tbone1471
Well-Known Member
I recently picked up an older deere 50 excavator. I had been looking for something in the 5 ton range for awhile and stumbled on a pretty good deal. When I looked at it I knew it would need some undercarriage work but would last through a few jobs.
The problem that I am running into is parts availability. I need to pick up some bottom rollers for it. Better yet the bushings and seals as the rollers are in decent shape just the bushings are froze. The tracks will have to be replaced soon as well.
I have spoken with Jason at trackworks, he was able to help me out with my 267b and get me a lead on some replacement rubber tracks for this excavator. I don't recall if he said he could get rollers for me or not. I do remember he said he couldn't find a front idler. My local deere dealer wasn't able to help even through their vintage parts.
I knew this would be an issue when I bought it and I suspect that is why I got it at such a great price. It would make a great homeowner machine but I hate to sell it with it being in such great shape. It would cost at least 4x what I paid to pick up a replacement that is more modern.
I would like to spend as little money as possible on it since times are a little slow. Also with the rest of the undercarriage having at least 500hrs left I don't want to replace it with all new. Any good used parts places that are reasonably priced? Or maybe I could rebuild the rollers with bearings as opposed to bushings? Haven't had time to take one apart but has anyone done this?
The problem that I am running into is parts availability. I need to pick up some bottom rollers for it. Better yet the bushings and seals as the rollers are in decent shape just the bushings are froze. The tracks will have to be replaced soon as well.
I have spoken with Jason at trackworks, he was able to help me out with my 267b and get me a lead on some replacement rubber tracks for this excavator. I don't recall if he said he could get rollers for me or not. I do remember he said he couldn't find a front idler. My local deere dealer wasn't able to help even through their vintage parts.
I knew this would be an issue when I bought it and I suspect that is why I got it at such a great price. It would make a great homeowner machine but I hate to sell it with it being in such great shape. It would cost at least 4x what I paid to pick up a replacement that is more modern.
I would like to spend as little money as possible on it since times are a little slow. Also with the rest of the undercarriage having at least 500hrs left I don't want to replace it with all new. Any good used parts places that are reasonably priced? Or maybe I could rebuild the rollers with bearings as opposed to bushings? Haven't had time to take one apart but has anyone done this?