Track Adjusters

[Jim DiDomenico]

Hi,
I just picked up a nice 1966 JD 1010 crawler/loader. Within the first 8 hours of "getting the feel" of the machine I was pushing some brush around in a area recently cleared and picked up a branch in the track. The branch was 4" in diameter and got between the track and the cog - stretching the track and putting pressure on the adjuster which broke the cast housing. I have purchased a replacement and have the original in a shop being welded (can always use spare's). My question is, since this is a hydraulic adjuster, what it the best grease to use?

I appreciate your help.

[JD440ICD2006]

Lavoy and others may have other suggestions, but I just use what I have in my grease gun which is typically a marine grade for water dispersion.

[Jim DiDomenico]

Thanks for the response, I went to a Tractor Supply and there wasn't much of a selection -

[Tigerhaze]

Most threads discussing undercarriage lubrication mention JD "Corn Head" grease- it is a NLGI grade 0 grease which is rather non-viscous (runny). I think the idea of using it is that under movement it is similar to the oil that was originally used for roller lubrication and it is difficult to overpressurize and blow out roller seals- here are the specs:

https://jdparts.deere.com/partsmkt/docu ... _corn_head

However I have noticed that when using it in my aftermarket hydraulic adjusters that it seems harder to pump them up. In the past I had used Mystik JT-6 (a NLGI No. 2 grease) and it seemed to do better at pushing out the hydraulic adjusters. Here are the specs:

http://docs.mystiklubes.com/msds_pi/20027.pdf

I'd be interested in hearing if others have experienced difficulties with hydraulic adjusters using a lower grade NLGI grease like corn head grease.

[jtrichard]

i have used nothing in the adjusters but regular chassis grease in my 2010s for the past 43 years with no problem and 140# in the rollers

[Jim DiDomenico]

Thanks for all of the reply's. I bought Lucas heavy duty grease NLGI #2. I'm not sure about much in grease but it seems heavy and thicker more like the grease that was in the old part.

Now I need to put it back together again. I didn't remove the track so I need to take the replacement apart without damaging the seals, and thread it back in place. Anyone have any suggestions on getting all back together again? I have the track in the right place on the rear cog, I just need to pull the front guide wheel forward enough to get the track adjuster and spring in place.

Jim

[Gil]

When you are greasing the crawler undercarriage you are lubricating moving parts which are under load. When you are putting grease in a track adjuster you are simply pushing grease in to push the piston out. No moving parts or metal to metal contact. If I pay over $1 a tube for track adjuster grease, I feel I have paid too much. And stiffer grease is not better. I have seen some grease that over time harden to the point that you cannot bleed it out of the adjusters or pull the adjusters apart. Gil

[Jim DiDomenico]

I installed the new track adjuster last night. It went together very easily, worked the machine all day today without any other issues.

[captdill]

Did you weld up the old one successfully? I have a straight 450 and it looks like I just did the same thing. I blew out the adjuster. I was wondering if there was a blow-out plug on the inboard side where I couldn't see because that is where it blew and sent grease everywhere. I did not pick up a stick, but was turning tight in a ditch when it blew. I was doing the neighbor a favor, but didn't want to leave him with a yard ornament so I rigged a spacer to keep the adjuster forward. It will work well enough to finish the job and get it home. How much is a replacement?