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

[RichardT10829]

Yeah I have no doubt !

[eddy8men]

rich I've got plenty of spare track you can borrow but getting it up to you is another matter

rick

[Lynn Eades]

Cant a courier handle 10 links in a box?

[charlie fitton]

Lynn - that has to be a worse suggestion than I send it from Canada....You could buy a carrier here for the same cost of postage...

[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.

[Lynn Eades]

Hi Rich, As you have no replies, I think some of the guys have used 7/16" dia. (0.432"?) centerless ground 4140. Not sure about the 4140 grade.

[kevin powles]

Rich, I have about 100 pins sitting in molasses they have light to heavy pitting but can pick you out the best ones, non have holes for a split pin but can be drilled or a washer welded on the end. I can pick you out 6 or so and post but not until Tuesday.

Let me know.

Kev.

[RichardT10829]

Kevin that would be great if you could please as I am a also short of usable pins

[kevin powles]

Rich, I have posted you a dozen or so usable nos pins today, first class mail.


Kev.

[RichardT10829]

Champion, cheers Kev.

[Michael R.]

LIST OF CHANGES AND SERVICE INFORMATION

BULLETIN "A" - 2
Page No. 5 (6 pages)
Date 20th April, 1942.

TRACK AND SPROCKET
CARRIER, UNIVERSAL, MARK I * ITEM 6*

(Instructive - For immediate application)

It has come to notice that difficulty has been experienced, and in
some instances sprockets have been damaged as a result of "Crowding"
of the track following the installation of new components.

Some "Crowding" of the track will occur in all instances of complete
track and sprocket installation. It is to be overcome by installing
an extra link in the track until such time as both track and sprocket
have been "run in". This will take between 50 and 100 miles and
during this period the vehicle must be operated carefully, short
turns being particularly avoided wherever possible.

Proper meshing of the track and sprocket may be determined by close
inspection at the initial point of contact of the track on the sprock-
et when the vehicle is driven forward at as slow a pace as possible.

Attention is also drawn to paragraph 7, page 186, of "Manual of Dri-
ving and Maintenance for Mechanical Vehicles (Tracked) 1939" which
deals with the subject "New Tracks".

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *