at track roller

steel cord breakage

Steel cord breakage from de-tracking

Solution

Interlocking logo

Interlocking


Bridgestone uses an interlocking design to reduce de-tracking. By interlocking adjacent core metals the track benefits from more lateral stiffness. Both single and double interlocking systems are available.

FEM standard

Double engaged interlocking

Pro-Edge FEM

Single engaged interlocking

Tested and proven

testing groundInterlocking technologies have become common features in Bridgestone short pitch tracks. Positive market feedback, successful supply history and Bridgestone's internal testing all confirm the benefits of interlocking technologies.

The following testing was carried out at Bridgestone's proving ground in Tochigi Japan. Even in loose tension conditions (sag=45mm) interlocking tracks did not de-track.

 

track sag
Test data from 5.3ton machine, 10 trials against fixed rock.
Tension Track sag De-tracking occurrence
Interlocking Non-interlocking
Normal 15mm Zero 6
Loose 30mm Zero 10
Very Loose 45mm Zero 10
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