My Industrial Cabin Build

[EddieWalker]

It's been a quite a few years, and Case is probably different then Komatsu, but with mine, I had issues with not being able to get tension with the grease gun, and ended up removing the cylinder and having it rebuilt. That's not why my track came off, but once you lose a track, you become a lot more paranoid about it happening again!!!!

The hardest part about getting that cylinder off was removing all the dirt that had compacted into every little space, and hardened like concrete over the years.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I tried pumping grease into the hydraulic cylinder of the idler a few days ago. I could hear it building pressure and it became impossible to pump more grease. But it didnt move the wheel. Today I removed the valve and lifted the excavator up and pulled the track to the side and pushed on the idler wheel and got nothing, so I pulled the idler out and put it in my truck. Gonna take it in tomorrow in hopes that they can repair it. Being down has put quite a kink in my plans. But I’m working on it.

 

[dstig1]

Ain't nuthin' easy, is it? I'll bet that weighs a couple pounds...

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Ain't nuthin' easy, is it? I'll bet that weighs a couple pounds...

At least a couple. Fortunately I was able to get the truck out to it.

 

[EddieWalker]

It sure looks sad sitting there with its track off.

Hope it's not an expensive repair.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

It sure looks sad sitting there with its track off.

Hope it's not an expensive repair.

Called and talked to shop. They will look at it but suspect bent rod. Part starts at $850 and is out of stock. Not what I was hoping.
He also told me “dont go unscrewing that big nut or there will be some sad singing on a hill in a couple of days.

 

[airbiscuit]

Yikes!

 

[BigBlue1]

Called and talked to shop. They will look at it but suspect bent rod. Part starts at $850 and is out of stock. Not what I was hoping.
He also told me “dont go unscrewing that big nut or there will be some sad singing on a hill in a couple of days.

I'm sure with a spring that size you want to make sure to have proper tools and technique to do any maintenance. That's a monster.

 

[EddieWalker]

Seems like repairs on yellow iron always start at a grand and go up from there

 

[dstig1]

I was going to make some mention about needing God's Own spring compressor for that. Yikes is right!

 

[pmsmechanic]

Called and talked to shop. They will look at it but suspect bent rod. Part starts at $850 and is out of stock. Not what I was hoping.
He also told me “dont go unscrewing that big nut or there will be some sad singing on a hill in a couple of days.

Get the shop to take it apart. They are equipped to do that safely. Take the "bent" rod to a machine shop. They can buy chrome cylinder rod and make you a new one. I'm pretty sure it won't be $850 either.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I drove into the Valley with the Idler assembly. The I bought my excavator is a bobcat dealer now. The Komatsu dealer across the road used to be a Risch Komatsu but apparently they’ve changed names three times in the last few years. The guy was nice. Took a look at it. Told me if they can pull it apart and it isn’t bent, they can rebuild it for $650 unless it’s a real bear to tear apart. Said if I can get it apart the seal kit is $250. I brought it home and tried to get track cylinder arm out. Put it between tractor and pickup truck and was cranking on it with
4k lb come along. Absolutely no movement. Tried pumping grease into it also. Nothing. With that big spring, I’m not keen to beat it with a sledge or put a bottle jack in there and get stupid. I’m gonna suck it up and see if I can find a bigger shop in richmond that has a press that might be able to break it free. I cant win every time

 

[airbiscuit]

Does that mean you took the big nut off?

 

[WoodChuckDad]

No. If you pull on the piece that has the wheel, it should come out of the spring piece. Mine is stuck. That nut would require a substantial hydraulic press to remove. I am not trying to get that unscrewed. I’m trying to get that wheel assembly and rod out of there

 

[Grumpycat]

He also told me “dont go unscrewing that big nut or there will be some sad singing on a hill in a couple of days.

Even with smaller springs on McPherson struts and motorcycle shocks.

 

[dstig1]

Dude, pay the nice man. Sure, look around and see if you can find someone else that might be better/cheaper, but that thing has major pucker factor in it... Now maybe you can DIY the other side as a PM now too, assuming it is still working, but I know you are more concerned with getting going ASAP

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Im planning to have it repaired. Just holding off till next payday before I take it in. I hit a deer on the way home from work tonight. I am hoping they can fix it and dont try to total it.

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[dstig1]

Hit the deer with the track tensioner to come full circle. Geez. Can't win some days. Sorry man

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I was not injured and nobody else was injured except the doe. I expect the insurance company to disappoint me but that too will pass. I came home to my dogs wagging their tails, my daughter telling me about her day at work and my wife made me dinner and drank a glass of wine with me. My life is pretty fantastic.