REF: Case 450 dozer Is it wise to remove a link and pad from a track to get more adjustment. Also, when do you know it's time to replace? What are the signs? What are other options. thanks Hovis
If you feel you need to remove an entire link/pad, I think you have just described a "sign". I've never even heard of an entire link/pad being removed before.
**** has hit the nail on the head re 'sign'. Usually a pin & bush kit can be installed to the existing chain - IF the chain itself is in good condition. This is usually done by removing the track & taking it to a track repair specialist shop. Both chains must be done & new sprockets will be required. A link can be removed if the budget will not allow for the above proceedure. However if the chain is worn this much, you are 'running the gauntlet' so to speak, with the chain breaking at some time - usually not in the shed, but on the side of a hill or in a bog ....... The bushes & sprocket have a limited life & bushes may wear through & may catch & jam the sprocket, causing more drive problems.
If you need to remove a link in order to maintain track tension then your tracks are likely pretty well Donald Ducked right now. If the links are good then a pin & bush kit might be a possibility.
geez guys you just dont know how to get the most out of your gear. When I arrived here the pc200 had already the track link shortened and the sprocket teeth welded up. Then the teeth become so worn the track link was slipping on the sprocket. It was driven like that for so long it then sheared off most of the sprocket bolts as well. Then we put new parts on.
I'll make measurements and make a decision. Where is a good source for a used sprocket? When I bought this dozer, the owner had broken a tooth off of a spocket and put on a new one. It is about half worn. I'd like to find another that is worn about the same amount, switch sides on the sprockets, take a link out and keep working it. That is as long as the chain is ok and pins can be turned. How much should it cost to have the pins turned on both side. They make a portable pin remover for these that I can rent but that might be to much work. What do you think. Hovis
You need to have a word with Quicktrax on here about pin/bush turnning cost. This job cannot be done using a portable press, it needs a 200-ton shop press that costs around $250,000 - or it did the last time I looked. Are your sprockets segmented, in other words does a complete sprocket assembly for one final drive comprise of 3 or more pieces each one that bolts on separately to the hub..? If yes you should really be replacing them in complete sets not singly, however many pieces there are in a set. The extension in track lin pitch caused by wear will take your sprockets out in quick style, that's one of the reasons why it's not recommended to take a link out to maintain track tension.