Tightening chains

[chezandy]

How hard or how do you tighten the chains in a 1997 751 bobcat i know you have to remove the tires and pull the side pannels but do you need that special tool or is there a way around it? if you have any pics or a link to pics it would be great

 

[SixHoeBob]

There is no way to tighten the drive chains. Behind the side panel you will
find the hydraulic drive motor. The motor has has a double sprocket in the chain case. There is a separate short chain loop to drive the front wheel, and one for the back wheel. Remove the park brake assembly from the top of the chain case, and you can see the drive chains. Look at the parts book, and you will see no adjustment.

 

[SSdoxie]

There is no way to tighten the drive chains. Behind the side panel you will
find the hydraulic drive motor. The motor has has a double sprocket in the chain case. There is a separate short chain loop to drive the front wheel, and one for the back wheel. Remove the park brake assembly from the top of the chain case, and you can see the drive chains. Look at the parts book, and you will see no adjustment.

Right on.
If chains get to point they are constantly rattling on the chain case, or you feel lost movment it is time to replace them before one snaps and takes out a sprocket or 2 with it.

 

[chezandy]

It seems like theres a sort of play to the drive system like onece you stop. it keeps moving a bit then stops

 

[chezandy]

could the levers be loose be causing this or what else could it be any suggestions thanks Andy

 

[jgl1962]

How much does the machine move before it stops? If it rolls abit before the parking brake takes hold, that doesn't mean you have a chain issue. The brake needs a bit of tyravel to engage some times (no more than 4-5" of actual forward travel. though) before it does.

Carefully use your bucket to raise the front wheels off the ground. Shut off the machine and have someone grab the wheel and try to rotate it. Even new have a bit of play. More than a couple of inches of slop would indicate worn chains/sprockets.

You can check the rear by safely blocking/it up and repeating.

Check condition of sprockets while you're at it, if they have sharp points, they are at least part of the wear problem.


2 things: How many Hrs are on it and have you confirmed there's oil in the chain case?

With clean oil the chains and sprockets often go 10K plus hrs until you get noticeable slop or hear the chains banging the bottom of the chain case.