Shoes can be measured with either a depth gauge or an ultrasonic tool. Both methods are shown in the videos below.
- Ultrasonic Tool
- Depth Gauge
Potential Observations
What to look for
Below are some of the issues you should be looking for when inspecting shoes. This list does not cover all possible issues, but is a starting point that covers most genral issues.
Grouser End Wear
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
• Frequent turning • Wide shoes • High impact/Rough terrain |
• Loss of shoe strength • Loss of traction • Some loss of grouser wear life |
• Normal wear • Continue to run • Clip grouser ends • Use narrower shoes • Consider ES shoes |
Leading & Trailing Edge Wear
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
• Abrasion wearing the leading & trailing edge | • Reduced shoe strength • Shoe bending/crossing causing excessive damage to leading/trailing edges • Potential RBT track joint failure • Accelerated U/C wear due to increased abrasive flow |
• At CTS inspection, check all shoes • If shoe crossing / bending: — Replace — Possibly use ES shoes • Otherwise continue to run • Consider ES shoe |
Plate Wear
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• Abrasive &/or impact wear of plate usually near the ends | • Loss of strength — Shoe bending — Shoe breaking |
• Check plate thickness w/ Ultrasonic Wear Indicator on ends prior to re-grousering • Consider ES shoe |
Corner Breakage
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• High impact loading • Plate wear |
• Shoe section missing • Non-support to adjacent shoes • Loss of shoe strength |
• At CTS inspection, check all shoes • If small corner break: — Mainly cosmetic — Continue to run — Plan to replace at service • If severe breakage, replace immediately • Consider ES shoe |
Cracks Through Grouser / Bolt Holes
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
• High impact loading w/ low grouser wear • Loose bolts • Wide shoes • Plate wear |
• Shoe breakage | • At CTS inspection, check all shoes • Replace shoes as needed • Consider ES shoe |
Cracks at Trap Hole
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• Improper surface finish (burning) of trap hole • High impact loading • Bolt loosening |
• Possible shoe breakage | • At CTS inspection, check all shoes • Monitor for bolt loosening • Replace shoes as needed • Continue to run if crack does not propagate • Consider ES shoe |
Cracks - Edge to Bolt
| Examples | Causes | Effects | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
• High impact loading • Wide shoes • Plate wear • Notch at edge • Quench crack at hole/edge |
• Loss of shoe section • Loss of shoe integrity • Bolt loosening |
• At CTS inspection, check all shoes • Replace shoes as needed • Consider ES shoe |