Broken dozer track

capt jack · Feb 8, 2009

My D6B cat dozer broke a track chain (thus causing the track to seperate)
yesterday. It dos'nt have a master link I can see. I've never had any track issues, they seem to still have life left. I know it's an in the feild repair, How bad a job is this to fix?
Eddie..... Eddie....?????

Jack

barrygrant · Feb 8, 2009

A machine of that size should have a master pin or some sort of a split link. You will need to find it in order to put the track back on. As for the broken link, you will have to drive out the pin attached. It is easier to cut a hole in the center on both sides with a torch, let it cool and then hammer it out. You will then have to replace the broken link and drive in a new pin. You will also probably have to grind down the bushing on the other link in order to assemble the track. If it is possible, it is much easier to bring the track to a shop to work on it.

dirtworksequip · Feb 8, 2009

Pics would help. Depends where on the track broke and how much life is left on them. Could be welded in the field. Maybe? Its possible to replace a link, but you would have to take it to someone that has a track press.

Sincerely, Dirt

Dirtnut · Feb 8, 2009

this is only what i have seen as an operator,i am sure an expert will chime in. if it is the so called lifetime warranty track which i have worn out on a D6R it will not have the normal wedge tooth master link.when cat replaced the rails & idlers they had 2guys,truck cranes,hydraulic pin presses & a BFH to split the rail links & one whole day.i helped (watch)them do it & those boys worked their tails off. it looked to me like some special tools are needed.if your pins are worn they will need to be turned.

EddieWalker · Feb 8, 2009

I don't have any knowledge with them, but have messed with a JD that didn't have a master link. You had to remove the sprocket to take the tracks off. It wasn't fun. On that, I was more of a helper, bystander while two other guys did most of the work. They had jacks, 2x4's, breaker bars, chains and come-alongs. I was pretty lost on the whole thing, but they had done it before and with allot of sweat and cussing, they got the track off, changed the sprocket and got the track back on.

On mine, I have a master link, and was able to remove the track, get it repaired and put it back on by myself with the used of my backhoe. It's very, very heavy, so the backhoe was critical.

Do you have something like a backhoe or loader to handle the track?

Here's the thread from when I lost my track. Hope it helps.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/42294-lost-my-track.html

You might also want to post the same question over at Heavy Equipment Forums - Powered by vBulletin They are the guy who run dozers every day. Somebody over there has probably done this before on the same type of machine.

Good Luck,
Eddie

capt jack · Feb 8, 2009

Thanks Eddie, Yes I have a loader. Taking it off should not be a problem, it's broken and has a 4ft. gap. I guess if I take it to a track shop, they could add a master link at the break. I just did'nt know if there was a way to splice the track back together like it sits. I'll report back when I progress (calling for big rain Monday and Tues. so it might be awhile).
Jack

Eagleview · Feb 8, 2009

If you have enough adjustment with your tension ram , you can remove one link(the broken link) and put the track back on . Its easier if you pull the track out and stand on its side , form an S shape with it so it will stand up . Weld a solid piece of round bar stock about 14" long to a piece of 1 1/2' steel pipe to make a handle . The round bar stock must be small enough not to jamb in the pin holes . Now get someone stupid to hold this thing on the pin and drive them out with a BIG hammer . Rejoin the links and find the master pin and drive it out . The master pin will look a little different to the rest , it may have a dimple in its end . For this to work , you must be sure the chain is loose enough by way of wear and the tensioner has enough travel to be able to remove a link . Drive the machine back onto the track and replace the master pin .

I did it years ago on one track , a knowlegable chap said "you can't do that , it will go around in circles all day"

Taylortractornut · Feb 8, 2009

Iron Horse you stole what I was about to say. Ive had to break them in the feild on a track loader didnt have the aligator type master link.
Jack All tracks will have a master link or or pin of some sorts. some have a set of rubber shims on the dry type tracks. They hold the master in. Ive melted them and then hammered them on a few track loaders Ive been around till we got the alligator links.

rdbrumfield · Feb 9, 2009

That one made me grin Iron Horse. Go around in circles all day. Guess he figured taking out one pad would make one sprocket turn faster than the other one.
I too have replaced rails and it is a pain but not impossible. They do have a field press that can be used for this. No you do not have to take the track off the machine totally. Hopefully the bad link is close enough to the master so that when laid out it will not be under the track frame.
A good rosebud applied to the rail, not the pin on either side and it should come out fairly easily. Using the homemade driving punch is a good idea.

NOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.

A friend of mine was told to go drive a pin with a sledge hammer by a dealership. Well they wound up buying his eye. He did just what they told him and a fragment took his sight in one of them.