Course in Rubber Tracks and Chains in Heavy Machinery
300-hour online course in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery. 6 modules covering EN 474-1 (earth-moving machinery: general safety requirements), ISO 6165 (earth-moving machinery: basic types) and SAP PM. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Rubber Tracks and Chains in Heavy Machinery — studying from New Zealand
Off-road and special vehicle engineering is a major strength in New Zealand, reflecting the importance of agriculture, forestry, mining and construction. Manufacturers and fabricators in the Waikato and Canterbury produce tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment and specialised machinery, many of which are exported worldwide. Engineers in this field work on design, testing and safety compliance for equipment used on farms, in plantations and on remote worksites.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$887 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Which New Zealand bodies relate to off-road and specialist vehicle engineering?
Engineering New Zealand is the main professional body, and vehicle compliance is handled by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Heavy machinery and certain specialist vehicles can also fall under WorkSafe New Zealand rules. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so employers and regulators decide their value.
Who hires off-road and special vehicle engineers in New Zealand?
Employers include forestry and agricultural equipment firms, mining and civil construction contractors, fabrication shops, and emergency or utility vehicle fleets. Practical design, safety and maintenance skills are central to hiring. A SEIUM qualification may help, but its weight depends on the employer.
How does the study load work for someone with a job here?
The programme is fully online, so you can study around work from anywhere in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses take 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. You get an assigned technical tutor, and fees can be paid in instalments or sponsored by an employer.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Compare rubber tracks and steel chains according to application.
Identify the components of the undercarriage and their assembly.
Diagnose wear patterns and damage.
Apply good practice in tensioning and maintenance.
Promote operating techniques that extend service life.
Calculate the hourly cost of the undercarriage.
Select the appropriate undercarriage for a machine and terrain.
Who it's for
- Undercarriage technician wishing to specialise in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery.
- Heavy machinery workshop manager wishing to specialise in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery.
- Fleet maintenance manager wishing to specialise in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery.
- After-sales technical adviser wishing to specialise in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery.
- Training operator wishing to specialise in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery.
- Machinery applications engineer wishing to specialise in rubber tracks and chains in heavy machinery.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter construction and public works.
What you'll work with
- EN 474-1 (earth-moving machinery: general safety requirements)
- ISO 6165 (earth-moving machinery: basic types)
- ISO 6016 (methods of measuring masses)
- ISO 6750-1 (operator's manual)
- ISO 9249 (net engine power)
- ISO 3450 (braking systems of tracked and rubber-tyred machines)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Construction of a rubber track1.2Steel and cable reinforcements1.3Continuous rubber track and shoe track1.4Steel chain with rubber pads1.5Applications of each solution1.6Advantages on urban surfaces and turf1.7Limitations on rock and in abrasion1.8Contact pressure and pavement damage1.9Terminology and marking1.10Workshop: choosing a solution for three applications
2.1Drive sprocket and engagement with the rubber track2.2Rollers, guides and idler wheel2.3Tensioners and their adjustment2.4Chassis and undercarriage frame2.5Tools and assembly procedure2.6Risk of damage during assembly2.7Track alignment and centring2.8Checks after assembly2.9Initial running-in2.10Practical: assembly procedure for a rubber track
3.1Wear of the belt and lugs3.2Breakage of internal reinforcements3.3Cuts and tears from rock and iron3.4Delamination and separation of the reinforcement3.5Derailment and its causes3.6Wear of rollers and guides3.7Damage from incorrect tension3.8Damage from repeated tight turns3.9Criteria for removal3.10Practical: diagnosis of four types of damage
4.1Tension check and procedure4.2Cleaning the undercarriage after work4.3Periodic inspection of components4.4Greasing and roller inspection4.5Storage of the machine and track4.6Protection against oil and sun4.7Rotation and swapping of tracks4.8Recording hours and condition4.9Operator training4.10Practical: maintenance routine
5.1Wide turns versus pivot turns5.2Travel speed and heating5.3Driving on asphalt and abrasion5.4Working on slopes and uneven wear5.5Obstacles and manoeuvres that cause damage5.6Machine loading and contact pressure5.7Working in mud and sticky materials5.8Transport on a low-loader and securing5.9Common operator errors5.10Practical: good operating practice guide
6.1Cost of the rubber track and chain6.2Hourly cost and expected service life6.3Economic comparison of solutions6.4Rubber track repair: feasibility6.5Suppliers and quality approval6.6Stock management6.7Waste management6.8Indicators of service life achieved6.9Common errors in selection6.10Final project: track management plan for a fleet
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SAP PM, Power BI, advanced Excel, SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for measuring wear on chains and rollers, inspecting rubber tracks, and analysing the hourly cost of the undercarriage. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Compare rubber tracks and steel chains according to application.
Identify the components of the undercarriage and their assembly.
Diagnose wear patterns and damage.
Apply good practice in tensioning and maintenance.
Promote operating techniques that extend service life.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You work with SAP PM, Power BI, advanced Excel and SolidWorks. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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