Track links minimum number ?

[RichardT10829]

Just been trying to fit my tracks with no joy... I have a 160 per side as per what came with the carrier, I appear to have a three link gap with the track pulled on, front idler in its rear most position and a two inch sag on the top section between the rear bogey and sprocket... Anyone any ideas ?

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

Just been trying to fit my tracks with no joy... I have a 160 per side as per what came with the carrier, I appear to have a three link gap with the track pulled on, front idler in its rear most position and a two inch sag on the top section between the rear bogey and sprocket... Anyone any ideas ?

I think proper track clamps will be better than the ratchet strap set up. Normally there are 167 links in a new track and if a track has less than 160 it is deemed as unserviceable.

[Ben]

Mine had 170 straight out the box, I expect to lose 2 by next week. Fit however many you need to get it on, they'll wear in and you can take out extras if needed.

[RichardT10829]

Yeah, I reckon I will need six to eight links (split for each side of course)

Bugger :-(

The thing deffo had 160 when I bought it, but if you look back to page one, look how tight the tracks are, even with rust taken into consideration.

[Ben]

I used a ratchet strap but a modified spring compressor did the last bit.

[charlie fitton]

If you could borrow a few links, insert them and start driving - it won't be long before you'll be able to return them - with spares

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Richard Farrant

I think proper track clamps will be better than the ratchet strap set up. Normally there are 167 links in a new track and if a track has less than 160 it is deemed as unserviceable.

The Cdn manual quotes 168 links new, reduced to 167 after 50 mile break in. It then mentions a total reduction of 10 links at which time the track is scrap. Personally, I'll go with 157 links before I really start to make correction. But I always wondered if they meant a minimum of 157 or 158 links.

I will second the use of a good track jack. Although I have a NOS original, any track repair I do is by using a modified M113 track jack. The pulling power of them is enormous, and I don't worry about breaking an irreplaceable UC track jack.

[super dave]

This is one I made from a 113 jack and it works great .

[RichardT10829]

Managed to get some track links for free from a pal, I will need to make up some pins though.... From memory the pins are a chromoly steel ? What are folk using to make new ones ?

[shaun]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

Managed to get some track links for free from a pal, I will need to make up some pins though.... From memory the pins are a chromoly steel ? What are folk using to make new ones ?

Don't stress over the pins mate .....

I have the correct track clamp and the are bloody usless! I find ratchet straps work well , it's only a light track and they give you a bit of flexibility for that last bit of alignment.