To remove a link or not

[bcguide]

The track adjustment on my 6c is at the end and the right side keeps falling off and the rail rides on the center of the rollers.

The cat doesn't have rock guards but I a friend has some 1/2 guards. Apparently they go about 1/2 the length of the track and being open let's the rocks and trash fall out.

Would this solve my problem or should I remove a link from the track?

If I remove a link could I wind up with the tracks being to tight?

 

[Mquinista]

Its not uncommon to remove links once the track chain is too streched and track adjuster cannot hold track tension in check.
But before u go that road be sure that there´s nothing out of place. Moreover in my opinion a track chain that streched must be really worn, and other considerations come into play.

Rock guards are just that, guard chains from rocks, fitting them wont solve the stretch.

 

[Nige]

If I remove a link could I wind up with the tracks being to tight?

What's the link pitch on your tracks.? Around 7-7.5".? Whatever the measurement is - divide it by 2.
That's the amount that the idler will have to move backwards to compensate for a link being removed from the chain.
If you have more available movement on the idler than the link pitch divided by 2 then it is possible to remove a link from your tracks and still be able to tension them.

 

[bcguide]

Thank you Nige. That is what i was looking for.

 

[nicky 68a]

Yes,easy job that will get you a couple hundred more hours,which may be a year or more for your old D6.
Just make sure you have enough wear in them though!
Also consider lifting the top roller pedestals and shimming them up an 1” or so.
Once you’ve done that,operate the machine with care as to avoid snapping a worn out track pin.