Accumulation of rock and dirt packed in the track causes the tracks to tighten, resulting in additional wear and stress on track components. The use of track guiding guards minimizes these sources of possible depreciation. Another function of the track guiding guards is maintaining proper track alignment; this is considered secondary, but actually is the most important function.

Figure 6-26.- Manual track adjustment.

Figure 6-27.- Hydraulic track adjuster.

Guiding guards should be repaired when damaged, since a damaged guard is worthless as far as protection for track components or assisting in maintaining track alignment. When installing new tracks on a piece of equipment, check the condition of the guards. These guards should be in a condition to guide the track squarely into alignment with the rollers properly. The three guards are as follows:

The FRONT GUIDING GUARDS receive the track from the idler and hold it in line for the first roller. The front roller then can fully be utilized for its intended purpose- carrying its share of the load without having to climb the side of an improperly aligned track.

The REAR GUIDING GUARDS hold the track in correct alignment with the driving sprocket, permitting a smooth even power flow from the sprocket to the track. With proper alignment, gouging of the track link and sprocket teeth is eliminated.

The CENTER GUIDING GUARDS or track roller guards are available as attachments. These center guards keep the track in line between the rollers when operating in rocky, steep, or uneven terrain. The center guards reduce the wear on roller flanges and track links.