Broken idler roller bearing caps on OC4

[Ed Miller]

I was out running the machine and noticed that the left track kept locking up.  I had to reverse direction to free it up.   I think I know the cause.  At least two of the idler rollers bearing caps are broken - one is gone and the other is bent.  The studs appeared to have sheared?  I haven't checked the caps on the inside of the track.  Are these something that I can replace without removing the track.   Anyone know where to get parts?  Finally, is this common - what causes it and what can I do to prevent it.

Thanks
Ed

[walter hudson]

I am assuming that you mean the lower track rollers . The cast pieces hold the roller shafts against the track frame . You will need to remove the track frame to get the broken studs out. The roller mounts are the same on HG,OC3 ,OC4 and OC46 tractors .

[Ed Miller]

Walter,

Thanks for the reply.   I read in the manual about removing the frame.  I was wondering if it was too heavy to slide out without a hoist.    
Also I read about taking the track off.   My manual is a reprint so the pictures are terrible.  How do you identify the link on the track that comes apart?

Ed

[Eric Severance]

Ed, I was able to get mine apart by myself with no lifting help. I was able to slide tracks, then track frame around on concrete floor. I needed a second person to get the track frame up on horses for repairs, and then again to help me slide it all back together. No hoist. The actual repairs were not too bad once I had the frame up on the saw horses. I had to weld nuts on a couple of the broken studs to get them out. And one I couldn't get, I ended up carefully drilling and retapping. The parts are readily available through Zimmerman, or some of the other collectors who stockpile extra track parts. If you get in a pinch, I probably can locate what you need for studs and roller mounts here. If you want to see pictures of mine apart, you can view my post //http://cletrac.org/newbb/viewtopic.php?t=2060. Good luck, and most of all have fun,  Esev.

[Eric Severance]

Ed, the master pin has a cotter pin on both sides which you should be able to see. The master chain link has a slot (perpendicular to pad) in the sides to accomodate the cotter pins, whereas the rest of the chain links do not have the slot. I always look for that slot in the side of the chain to find the master pin.

[Ed Miller]

Eric thanks for the reply and pointers.    Hopefully I'll be able to get working on it this weekend.   I think I'll have to negociate this as a "Father's day " gift instead of some of the yard work she had lined up for me.

Ed

[mtncrawler]

My OC-3 had this problem too. Suggest you look at a few other common problems while you're in this deep. If you have a loader on the machine the spring/shock assembly is probably broken. Shake the drive wheel to see if it's time to fix the lug studs or install new bearings in the bull gear. I'd be surprised if at least a few of the bolts holding the rail to the rear support brackets weren't broken or stripped so you might take the time to drill oversize and tap larger now. Or not.

[mikegt4]

mtncrawler is correct, you will find lots to fix. Also check the front wheel bushings, IIRC, they are the same as the lower track rollers.

I just finished taking apart my "spare" undercarriage, not a fun job. The master pins had been welded in so I had to drill them out. Someone had driven them out without using a back-up weight on the other side and spead the rail. They couldn't hammer the pin all the way back in so they just welded it in place. I had a few broken or missing studs but all 6 track wheels are in great shape. One side had a broken spring and the big "shock" shaft was also snapped off. Check the rivets that hold the bar stock that the track rollers attach to. My running machine had several sheared off due to a poorly mounted (and not enough counterweight) aftermarket wheel tractor loader.