OC-3 Track pin removal

Doug424 · March 24, 2013, 03:24:00 PM

Just wondering if anyone has pressed out any track pins? I need to extend a set of OC-3 tracks to fit an OC-4 and need to press out a few pins. Has anyone done this, without the typical track press? I'm figuring on building something using a porta-power ram and looking for ideas or someone who has experience.

Jethrow · March 24, 2013, 07:50:22 PM

Your best bet is to check out the Yesterdays Tractor site and search on track press under the crawler forum.

Jethrow

commandotom · March 26, 2013, 05:54:54 AM

Back in the woods last summer I managed to jump a track off the drive sprocket. When I looked for the master link I found that the PO had welded the pin in place. I ground off as much of the weld as I could then I made up a frame to use with my porta-power. I used two pieces of 1 inch dia. all-thread and two pieces of 2 1/2" x 5/16" angles, one on either side of the track with the all-thread running through the chain. When the remnants of the weld finally let go it sounded like a rifle going off but it did move the pin and I was able to get the rack back on. Now I have no idea if this would work for the other link pins but how much different could they be? I guess the main thing would be that what ever you use to do the pushing (from the ram to the Pin) fit the top of the pin so that there would be no chance of it sliding off the top of the pin under load.

Doug424 · March 26, 2013, 12:52:49 PM

The master pin would normally be a looser fit than the other pins, but I'm sure in your case the welding made a big difference. I did look on yesterday tractor site and found some people who have done it. The one that had pics on there did it with a regular shop press with the track pads off. In my case, I'm doing with the track pads on and most likey laying on the ground. I was thinking of building a sort of C frame press like the ones OTC made for master pin removal. I've heard of some people using a log splitter with some adapters. I want to make something better than that, was just hoping to find some pictures of what someone else has done to give some ideas. I recall seeing an article in Antique Power mag about a guy who did just what I'm talking about, I think he made some sort of press frame and used a 20 ton jack. So far, I haven't been able to find that magazine, I think it was from at least 5 years ago, maybe more.

Jethrow · March 27, 2013, 02:46:11 AM

Doug,

The YT post I was thinking of was around Dec 2011 and must have fallen off the end of their archives. I believe it was Lou from Wisc. repinning an OC4.

There is however, an interesting home made unit on YouTube using a portapower setup
"IH 500c crawler #11 (Pin & bushing replacement)" @

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LarGhUC7WUo

Also some lively discussions and opinions regarding home made track presses @ http://www.ssbtractor.com/wwwboard/view_all.cgi?bd=caterpillar&msg=1935

Jethrow

oliverchris · March 31, 2013, 03:57:19 PM

Thanks for the links, Jethrow. Excellent YouTube video. Very interesting. I think I'd follow this guys statement though (below), and pay the $$$s to get the job done by professionals. It would be great to have a database on this site of places that can replace pins and bushings on the smaller crawlers. I'll add a couple that I know in NY State, when I get a minute.

"I have been in the equipment business for 22 years and most of it have been in the parts side selling parts and service. Over 90% of it selling undercarriage parts (tracks, pads, rollers, sprockets etc.). Making a pin pusher is very dangerous and should be done by a qualified fabricator with another pusher to copy after."

Blake Malkamaki · March 31, 2013, 04:12:58 PM

If anyone knows anyone who offers any kind of service that would help our fellow Cletrac collectors, tell them that they can advertise on this site very reasonably for a mere $20 a year or $30 for two years. It is a targeted market so should be money well spent. Almost all our current advertisers renew their ads year after year, so they must be getting results.

In addition, there is the Parts page at http://cletrac.org/pages/parts.html which I will change to Parts and Services page and update it to a more modern look. If anyone has suggestions on improvements, please let me know. This site is a one-man operation, so please understand that time is always limited.

Thanks,
Blake

Quote from: oliverchris on March 31, 2013, 03:57:19 PM
It would be great to have a database on this site of places that can replace pins and bushings on the smaller crawlers. I'll add a couple that I know in NY State, when I get a minute."

Jack in NB · April 01, 2013, 06:44:09 PM

The last time I replaced pins and bushings on an OC-3, the shop told me that the press jigging for the Case 310 was the same as the OC-3. I'm assuming from that comment that the pitch, bushing OD, pin OD and length would be the same.

It would be worth verifying, and if accurate could identify more shops that could handle ours.

Doug424 · April 02, 2013, 09:53:36 PM

I have some ideas on how I want to build this press, but like someone else mentioned it would be nice to see how others have done it. This is one of those things you wouldn't mind paying to have done, but you never find anyone close by that can do it, or for a reasonable price, so it looks like I'm going to build my own.

oliverchris · April 12, 2013, 08:59:14 PM

In addition, there is the Parts page at http://cletrac.org/pages/parts.html which I will change to Parts and Services page and update it to a more modern look. If anyone has suggestions on improvements, please let me know. This site is a one-man operation, so please understand that time is always limited.
Thanks,
Blake

In that section, Atlas Machine & Supply no longer deal with Hercules engines or parts...sooner or later, Blake, I'll send you some artwork and a subscription to advertise on this site. Keep up the great work

Blake Malkamaki · April 13, 2013, 01:57:10 AM

Thanks Chris! I'll remove Atlas from the list as soon as I can.

Blake

Quote from: oliverchris on April 12, 2013, 08:59:14 PM
In addition, there is the Parts page at http://cletrac.org/pages/parts.html which I will change to Parts and Services page and update it to a more modern look. If anyone has suggestions on improvements, please let me know. This site is a one-man operation, so please understand that time is always limited.
Thanks,
Blake

In that section, Atlas Machine & Supply no longer deal with Hercules engines or parts...sooner or later, Blake, I'll send you some artwork and a subscription to advertise on this site. Keep up the great work