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230lc idler issue

moonshine2

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
7
Location
NC
Recently replaced idler on machine, when I received the new idler it was not the same had to remove small pieces of flat metal from the frame before it would go into frame. Got the new idler from heavyquip in Knoxville. They swear it’s the correct replacement. Had track come off twice since. JD 230lc. Anyone had an issue like this? Thanks
 

Bls repair

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Jan 21, 2017
Messages
1,612
Location
S E Pa
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Equipment operator,mechanic
Have you owned the machine from new ? If not some one may have replaced idler before and put shims in to take up slop. Measurements of wheels the same?
 

moonshine2

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
7
Location
NC
Have not owned from new, new wheel was bigger I thought it may be due the wear of the old one.
Have you owned the machine from new ? If not some one may have replaced idler before and put shims in to take up slop. Measurements of wheels the same?
owned
 

moonshine2

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
7
Location
NC
Don’t remember the exact measurement. I think it was at least 3 inches bigger. I will measure again and reply. Thanks
 

Shimmy1

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2014
Messages
4,337
Location
North Dakota
Three inches is a LOT. I don't believe an idler that size could wear down that much. Have you looked under from the idler back past the first few bottom rollers? If this idler is holding the undercarriage up off the rails, could be the reason you are throwing tracks. Are the track guides still on? Get a few pics of the undercarriage. Idler and first few rollers, left and right sides, inside and out of each side.
 

uffex

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Jan 23, 2012
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Lincoln UK
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Admin
Good day
Attached Hitachi info. may be helpful
Kind regards
UffexHitachi Idler.jpeg
 

moonshine2

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
7
Location
NC
Was finally able to snap some pics and measure the old and new wheels. There is about 1 1/2 difference. IMG_0945.JPG IMG_0946.JPG IMG_0947.JPG IMG_0948.JPG
 

CatKC

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 25, 2016
Messages
230
Location
North MO
I believe you need pictures of the idler 'and the rollers' to see if it's lifting the rollers up, to compare them with the other side.
(Never mind. . . . you posted more pictures before I saved my post and I don't know how to delete something I've saved.)
 
Last edited:

John C.

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
12,870
Location
Northwest
Occupation
Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
It appears to me that you have and old set of tracks on one side and a lot new set on the other. The older side has roller flanges hitting the pin bosses on the track links while there is some clearance on the new side. The yokes on both sides are about to the ends of the track frames. Were I doing an inspection for appraisal of the machine, I would have to say the undercarriage is pieced together so that it can be sold. You have a lot of mismatched wear on that machine.
 

CatKC

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 25, 2016
Messages
230
Location
North MO
You have a lot of mismatched wear on that machine.
After reading your response and 're-looking at' the pictures, you have educated me on things to look for on an undercarriage when purchasing used equipment.
Thank you. I can see why you are an appraiser.
 

moonshine2

Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
7
Location
NC
The pics are of the problem side only, don’t know what the previous owner may have done we have had it for several years and the problem only occurred after replacing the idler
 

John C.

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
12,870
Location
Northwest
Occupation
Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
That photo of the chain going over the top of the idler bothers me some as the link is not settling down onto the idler. I think I would measure across the top of the step and then across the inside of the track links. Maybe there is just dirt under the link in the photo but it kind of appears that the step width on the idler is wrong.
 
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