SALT Chains and Grease Chains Which one is better? – XTPtrack Undercarriage

Normally. Our excavator machine and bulldozer track machine have one of two types of chains. It is important to know the difference between the two. Because depending on our machine usage and environment, having a style in the short or long term may cost money. Most bulldozer and excavator owners have SALT (sealed track links assembly and lubricated track chain assy) chains on their machines.

Of course, some machines have so-called dry chains. The pin used in the SALT chain contains oil that flows into the annular space between the pin and the bushing through the radial hole in the pin. The seal in the connecting rod retains oil. As long as the seal remains effective, as the pin rotates in the sleeve during operation, the oil will reduce the wear between the pin and the sleeve.

The dry chains of dozer and excavator or “grease” chain of bulldozer and excavator is assembled with heavy grease between the pin and the bushing. Grease-coated track seals are usually not as effective as the seals in SALT chains and will eventually leak, causing wear between the pin and the bushing. After about 2500 hours, the greased chain began to wear.

The cost of the dry chain is about 15% lower than that of the SALT chain. Therefore, many machine owners trying to save costs will choose dry chains. Of course, in the long run, the accelerated wear of these chains will eventually cost the machine owner more.

Most aftermarket companies offer dry and salt chains. The cost savings for customers can be as high as 50% of the fees charged by dealers such as Caterpillar Undercarriage, John Deere Undercarriage, Komatsu Undercarriage, Kobelco Undercarriage, and Volvo Undercarriage.

Its quality is comparable to dealers’ products, so it is a good choice to invest in the aftermarket chain.