D20 Undercarriage Replacement Help

[GDW]

Hi to all, I've been looking for a site like this for a long time. I hope to be able to contribute some info from my limited experience with heavy equipment, but I'm sure I'll need to receive more than I contribute. It seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable, helpful folks on the site, and I'm glad to have found it. I'm using a komatsu d20 s-5 track loader to clear underbrush from my pastures in south Texas . Some of it has gotten out of control. I have mesquite, and huisatche(weesatch) which is mostly 2 to 4 inch trunks, and the loader has done a good job pushing it out, but my undercarriage is getting badly worn. The idler axles are almost hanging over the end of the rails. I've replaced some bottom rollers and one idler wheel, and now I guess I need to replace the chains?, pads?, sprockets?.
What about "weld on" sprocket rims? good,bad, or should I get the wheel? Do the wheels need to be removed to weld the rims on without damaging the bearings?
The pads are worn some, but it still has pretty good traction. Are there any tricks to replacing the pads, boy that's a lot of bolts. 74 pads x 4bolts per pad=296.
Anyone have some good "sources" for used, new, or aftermarket parts in Texas or the vicinity?
I can't afford to spend a lot on the little machine, but the rest of it is in real good condition, no leaks at all, starts and runs like a top, but it's not worth much as is, so I'll have to bite the bullet and get the UC in shape.
I appreciate any help any of you have to offer, and hope I can help out some in the future. Great website,
Thanks GDW

[Orchard Ex]

GDW - Welcome to the site!
I can't help with parts dealers in S. Texas but the parts shouldn't be hard to find. I know that quite a few of the D 20's and 21's have gone with the weld on sprockets and I haven't heard anything bad about them. Have you measured the rest of the undercarriage to see how worn each bit is? Sounds like the pitch is getting long, but if the chain and everything else measures OK you might get away with just a pin & bushing job and sprockets.

[wrenchbender]

Weld them sprockets on while still on the machine but be sure to hook the ground to the sprocket( NOT the machine:nono )as this would damage the bearings.

[Woodstock]

You might check with Track Pro. They are located 6.2 miles south of loop 410 and 37 in San Antonio. I just saw there add in the equipment trader mag. There number in (210)635-7789 they are anouncing grand opening. They say they have new and used parts. Good Luck. Doyle

[GDW]

You might check with Track Pro. They are located 6.2 miles south of loop 410 and 37 in San Antonio. I just saw there add in the equipment trader mag. There number in (210)635-7789 they are anouncing grand opening. They say they have new and used parts. Good Luck. Doyle

Thanks for the reply, I checked with them,,seem like nice folks, a little bit higher than a couple of others, but a little closer to home. Have you heard of a fella in Seguin who does track work. I think he is retired and does the work at home, or in his own shop. He was recommended by a mechanic at a repair shop near my location(Goliad),,but he didn't remember the man's name . He is said to do good work at a reasonable price. Do you know of any shops in Seguin that would know of him? Thanks...GDW

[chuckalan]

I am working on undercarriage for an old 1973 Case 450 right now... Had big problems with chain links, pads, bolts not fitting, sprockets. Bought my stuff from Finney equipment and parts in Al... I'm getting good at this game the hard way... about 18 mos and $3,000.00 dollars later...