A track is a flexible chain loop driven by the drive wheel, operating around the drive wheel, idler wheel, tensioning wheel, and support rollers. This chain loop consists of key components such as the track plate and track pin. The track pin connects the individual track plates, forming a complete track loop.

Tracks

Working Principle of the Track

The design of the track plate is ingenious, with holes at both ends that engage with the drive wheel, driving the track to work. In the middle of the track plate, induction teeth are cleverly arranged. These induction teeth not only help align the track’s direction but also effectively prevent the track from detaching during turns or when the Excavator tilts. Additionally, the surface that contacts the ground is reinforced with anti-slip ribs (commonly called tread patterns). This design not only enhances the strength of the track plate but also significantly improves the track’s grip on the ground.

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Design and Function of the Idler Wheel

The idler wheel is an essential component of the Excavator. It not only supports the Excavator's weight but also helps align the direction of the track. The internal structure of the idler wheel is intricate, consisting of components such as the hub, wheel disc, rubber tape, ball bearings, axle cover, fixed nuts, and oil-seal cover. Through the combined function of multiple idler wheels, the Excavator's weight is evenly distributed, ensuring a more balanced distribution of pressure from the track on the ground. This design not only improves the Excavator's mobility but also extends its service life.

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When the engine's power is transmitted to the drive wheel, the drive wheel rotates in a clockwise direction, driving the track. This driving mechanism creates a mutual force between the track’s contact with the ground and the ground itself. According to Newton’s third law of motion—action and reaction—the track exerts a force on the ground in the horizontal direction, and the ground exerts a reactive force on the track. It is this reactive force that propels the Excavator forward, known as the Excavator’s traction force.

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Initially, the developers of Excavators drew inspiration from the track design of agricultural crawler tractors. For example, in 1915, the British "Little Wanderer" Excavator used the tracks of the American "Blauek" tractor. By 1916, the French "Schneider" and "Saint-Chamond" Excavators adopted the tracks of the American "Holt" tractor. After nearly 90 years of development and evolution, the track has become an indispensable part of the Excavator, with continuous improvements in its structure, materials, and manufacturing processes, providing stable support and excellent traction to enable the Excavator to meet the challenges of various combat environments.

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Excavator Mobility: Power and Ground Conditions

The mobility of a Excavator is constrained by two key conditions: power conditions and ground conditions. The power condition comes from the engine, which must provide sufficient force to move the Excavator across the ground. Without this power, the drive wheel cannot rotate. The ground condition relates to the force exerted by the drive wheel through the track, which requires the ground’s reactive force (traction) to move the Excavator forward. When the traction force equals the resistance to movement, the Excavator moves at a constant speed. If the traction force exceeds the resistance, the Excavator accelerates; conversely, if the traction force is less than the resistance, the Excavator slows down.

Tracks, as a unique method of mobility, are widely used in fields such as construction machinery, agricultural machinery, and military equipment. Compared to traditional wheel hub drive systems, tracks offer distinct advantages and are suitable for specific applications.

Role of Tracks

  1. Increased Contact Area: Tracks increase the contact area with the ground, dispersing the weight of the machine and thus reducing the pressure on the ground. This is especially important on soft or uneven terrain, as it effectively prevents ground damage.
  2. Enhanced Traction: The design of tracks ensures good traction across various terrains. Particularly in harsh conditions like mud or snow, tracks provide much greater traction than wheels.
  3. Reduced Ground Compaction: Due to the larger contact area, tracks cause less ground compaction. This is particularly important in agricultural machinery, as it helps reduce soil structure damage.
  4. Stability and Passability: Track vehicles maintain better stability when traveling over uneven terrain and have superior passability compared to wheel vehicles, allowing them to easily cross obstacles.

Why Choose Tracks Over Wheels?

  1. Adaptability: In complex and variable terrain, tracked vehicles are more adaptable. Wheel vehicles tend to slip or become stuck on soft or uneven surfaces, while tracked vehicles can maintain stable movement.
  2. Load Capacity: Tracked vehicles generally have a greater load capacity due to more evenly distributed weight. This is particularly important for heavy machinery and transport vehicles.
  3. Maintenance Costs: While the initial cost of tracks may be higher than wheels, the maintenance costs are typically lower. Tracks reduce the impact on the ground, thereby minimizing wear and tear on the vehicle itself.

Contributions of Shandong Hanyue Group in Track Technology

Shandong Hanyue Group, a leading domestic manufacturer of construction machinery, has been committed to the research and development of track technology. The group not only strives for excellence in track design but also continuously breaks new ground in material science, power systems, and intelligent control, providing efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly track solutions for customers.

