1989 D4H dozer newbie

[D4Hgreenhorn]

Hi everyone! i just recently purchased a 1989 D4H high track dozer from a local CAT dealer in my area... i was told that the undercarriage has 60% left.. i bought it to clear some of my 60 acres and to pull a few trees that i cut down so that i can sell them and to keep my roads up after hard rains..,... it wont be used all day everyday.. it runs good but every now and then the tracks will make a popping sound...i only notice it after i turn either left or right sharply followed by going either straight forward or reverse..it pops a couple times then quits.. .. it doesnt do it alot but nontheless it doesnt sound good.. i am new to dozers and was wondering if someone might know what it could be?? also do the tracks require greasing to prevent squeaking and such? if so where? and i did read somewhere how to adjust the tracks but i am unclear where to measure the sag at and if mine has carrier rollers or not? there is two different measurements for sag and im kinda lost... i didnt get a manual with it so i am going to have to order one.. thanks for any and all help!! P.S. i can post pictures of the machine if that would help.. just let me know..


Damian

 

[Huntoon]

HI Damien.

It seems that it could be the popping noise is happening when the spring compresses and the chain slackens and then perhaps the sprocket jumps a tooth or too. This could be caused by worn chain or bad spring or both or something else.
Tightening the track to the correct tension would be the first order of operation.

 

[Huntoon]

Follow these steps to adjust track-chain tension:
1. Move the machine forward, slowly.
2. Let the machine roll to a stop.
3. Center the track pin over the carrier roller (A).
4. Put a straight edge over the track (B).
5. Measure the sag at the lowest point (C).




I think your looking for 2" track sag +/- 1/4"

info from John Deere PDF found here: http://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/con...ts/parts_by_industry/undercarriage/DKB765.pdf

I think it should apply to an old D4 undercarriage like yours. In fact, I think this John Deere catalog is just a refreshed version of an earlier Dresser catalog that I have. It contains the same info and layout...

 

[Huntoon]

BTW, the link pitch of your track is 6.75 inches, or 171.45mm, which super common and used by every mfg.

 

[Lindsey97]

my guess would be the sprockets are badly worn. check for sharpness on the tips, or if the tips of the sprockets are folding over. remove the the track sheetmetal covers and clean out dirt from the spring, and see if the spring is cracked or broken.

 

[Motat]

Lindsey 97
[remove the the track sheetmetal covers and clean out dirt from the spring, and see if the spring is cracked or broken]
This does not apply to H series as return springs are enclosed in oiled conpartment [Idler on cannon]
My D4H S 3 will often compress spring and skip tooth ,and have new sprocketts.
Regards

 

[Lindsey97]

my apologies, i have no experience with cat high tracks, nor have i owned one. i do own a deere 455g, and a '92 cat d4c. please tell me more about the differences of the hight track assmebly compared to my tractors.

 

[Motat]

Yes Lindsey
They have the spring and adjusting ram enclosed in oil filled compartment.
The idler is mounted on the [cannon] which is large, crome coated tube,with a seal in the larger female tube, to keep oil in etc not unlike a large hyd track adjuster.
I think from memory there is a key like thing that keeps the idler screwing.
Bit of a pest to adjust tracks ,as have to undo plate ,then feel for grease nipple in the oil and grease therein
Hope you can make sense of this .
Regards

 

[ttazzman]

D4Hgreenhorn.....this may be over simplified...but my D4H3 will do some poping after what you describe due to when i turn i will get rocks in the tracks from the turn and then when i go forward or reverse the rocks will pop in the tracks....

 

[D4Hgreenhorn]

D4Hgreenhorn.....this may be over simplified...but my D4H3 will do some poping after what you describe due to when i turn i will get rocks in the tracks from the turn and then when i go forward or reverse the rocks will pop in the tracks....

First off i would like to thank everyone for their help!! I did forget to mention that the sprockets were changed before i bought the machine. They are brand new. I found out that the right side track had a little too much slack. I adjusted it accordingly and now it seems fine. Overalbl im pleased and impressed with This machine. The ride is much smoother than the conventional flat track.. It pulls out big trees like it were nothing..i got a chance to talk to the mechanic at the cat dealer and he also told me to check the sag and how to do it.. He also said he was the one who serviced it and put the new final drive gears on it and he seems to think its a pretty solid dozer...thanks again everyone!!

 

[Lindsey97]

pictures!!!

 

[ttazzman]

I keep a D4HXL3 around the farm they are a excellent all around size light farm'property maintenence.........its great for roads......sometimes i wish i had a 953 for other farm work though....

 

[D4Hgreenhorn]

pictures!!!

here she is