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 South Africa
Mining, agriculture and construction make off-road and specialised machinery central to South Africa's economy. Mining equipment manufacturers and service providers support the country's extensive gold, platinum and coal operations, while agricultural machinery serves commercial farming. Engineers working on heavy vehicles and special machines focus on hydraulics, drivetrains and durability under harsh conditions. The South African Bureau of Standards and the Mine Health and Safety Council set relevant standards and safety requirements.
Fees for South Africa: R 8 340 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body. Engineering registration is handled by ECSA, and machinery safety standards are linked to SABS and the Department of Employment and Labour's regulations. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm this with them before you enrol.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in off-road and special vehicles?
Mining, agriculture, construction and vehicle-conversion firms value practical machinery knowledge and proven problem-solving. A private qualification can support your application, especially with hands-on experience, but it carries no official status. Its weight depends on each employer, so ask potential employers in your field how they would view it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is 100% online and in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes take 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. Each student has an assigned technical tutor, fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Check time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM directly.
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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