Trackloader Operation & Maintenance

puter · Feb 26, 2004

I'd appreciate any operational or maintenance suggestions you'd be willing to share that might help prevent me, as a new operator, from inadvertently causing excessive wear and tear on the JD 450-C trackloader I just picked up.

Also, a couple specific questions:

1) The Operator's Manual states "whether the crawler is stationary or in motion, the H-L-R lever can be shifted without disengaging the clutch." I assume that means I don't need to depress the clutch pedal when changing direction from forward to reverse and vice-versa?

Then what procedure should I follow as I approach a pile with a load of dirt I'd like to dump on top? When the crawler is in position to dump should I pull the H-L-R level back to neutral or just push in the clutch? My concern is whether I need be worried about excessive wear of the clutch? Should I try to avoid holding the clutch in for extended periods of time?

2) Would it be a good (or bad) idea to occasionally clean the accumulated gunk out from the tracks and undercarriage... perhaps with a pressure washer?

Thanks!

Dozernut · Feb 26, 2004

1. Yes, but slow down or stop when changing direction or you could damage yourself or the machine. You can hold the clutch in till the cows come home or you get tired, which ever comes first. Clutches are nothing more than two discs that make contact with each other. Springs force the discs together to connect the engine to the transmission. This is done so you have a means to disconnect the power source so you can start and stop the machine. Pushing in on the clutch stops the transmission of power from the engine.
A clutch will eventually wear out. You can accelerate the wear by "riding" the clutch. This means having your foot on the clutch pedal and applying a tiny bit of pressure. There is a little unnoticed slippage of the clutch plates, which hastens their demise. Foreign matter on the clutch plate will also help wear out the clutch, oil, water, dirt and grit are bad to have on a clutch plate.
2. Yes, clean the undercarriage. The grit will act as an abrasive and speed up the wear of the chains, sprockets and rollers. Wear eye protection and old clothes. This is a tremendously dirty job with the splash back from the power washer.
Finally keep the tracks tensioned correctly, not too tight nor to loose. Check your owners manual for proper tension guides. Don't be afraid to use the grease gun and clean the fittings before pumping in fresh grease so you don't contaminate your wear point. Good luck, be safe!

puter · Feb 26, 2004

Thanks Dozernut,

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 1. Yes, but slow down or stop when changing direction or you could damage yourself or the machine...)</font>

I think that's what has me most confused. Right now I'm driving this thing like I would a manual car: so I press in the clutch and then brake whenever I want to stop. When I'm moving a dirt pile from one place to another, repeatedly traveling in a "V" pattern, that clutch is getting an awful lot of use. Wasn't sure if moving the H-L-R lever without using the clutch would somehow cause less wear on the clutch plates?

Years ago I replaced a couple clutches in cars... and remember what a project that was. Certainly don't want to find out that by doing something dumb I hastened the need for a clutch replacement in the crawler.

theonlybull · Feb 29, 2004

check with a dealer, but i'm pretty sure your machine has a shuttle, this alows you to shift from forward to reverse, without clutching.

as for cleaning, yes, but don't use the pressure washer, it will drive water into your chain pins, and your rollers. if you wash the tractor, then leave it sit, the water will cause the surfaces to rust, then when you move it next time, it will start to prematurely wear.