Steering band lining wear

[DaveInMI]

Only a couple of inches of the lining near the cam end is worn.  What do I need to do to get even wear when I put it back together?

[Blake Malkamaki]

They usually wear more on the ends.

On the models with Spot Turn, such as the OC-12, about 2 inches of slightly harder lining is used on the ends of the bands. Not sure what the number should be for this lining, but make sure it doesn't have wire or any abrasive material in it.

The HG is so light and easy to turn, you'd probably be better off just replacing the lining with the right stuff - called Scandinavian 022. It should last many many years.

[DaveInMI]

Thanks Blake and Happy New year to you.  I really appreciate what you do here.

[Blake Malkamaki]

Thanks Dave! I just like bringing together those with some knowledge and those who need the knowledge. I knew there were a lot of guys out there with Cletracs and no central place to get together to share information. Hopefully this site has become that place and will grow with time.

[erik]

Blake, I bought a set of new steering band lining from Zimmerman to my OC-3 and at a closer look they have some kind of metal wire in it!!! It looks like some kind of brass wire, does this not compile with the original and if not why does Zimmerman sell band lining that is not recommended?

[Blake Malkamaki]

Yea, I don't think it's supposed to have any wire in it at all. I think I have some original stuff here I can look at; or my uncle should know for sure. The original stuff is called Scandinavian 022. I'm not sure if that's the manufacturer or the grade. Call and try to find that. It is a woven material. I don't know what Zimmerman sells, but it could be anything. The stuff you want is made to run in oil and not wear the drums. The stuff with the wire is probably made to run dry and for use on crane brake drums and stuff like that. If someone can find a source for the right lining material, they could sell it on here, or perhaps I could get it and sell it on here.

[Bill Seal]

My OC3 never has turned very well, relined the brakes a few years ago, helped a little, but there's still a lot of jacking and backing when using the blade.  Maybe the stuff with brass wire would help scrub off the oil- I don't see how brass could hurt the the steel drums.
McMaster Carr has some woven stuff with brass wire, and non-metallic molded lining.
Any idea how wide and how thick it is, or should I just go to Zimmerman and get their lining?

[Bill Seal]

EDIT:
McMaster Carr has some woven stuff with brass wire, or a non-metallic molded lining.
Any idea how wide and how thick it should be, or should I just go to Zimmerman and get their lining
If I were allowed to edit my mistakes, I wouldn't have to double post.

[Blake Malkamaki]

You don't want the molded stuff - that would be nothing like you need for this application. The brass wire would not do much of anything good in my opinion. It would probably have been put in for strength and there is no need for stength in Cletrac lining as the bands themselves back up the lining and give the strength. You definately don't want to score the drums!

[Mark in WA]

Sounds like Zimmerman does not have the Scandanavian 022.  Blake, do you know of any other source for this lining?

Thanks

Mark

[RockinB]

This may be a bit off the band wear subject, but may help for hard steering problems.In the Sept./Oct. 2002 issue of the Hart Parr Oliver Collector magazine Andy Blackwood authored an article on crawler lubrication,in which he mentioned using only a mineral lubricant of GL-1 type in the transmission. His reasoning being that other types were to slick for the bands to grip properly.

[jdemaris]

As I understand it, the more modern gears oils, e.g. those rated GL5 had sulfur and phosphorus additives that tend to plug the brake linings and make them glaze. Cletrac, Bombardier, and a few other companies that use the Clark transaxle with differential  brake steering all recommend SAE oil or pure mineral oil.  So, like the other guy said, GL1 will be right since it's pure mineral oil.

[Blake Malkamaki]

Sounds like Zimmerman does not have the Scandanavian 022. Blake, do you know of any other source for this lining?

I don't know right now. This is something we need to research.

[DaveInMI]

I ordered linings from Zimmerman before these cautions were posted.  Went ahead and used them.  It sure steers sweet.

[erik]

I have not yet used my newly accuired linings from Zimmerman so I can't give you an update on how the steering performes. First have to get this tractor moving.
/Erik