Threw track - need advice

[penokee]

Track came off my AC H3 crawler today.First time this has happened and looking for advice on how to go about getting it back on. Appreciate all comments.

penokee

 

[BTDT]

Well, that doesn't sound good. Did it come all the way off, or did you stop when you noticed something wrong? Hope it's not in a mudhole. Did the adjuster fail some way, or was it just a loose track to begin with? Probably going to need some blocks, pry bars, jacks, come-a-longs, chains, and friends to help get it back on. Any pics?

 

[penokee]

BTDT - Thanks for the coments. The track didn't come all the way off, still partially on the front idler, and over the drive sprocket, but the teeth don't line up with the holes in the track. Will try asembling some of the tools you mentioned. Most likely the track was loose. It was late in the day and we were trying to put in a drainage ditch to drain water that had backed up to the top of the driveway. Just got out of the mud when this happened, so it's sitting on fairly solid ground - will take a pic next time I'm out there.
penokee

 

[Dozernut]

Here is a condensed version of putting a track back on that I have personally used. Jack up the thrown track side using wood blocks for support (concrete block will shatter from the weight). There is a large nut by the grease zerk track adjuster in the center of the undercarriage. Loosen it and grease will come out releasing the tension and the front idler should slide back several inches, if not use a come-along to slide it back. Use the come-along--loader--pinch bars or what tools you have, to put the track in as close as you can get it. Have a helper start the dozer and at idle slowly release the clutch, be sure the steering brake is set for the uneffected side. Use a pinch bar to guide the track back on the sprocket and idler and the dozer will roll the track back on. Use extreme care as a dozer can hurt you real fast and real bad.

 

[GuglioLS]

Penokee,

Whats happening Did you get the track back on? where are the pictures?

Larry

 

[Kendall69]

I think if it's still partially on just lifting it up, and taking the pressure off it - just "MIGHT" drop it back in place. Then tighten her up.

 

[Dirthog]

That is a easy one take some wooden blocks and place them under the rear of the dozer keeping them close to the bottom of the hitch or frame then a block under the blade to get you a little more lift you can raise the tractor with out a jack! Then loosen the track and carefully run the machine till the track jumps back on the idler and sprocket.