track tightening

[mark]

Hello to all once again.

As you are all aware I am a newby to the crawler world.  By chance would anybody have the track tightening instruction for a Oliver HG42.

I have a good idea on how to do it - but just want to play it safe so I don't break anything.

Thanks in advance.

[hotratz]

Generally I lay an 8 foot 2x4 on edge on top of the track from sprocket end to idler end and measure from the lowest point on the track (droopy section) to the bottom of the 2x4 and adjust so that distance is about 2 inches.

[Jack in NB]

That might be a bit tight, if measured to the flat part of the track in the low area.

I measure 2" from the bottom of the 2 x 4 to the top of a cleat (lag? grouser?). A bit looser is better than too tight on those old girls!

Too loose, though, and the tracks pop off those front idlers with the inside guide ribs. The front idlers with the outside guides, and the IXB3 engine with the water pump and bearing inserts were, I think, the major improvements on the later OC-3.