Wear in a Track-Type Tractor Brake

Advanced Simulation and Consulting Services

Wear in the steering mechanism of a track-type tractor must be controlled carefully to minimize downtime (to replace worn brake components) and to minimize the warranty costs associated with premature wear.

Track-type tractors steer differentially; to turn the tractor, one applies the brake on one side to hold that track in place and powers the vehicle around via the track on the other side. Such differential braking must work in forward or reverse at any speed and power level.

The brake is a 720° system that wraps twice around the drive shaft. When the mechanism is applied in one direction or the other, and when the shaft is rotating in one direction or the other, the brake must actuate correctly.

In this example, the design intent was that all 720° of brake material would contribute equally to the braking effect. Instead, uneven wear occurred, and only a small portion of the material was loaded, resulting in inefficient braking, early wear out, customer frustration, and warranty problems.

We worked with the brake manufacturer to develop a model that simulated the brake and its actuation mechanism. The simulation showed why the brake wear occurred and allowed the manufacturer to improve the design.