D6H series II track question

Multiracer · Dec 31, 2012

Next up.....

The right side sprocket segments were all loose. I had to remove each segment, cleand everything up and re torque each bolt... what a pain.

The tracks are next. I found a used set of tracks that look like they have some hours left in them compared to mine.View attachment 98182

Mine are worn from every direction.View attachment 98183

As a unit they are HEAVY ! I need a plan of attack before torching the old ones off.View attachment 98184

Any good tips from you experienced guys ?

Multiracer · Dec 31, 2012

Sorry, I have no clue why the pictures did not end up showing in the thread ?

Multiracer · Jan 2, 2013

Onward...

Next up was to figure out how to actually change the tracks. Being as it was just myself and my son we were low on power armstrong.
I decided to get the machine to help us. After getting the replacement track lined up I torched the old track segment to sort of match the stepped tooth of the replacement.

Welded a couple of easily removable tabs to connect the two.

We were then ready to start the machine and roll the old track off the top of the sprocket and the replacement on under the machine.

Multiracer · Jan 2, 2013

It worked like a charm !

We used the forklift to keep the old track off of the replacement as it was feeding around the machine.

View attachment 98247

View attachment 98248

At this point we were happy and cut the two apart.
I blocked up the grouser at the lower side of the idler and started the machine again to use the sprocket power to remove all slack and to get the stepped ends to come together. As all the slack in the track disapeared and the remaining room in the adjuster tube came back we were shocked to find the track was too short !

View attachment 98249

View attachment 98250

View attachment 98251

Now I am at a loss. My quote from an aftermarket company states the track should be 39 link SALT. Another quote states 39 link HD.
The tracks I have in my possesion came off of a sister machine to mine just a few years ago, they are 39 link ?
My old tracks were so worn that when I bought the machine a link was removed and new sprockets were added. They are 38 link now ?

It appears we are about 8-10" too short.

Multiracer · Jan 2, 2013

WTF ?
I don't know what happened or why the pictures did not show within my post again ?

OldandWorn · Jan 2, 2013

Nice way to get the new tracks on. I think if you "preview post" you can catch the no picture thing and fix it before posting. I don't know why they are not showing up though.

Multiracer · Jan 2, 2013

Old... I always forget to do a preview.
Any idea why these tracks seem so short ? The fit in the sprockets looks good compared to my old ones.
If you look at a previous post of mine you will see the side views of these two tracks. The centerline measurements between pins is a solid 1" longer on my old tracks.
They only rode up on the tips of the sprocket teeth. The new used tracks sit nicely down in the tooth.
Ron

Multiracer · Jan 2, 2013

Serial number is 3ZF00730.
How many pins and what type of track should go ?

Oxbow · Jan 2, 2013

Did you compress the track adjuster cylinder before removing the old tracks? If not you may be able to open the grease valve and push it in with your fork lift (carefully so as not to push it off the blocks).

Multiracer · Jan 2, 2013

Yes sir, look at this picture. https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=98249
Or click on my attachment # 98249. The adjuster is collapsed fully.
The more research I do on this project I am finding my particular machine has a "heavy Duty" track assembly on it. The one I am trying to install is a "regular" duty track.
The dimension of pin to pin C/L is determining the pitch of the chain.
My old worn chains were 8.5", the new used tracks are 7.5" and what I ultimatly need is 8.00"
The saga continues !
Ron

Oxbow · Jan 2, 2013

Sorry Multiracer, I am not able to open your attachments. I was not aware that there were different pitches for the same machine, ie: one would need different sprockets for different tracks. Perhaps one of the other folks can help you. I have changed tracks, rollers, sprockets a number of times but have not encountered your problem before.

Someone like Nige who has access to the Cat software may be able to clear things up.

Good Luck!

oldirt · Jan 2, 2013

if the segments were loose (like mine were) the holes are probably egged out. You will not be able to tighten those bolts up enough to get them to hold. I stripped everything off and built up my hole with a welder then bored them out again with a die grinder, testing till they were tight but would just work. Seems to be holding now, and I didn't have to buy a new wheel/flange.

Cmark · Jan 3, 2013

According to SIS, your machine was shipped with 39 link chains. 40 link chains were available, but called for seven roller track frames which you don't have.

There appears to be only one sprocket segment availabe, which eliminates you having chains of the wrong pitch.

Have you set the machine on the floor to take the sag out of the bottom of the track?

Are you joining the tracks at the rear idler (easy)?, or at the front idler (more difficult)?

Multiracer · Jan 3, 2013

The final answer to this puzzle.

I want to first thank all of you who contributed to this search.
Second, I finally broke down and had the CAT PSS guy here to go over this with me.
When all is said and done and reverse tracking from the CAT casting numbers on the links, the tracks that I have as a replacement are actually D5H tracks, hence the 7.5" pitch vs. 8.0" pitch.
What I need is a set of HD 39 pin chains to utilize my pads. The difference between Standard and Heavy duty is the physical size of the link. The link is larger in every direction so the pad bolt pattern spreads out as well.
This is why I will now try to locate a set of HD 39 pin chains or tracks! :Banghead
Again, thank you all for the insight.
Ron

Multiracer · Jan 3, 2013

To answer your question

.
The slack is gone under the rollers and we were trying to join it at the rear between sprocket and idler.

QuickTrax · Jan 3, 2013

Hi Multiracer, I know I am late on this thread but this should be some good info for you. The standard duty chain is what your s/n calls for but you can also put the heavy duty chain on your machine if you remove the wear strips off of your track guides. The bolt pattern is identical and your pads will work with either chain. The heavy duty chain is 7mm taller and 25mm wider than the standard duty chain.
Good Luck, QuickTrax

Multiracer · Jan 3, 2013

Funny,
I thought CAT just told me this machine came with HD tracks. I know my old ones measure as HD and if you look at the pictures my wear bars are on the inside of the roller frames ?

QuickTrax · Jan 3, 2013

The Cat website is saying this machine "As Shipped" came with a 8E2355/6 link #. This link # belongs to the standard duty chains. The heavy duty link # is 8E7405/6.

DPete · Jan 3, 2013

Even if they had buckled running a 7.5" track on 8" segments would eat itsef up. To bad though, that's alot of work, I'm suprised the pads fit.

Multiracer · Jan 3, 2013

The new 39 pin HD chain number is 6I9668.
D, the pads do not interchange between what I have. They are both 22" wide but the bolt pattern is not the same.
I checked with CAT and the chains you have seem to be from a LGP machine. That is why the two extra links in yours.

D6H series II track question

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