BD drive sprocket rejuvination question

[Jim]

Hi.
  The drive sprocket on my BDH seems to be worn down, so that the tracks need to be tight to avoid slippage. Since I can't buy new sprockets, I am looking for info on rejuvinating what I have. I have heard that there are little "C" shaped inserts that can be welded into the teeth on drive sprockets, to bring them back up to spec.  Where does one obtain these? Are they generic, or specific to a particular track?  Thanks. Jim

[RLH]

I took a piece of black pipe and cut to the same with as the sprocket and then cut it in half lenthwise. I then welded them to the sprocket. I had to  taper the outside corners in with a grinder after it was welded together. It worked out real well. Now I need to find some new chain for my tracks.
Randy

[Jim]

Thanks, Randy. Sounds like a plan. Did you take the sprocket off to do this or just do it in place?  Jim

[RLH]

I had the sprockets off. Replaced seal and bearings in the final drive. They were very tight on the tapered shaft. Made a heavy duty puller with about a 1and 1/2 inch bolt and some 1 inch steel.
Randy

[Jim]

Ah. Were the seals standard parts from an industrial seal house, or were they special seals? S'pose I should change them, while I have the sprockets off. What did you use to put the tracks back on? A come-along, maybe? How many fingers do you still have?    Jim

[RLH]

The seals should not be hard to find. If you can not get them let me know and I will get them for you. I used a tractor to move my tracks. I had the machine up on stands. You could undo your tracks and back off of them and then jack it up and remove the sprocket. And yes watch your fingers, and toes
Randy