OC-3 Steering Trouble

[sstreeter]

Hello:

I recently purchased a Cletrac OC3 (learned the difference between an OC3 and and HG thanks to another post) and was operating it yesterday when something strange happened.

First, I heard a noise from the left side of the crawler that I thought was unusual but since I didn't know this machine that well, I wasn't sure.  Then, I lost all steering capability for the left track.  The crawler started to slow down.  After that I stopped her and took her out of gear.  Then I put it back into gear and she would not move unless I pulled BACK on the steering controls.  That is exactly opposite of what should happen!

At that point I parked it and took a long look at both tracks and the mechanisms.  Everything looked fine.  I then consulted the HG service manual I have.  The only thing I can conclude is that I may have a problem in the differential.  Has anyone else experienced a problem like this?

Sean

[erik]

Take the differential cover of and look at the brake bands, it's done in no time. I think you have the problem there, maybe one broke. You could also check the linkage from the steering handles to the brake bands.
Erik

[sstreeter]

Eric:

I found the culprit.  The studs that hold the left idler gear have completely sheared off.  This makes the drive gear spin but the idler cannot.  The differential is transfering all the power to that side since it is easier than making the unit move.  This looks like a fairly easy repair, as long as I can get the old studs out.

Sean

[erik]

Ok I admit, I was wrong... The stud problem is a common problem on the HG and OC3, you can bye new studs from Zimmerman for about $3/stud. You are right it can be tricky to get them out. Good luck

[sstreeter]

Eric:

I called Zimmerman and got prices on the studs and whatnot.  I then spent 3 hours running around Portland to find the parts I needed.  It was a little exasperating, but I managed to get what I needed.  The collet bolts came from a local Caterpiller dealer and the studs came from a heavy trucking supply place.  All this hardware is Grade 8 so it should exceed the original specifications.  I am going to check the bolt tightness on the other side when I do this repair to make sure I don't get any more surprises.  I will get to work on it this weekend but I will be very surprised if I get it done.  My gut feeling is that I am going to have to pull the whole gear and take it to a machine shop to get the broken studs drilled out.  If Cletrac had used typical press in wheel studs, this repair would not be near as time consuming.

Sean

[jdemaris]

Same think happened to my HG.  I believe Cletrac had nothing to do with building the transmission and differential. It was built by Clark.