I have seen a couple of High track cat's out here get there tracks extended by 3 links and a extra roller, seeing what other thoughts are on this. Thanks
I think they're the TSK (track skidder) models. Would be pretty expensive to convert a standard tractor. CAT D4H TSK Tracked Skidder | Minnesota | Forestry Equipment Sales
They are not skidders look like Cal Fire winch tractors . Bob
Looks like they are but the track set up looks very similar to the TSK models. Either way I think it would an expensive proposition to convert a standard tractor.
most tractors with a winch come that way. And the LGP tractors. Bob
As I recall a TSK has nine rollers and the track frames are spaced out from the main frame of the tractor. They use either tri-track or quad track chains and pads. The TSK machines are built on a D4H main frame where the rear of the main frame has been seriously built up for log skidding. The machine in the photo is a standard main frame D5M with eight bottom rollers. As I recall, you could order the machine with either seven or eight bottom rollers.
Thanks guy's for your interest. The local Cat dealer will extend a cat track by 3 links and one roller. The guys that have it done claim more stability especially on steep climbs. Cal Fire had the one in the pic converted. And actually not real expensive, going to convert mine with a complete new under carriage.
Do they lengthen the existing track frame?
They do. It was pretty common for the early TSK machines.
Guys don't know how much they extended the track frame but at least for 1 more roller and 3 links. Here is another pic where the same cat dealer extended this one also. The Cat owner does the fire out here and feels more comfortable going up steep hills.