track length
 

Can someone please tell me how many "links" (if that is the term) are in the standard carrier track? I have 4 pieces of track and need to make two complete tracks out of them.

Thanks,

John

Hi John

Tracks came in 168 links when new. After the 50 mile run in you were supposed to remove one link. Once a maximum of ten links have been removed the track is finished.

I suggest that you build up about 167 links and the fit them. See how much sag is on the track and re-adjust as needed.

I also suggest that you pick up one of the excellent workshop manuals from Alex Blair even if you aren't making a "proper" carrier.

Re: track length
 

Hi John,
Jordan would be right of course. I am fishing for 6 spare track links if you end up with any. My tracks were off and rolled up and seemed to have rusted shorter. I know sounds silly, but I broke a track breaker tool trying to get them to join up. I still had about 3 inches to close when my 4 ton cable broke. So if I get a few extra links , 2 or 3, per side , I can join the tracks and run them loose , then remove the links. So think of me when you get a set of tracks done up :cheers:
Sean

John
 

As you make up your 2 track lengths, you want to mix and match sections of track, so that both lengths are approximately the same length. This has the effect of making your carrier go straight.
Note:I have no idea of your location, and therefore cannot guess at what kind of carrier you have.

hey tractor....
hook up the tracks to your adjuster/track jack and let them set for a cpl of days under presure. the tracks will streach. it sounds strange but they will

Thanks for all the advice. I'll try to lay the two tracks side by side as I assemble them and get the length equal.

I don't know much about carriers so I cannot really tell you what model this hull once was. It has 3 road wheels & one idler wheel if that helps any.

John

i ran into the same problem, all you need to do is let the track settle in to the proper leingth.
dave

It's not the length that needs to be equal, but the NUMBER OF LINKS PER SIDE. If your track is the same Length, but one side has less links, then the carrier will pull to the side with more links. Lay out your tracks. If they have the same No of links each side but are significantly different in length, break them up and swap sections. It is more important to have the same number on each side than it is to worry about how many links need to be taken out to reduce slack. The manual recommends breaking the track into quarter lengths and reassembling like so:

L Side: Short, Long, Short, Long.
R Side: Short, Long, Short, Long.

Yes
 

Captain Mannering, you are right once again, sorr!!... :note: But it is good to have the detail across our screens. Thanks Tony.
I will also point out to John that his track is made up of 21 link sections incase he hasn't noticed.
John, What continent are you residing on/in? Maybe you could post a picture of your carrier, or failing that, you could list some part numbers that you'll find on bits of your carrier, to help I.D. the critter.
Does it have big headlights or little ones?
Does it have flat spokes on the wheels or is the spoke an "H" section?

Hi Guys

John is in Ontario Canada about 2-3 hrs away from me.

John if you have some pictures please post.

I can't see how to post on this site, so can I email you a pic Jordan?

There are no lights or accessories on this carrier-she's pretty stripped.

John

Hi John

I have sent you a PM and a sperate email. Send me the pics and I will post them

Here are some pictures that John sent me. SOme of the remaing parts are dated 1944.

Here is the last one

ahhh yes the rare late war rag top version of the carrier... :)

Late?
 

I'd say "post" rather than "late" Dave.All the advantages: Great power to weight ratio. Easy access, Excellent vis, The mechanic doesn't need to be hung by his feet from a gantry.What are your plans for her John, once you have her track back on?

Lynne-I'm going to make it into a Panzer Mk 1. I need a winter project and this sounds like a challenge!

John

You can try to make one track fit, lift up the carrier and let it run for a while in the air, I also had to put 2 links between my tracks, but after driven about 8 kilometers, they had already to be removed and the back of the carrier was brown of the dust of the rust of the tracks.

Hendrik

tracks
 

It is not my experience that having difference in the number of links on each side wil cause the carrier to pull to one side -my carrier has always had one extra link in one side and I have not bothered to do anything about it -the spider gears soak that up it seems with no problem --Greg