Carrier Roller Tread Wear
Measurement Technique
Carrier roller tread wear may be measured
by the large caliper or by the ultrasonic
wear indicator.
The caliper measurement technique is to
find the location representing the most
worn (smallest diameter). Measurements
should be made to the closest 0.01 inches
(0.25 mm).
The ultrasonic wear indicator measure-
ment technique depends on the type of
carrier roller being measured. On rollers
with press-on rims, as shown below, the
thickness of the rim is measured, so find
the location with the smallest reading.
On carrier rollers with one-piece rims, the
ultrasonic measurement is from the tread
surface to the inside diameter of the roller.
It is important to place the probe on the
outer half of the tread surface on the side of
the roller opposite the shaft as shown at the
top of the second column. Take caution
because, due to the use of tapered roller
bearings, more than one thickness can be
found along each tread surface.
The ultrasonic wear indicator does not
measure cast iron so the carrier rollers on
some D3, D4, D5, D6 and 225 machines
may need to be measured with the caliper.
Wear Limits
Carrier roller allowable wear and resulting
wear limits are based on two primary
factors: First, to prevent flange interference
with the track bushing and second, to
insure remaining strength and successful
rebuildability of the carrier shell itself.
When 100 percent worn to the service
limit, flanges will not contact the bushing
even with a 100 percent worn link but
beyond that point and certainly by 120 per-
cent worn structural failure could result to
the bushing and the carrier roller.
Wear Charts
Wear charts for carrier rollers are direct
reading from the diameter measurement.
They have a built in factor for faster wear
rate expected after the hardened case is
worn through. For some model sizes the
hardened case covers the entire allowable
wear so the expected wear rate is uniform.
Rebuildability
Carrier rollers with forged steel rims (most
models) should be rebuildable assuming
flange wear or damage is not critical.
The primary cause of nonrebuildable car-
rier roller is flat spots worn on the tread.
This is caused by links sliding over the
tread of non-turning stuck carrier rollers,
usually in the presence of severe packing.
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General Information
CARRIER ROLLERS