track won't stay tight on cat e110b 9hf01123. Is there a seal or do I have to replace tensioner? Also any instructions please
Here's the parts breakdown. Note what is listed as regards parts in the red rectangles. machines up to 1633 (which includes yours) differ from later models as regards parts in the tensioner mechanism.
so do I just replace the seal or the rings too and is it simple to do?
If you are planning on pulling it apart then you might as well replace everything that could possibly wear while you're in there. You are working with a 30-year old machine when all's said & done. As to how difficult it might be, no idea. I've never done one and the online information contains no instructions for how to R&I the tensioner assembly.
Thanks Nige. Can't believe track was fine until two days ago never had to tighten it at all for the last year!!
Worst case scenario the track will have to be split in order to pull the idler out from the front, then the tensioner assembly should come out reasonably easy. See illustration below. If there are any access holes in the top/bottom/sides of the track frame in the area of the tensioner, and if you can remove the two bolts (circled red) it may be possible to remove the tensioner without disturbing anything else. First it would need to be retracted as far back as it would go. That would more than likely require something like a tow pin jammed in the track sprocket and run the track slowly in reverse after removing the grease fill & relief valves 5 & 14 from the tensioner. The extended part of the tensioner would have to be cleaned up first or it probably will not retract easily..
the track is so loose I think it is already retracted all the way. I would have to move the idler up, right?
You might have to figure out a way to get the track tensioned as tight as possible then lock the idler in position so that it cannot retract. At that point the tensioner could be retracted and hopefully removed. As said before, it all depends on whether there is an access hole in the track frame large enough to get the tensioner out of. If there isn't then you're back to splitting the tracks and pulling the idler out of the front.
My excavator is at my cabin I will check it out this weekend. Appreciate the info you provide thanks.
You will have to break the track. The idler and adjuster can come out in one piece. Keep in mind that all the E model Cat excavators are Mitsubishi machines and you had better source your parts before you tear the tracks apart. The serial number shows up as good and it's a machine built for the North American Market so your nearest Cat dealer should be able to identify and obtain the parts for it. Don't hold your breath on that though.
I've gotten other parts for it from cat so hopefully there is no problem!