  1. Innovative Design: Shandong Hanyue Group uses advanced design concepts to ensure that tracks maintain optimal performance under various working conditions. Their track products have gained widespread recognition in the market for their durability and efficiency.
  2. Material Science: The group has invested heavily in the research and development of track materials, using high-strength, wear-resistant materials to extend the service life of tracks and reduce maintenance costs.
  3. Intelligent Control: Shandong Hanyue Group's tracked vehicles are equipped with advanced intelligent control systems, which can automatically adjust the track tension and speed according to terrain and load, improving operational efficiency.
  4. Environmental Awareness: Throughout the design and manufacturing process, Shandong Hanyue Group adheres to environmental principles, and their track products have made positive contributions to reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion

Tracks and wheels each have their advantages, but in specific fields, tracks are undoubtedly the superior choice. With its deep expertise and ongoing innovation in track technology, Shandong Hanyue Group has become a leader in the industry. The group's products not only meet the needs of domestic and international customers but also contribute significantly to the development of the construction machinery industry.

Tracks

Mr. Zhang from Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, already owns four CAT® (Caterpillar) excavators, but he’s far from satisfied with his current fleet. He's aiming for further expansion—buying more equipment and taking on even more projects.

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Currently, his lineup includes two CAT 313s, one CAT 303.5, and one CAT 305.5. These four machines give Mr. Zhang the confidence and capability to easily take on road construction, housing, and various other civil works across townships surrounding Chaozhou—and his business is thriving.

“Powerful performance and quick, agile movements,” he says.

The nimble and responsive CAT mini excavators really stand out in narrow village alleys, where their compact bodies offer excellent maneuverability, while their strong engines ensure they can handle a wide range of digging tasks with ease and efficiency.

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In Mr. Zhang’s view, with these four CAT excavators, there’s no township project he can’t handle. Even for high-power-demanding tasks like rock breaking—challenging for many others—he can get the job done effortlessly.

“The breaker attachment delivers tremendous force,” he notes.

Mr. Zhang is also very satisfied with Caterpillar’s after-sales service. The local dealer, Shinchang Machinery, sends technicians every year for routine inspections, giving him total peace of mind.

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“They make owning and maintaining the machines truly worry-free,” he says with confidence.

Amid the global shift toward greener and smarter construction machinery, Shandong Lingong (SDLG) continues to drive development through innovation. The ER6155H medium-sized excavator stands as a prime example of SDLG’s innovative capabilities. Combining intelligence, efficiency, safety, and environmental performance, the ER6155H builds on SDLG’s legacy of reliability. With powerful performance and intelligent technology, it sets a new benchmark for innovation in medium-sized equipment and marks the beginning of a new era in intelligent construction.

Shandong Lingong ER6155H Excavator

Intelligent Control: Redefining the Excavator Operating Experience

One of the core highlights of the ER6155H is its exclusive SDLG electronic control system. This system uses a proportional solenoid valve integrated into the main valve to achieve full electronic and independent control of each machine function. The result is enhanced precision, faster response, and a significantly reduced learning curve—making it easier for operators to complete complex tasks efficiently.

In addition, the ER6155H supports multiple operating modes to suit different working conditions. It features a slew angle setting, and flow and pressure can be customized for optimal performance. This intelligent control capability reinforces SDLG’s leadership in construction equipment digitization and points the way forward for the entire industry.

Shandong Lingong ER6155H Excavator

Compact Design: The Ultimate Solution for Confined Spaces

In urban construction and underground projects, maneuverability and flexibility are critical. The ER6155H is designed to be an ideal solution for work in tight spaces. Whether it’s navigating narrow alleyways, subway construction, or underground mining tunnels, the ER6155H handles tasks with ease while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment and boosting overall efficiency.

This compact and powerful design demonstrates SDLG’s deep understanding of customer needs and its forward-thinking approach to machinery design. By optimizing the machine’s structure, the ER6155H delivers powerful performance without sacrificing space efficiency, providing a smarter, more efficient solution for global customers.

Shandong Lingong ER6155H Excavator

Safety and Comfort: A Human-Centered Design Philosophy

Operator safety and comfort remain central to equipment design in the construction sector. The ER6155H comes equipped with a cabin protection system and boom swing limit function to prevent debris from entering the cab, ensuring both cleanliness and operator safety. This not only enhances machine safety but also reduces routine cleaning efforts, improving job efficiency.

The cab is ergonomically designed with a well-organized control layout and wide field of view, reducing fatigue during long hours of operation. Enhanced soundproofing and vibration dampening ensure a more comfortable working environment, highlighting SDLG’s commitment to operator health and well-being, and setting a new standard for the industry.

Shandong Lingong ER6155H Excavator

Green and Sustainable: A Champion of Environmental Responsibility

Globally, environmental protection is becoming a major trend in construction machinery. The ER6155H was designed with energy efficiency and emission reduction in mind. It features an advanced fuel injection system and an exhaust treatment solution that reduces fuel consumption and emissions, meeting the EU Stage V emissions standard.

