I gather that most tracked loaders have the same kind of track tension system, drive slowly to a stop without using brakes, remove the hatch apply grease adjust the tension nut. However I don't seem to be getting the slack out of the track of my 973 cat no matter how much grease is going in and it is going in the nipple. Am I supposed to turn the relief nut before applying the grease or does it mean the track adjustment has gone as far as it can? regards Sillaw
Is the nut you are referring to tight? If so then most likely your seals on adjuster are leaking. How close is idler mount to end of roller frame?
What serial number? It will only adjust out so far then it dumps grease. At the bottom of the front idler where it ataches to the track frame it is called the gaurd. Three bolts hold it to the frame. There is six holes in the gaurd, two different mounting locations, this lets you move mount point forward to make up for pin and bushing wear. If track pumps up to a set point then stops moving but still takes grease then your out of adjustment. Move guards if at rear position, or move guards back and take out a link.
I am in the middle of rebuilding the tensioners on my 955L. There is a grease-filled cylinder that fits inside the track adjuster spring. It has a vent and a fill valve that can adjust the track tension. Over time, the seals break down and will let the grease bypass the seal and fill a void behind the piston. You will need a service manual for the correct procedure to remove the adjuster. It is very easy to rebuild once you get it apart. Pic of the Piston on My Thread Old Seals New Seals Assembled Piston/Cylinder