When a tracked excavator operates in confined spaces (such as indoor demolition, tunnel construction, dense urban building complexes, etc.), the core difficulties of steering lie in limited space, fixed turning radius, and high risk of colliding with surrounding obstacles. The core techniques revolve around "small-angle fine adjustment, track differential control, and pre-adjustment of machine body posture". Meanwhile, it is necessary to select an appropriate steering method based on the space size and operation requirements. Specifically, these techniques can be divided into basic steering techniques, steering techniques for special scenarios, and auxiliary control points, which are both practical and safe:

Basic Steering Techniques: Precisely Control the Slewing Range

In-Place Fixed-Point Steering (Core Technique for Small Spaces)

This is applicable when the space is only sufficient for the machine body to slew. During operation, lower the bucket to the ground for support, keep the boom slightly bent and the arm fully extended, and let the bucket teeth lightly touch the ground to form a stable fulcrum. Then, rotate one track forward and the other backward at a constant speed to achieve 360° in-place slewing of the machine body.

• Pay attention to controlling the accelerator intensity to prevent the machine body from tilting due to excessively fast rotation of one track.

• At the same time, observe the connection between the slewing platform and the tracks to avoid collision with surrounding objects.

Small-Angle Segmented Steering

Large-angle one-time steering is strictly prohibited in confined spaces; instead, the method of "small angle + multiple adjustments" should be adopted.

• Control the steering angle to 10°-15° each time. After steering, stop the machine steadily immediately, observe the distance between the machine body and obstacles, and confirm safety before proceeding with the next steering.

• This technique can prevent the tracks from rolling over obstacles or the machine body from scraping due to excessive steering range.

Straight Movement + Fine-Adjustment Steering

If direction adjustment is needed after short-distance movement, first let the tracks move straight at a constant speed to the area near the target location, then achieve steering by slightly jogging one track.

• For example, to make a slight right adjustment, stop the right track briefly while the left track continues to move forward slowly. After completing the small-angle steering, resume synchronous movement of both tracks to reduce space occupation during steering.

Steering Techniques for Special Scenarios: Adapting to Different Confined Environments

Wall-Adjacent / Edge-Adjacent Steering Technique

When there is a wall or fixed obstacle on one side of the operation space, adopt the method of "slow rotation of the track adjacent to the edge".

• Take the track close to the obstacle as the "reference track" and keep it moving at a low constant speed. Rotate the other track slightly faster to make the machine body turn slowly around the reference track as the axis.

• At the same time, control the slewing platform to deviate toward the side away from the obstacle to prevent the boom and bucket from scraping the wall.

Tunnel / Narrow Channel Steering Technique

In narrow channels where the width is only slightly larger than the machine body, it is necessary to plan the steering path in advance and adopt the "forward-backward combined steering method".

• First, move forward to a suitable position in the channel, retract the bucket to one side of the machine body, then move one track backward and the other forward to achieve a small-range steering of the machine body.

• If the steering angle is insufficient, repeat the steps of "forward - steer - backward - steer" to gradually adjust to the target direction, avoiding track extrusion on both sides of the channel during in-place steering.

Obstacle-Bypassing Steering Technique

When there are obstacles such as columns and pipelines in the space, adopt "point-around steering".

• Take the obstacle as the center, adjust the position of the machine body to keep a safe distance between the tracks and the obstacle.

• Then, adjust the speed of one track to make the machine body turn slowly around the obstacle. At the same time, use the bucket to assist in detecting the distance to prevent the tracks or machine body from colliding with the obstacle.

Auxiliary Control Points for Steering: Ensuring Operational Safety and Precision

Pre-Adjust the Machine Body Posture in Advance

Before steering, adjust the bucket and boom to appropriate positions first. Generally, retract the bucket to the front of the machine body and lower the boom so that the bucket is 20-30cm above the ground.

• This avoids center-of-gravity deviation caused by the bucket being suspended during steering and reduces the lateral space occupied by the bucket.

Control Track Rotation Speed and Force

Use low gear throughout the steering process in confined spaces, step on the accelerator lightly to supply fuel at a constant speed, and strictly prohibit sudden acceleration and sudden steering.

• When adjusting the speed of one track, precisely adjust the rotation speed by controlling the stroke of the control lever to avoid machine body shaking or slipping due to sudden changes in rotation speed.

Use Observation Equipment for Auxiliary Judgment

Use the rearview mirror and reverse image (equipped on some intelligent models) in the cab to observe the distance between the tracks and obstacles.

• For blind spots, arrange ground personnel to direct and adjust the steering range through hand signals to avoid blind operation.

Avoid Cross Rolling of Tracks

Pay attention to the movement trajectory of the tracks during steering, and strictly prohibit excessive cross rolling of the two tracks.

• This prevents the tracks from loosening and falling off, while reducing ground damage caused by the tracks and avoiding impact on steering stability due to ground subsidence.