Easy Maintenance: Lower Costs, Higher Uptime

The ER6155H also excels in maintainability. Its rear-side access doors allow for convenient daily engine maintenance. A low-mounted DEF tank and standard fuel pump simplify the servicing process. These user-friendly design choices help reduce maintenance costs and improve equipment uptime—delivering more value to customers.

Shandong Lingong ER6155H Excavator

Driving the Future Through Innovation

The debut of the SDLG ER6155H is not only a testament to SDLG’s technological strength but also reflects a deep insight into the future direction of the industry. Through innovations in intelligent control, compact design, operator safety, environmental protection, and maintainability, the ER6155H offers a high-performance, reliable, and smart construction solution to customers worldwide.

As a leading enterprise in China’s construction machinery sector, Shandong Lingong remains customer-centric and innovation-driven, committed to advancing the global construction machinery industry. With outstanding products and technologies, SDLG will continue to demonstrate the excellence of "Made in China", creating greater value for customers around the globe.

When you think of excavators, you probably imagine the powerful "steel giants" on construction sites. However, in many specialized scenarios—such as interior renovations, landscaping, or working in narrow alleys—the agile "small wonders" are the true efficiency champions.

Yanmar's Smallest Excavator,

Today, let's talk about the century-old construction machinery brand, Yanmar, and take a look at the smallest yet most capable member of their family!

The smallest excavator model in Yanmar's product line is the SV08 series (specific models may vary by region and upgrades, such as SV08-1C). This excavator is essentially custom-made for "extreme spaces"!

How Small is the SV08? How Powerful is It?

Don’t let its small size fool you—this machine packs quite a punch. Let’s break down its key features:

  1. Narrow Enough to “Fit Through a Door”!
    One of the most impressive features of the SV08 is its adjustable width chassis. When contracted, the width of the entire machine can shrink to an astonishing 680mm—narrower than a standard doorframe! This means the SV08 can easily enter buildings, pass through narrow corridors, and even fit into some elevators, making it truly capable of "barrier-free access."
  2. Lightweight and Easy to Transport
    The machine weighs just over 1 ton (approximately 1035kg), making it extremely lightweight and easy to transport. It can be moved with a small trailer or pickup truck, and its low ground pressure makes it ideal for working on delicate surfaces like lawns or floors with limited load-bearing capacity, without causing damage.
  3. No Worries Working Close to Walls
    The SV08 features a short tail swing design (sometimes described as almost zero tail swing). Simply put, its tail doesn't extend far beyond the width of the tracks when rotating. This makes it easy to operate in tight spaces, such as near walls, obstacles, or corners, without the risk of hitting anything, significantly improving efficiency and safety.
  4. Adaptable with Adjustable Width
    As mentioned earlier, the SV08’s adjustable width chassis not only allows it to shrink for better maneuverability but also extends (typically to around 840mm) when more stability is required for digging tasks, ensuring it stands firm while working. This versatile design allows the SV08 to perform excellently in various conditions.
  5. Reliable Power in a Small Package
    The SV08 is powered by Yanmar's own reliable diesel engine (e.g., the 2TE67L series). Although the engine has a small displacement (producing about 7.5kW/10.2 horsepower), it provides stable and efficient power output to drive the hydraulic system for digging, breaking (with an optional breaker), and other tasks. Yanmar engines are well-known for their durability and low fuel consumption.

Where Does the SV08 Shine?

This "mini powerhouse" is the perfect solution for the following scenarios:

  • Interior Demolition and Renovation: Easily enter buildings to perform work.
  • Landscaping: Precisely trim gardens, dig tree pits, and lay irrigation pipes.
  • Pipe Installation and Maintenance: Digging in narrow trenches or next to sidewalks.
  • Farming/Vineyards: Navigate between crop rows for small-scale digging or maintenance.
  • Municipal Maintenance: Clean narrow ditches, install fences, and perform small road repairs.

Basically, any space where large excavators can't reach or perform effectively, the Yanmar SV08 excels!

Key Specifications at a Glance:

  • Operating Weight: Approximately 1035 kg
  • Engine Power: Approximately 7.5 kW / 10.2 HP
  • Standard Bucket Capacity: Approximately 0.022 m³
  • Maximum Digging Depth: Approximately 1500 mm

Transport Width: Approximately 680 mm (adjustable)

(Note: These specifications are typical values; actual models and configurations may vary by region and updates. Please refer to the latest official information.)

Conclusion

In summary, the Yanmar SV08 mini excavator was born to solve those "last mile" construction challenges. It combines Yanmar's craftsmanship with a deep understanding of user needs, all in an incredibly compact package. If you're facing work in narrow spaces or need a flexible, reliable "helper" that could even fit through your front door, the Yanmar SV08 is definitely worth considering!