Track Roller bushing money saving idea

[lurch85]

In my recent rebuilding of the undercarraige on my JD350 straight, I was forced to replace a few of the rollers with the newer style sealed track rollers (part number AT104780). These require a bushing (part number T112139) in each of the mounting holes to make up the difference in size of bolts. I was disappointed to find that I had to get these from Deere and I believe they were pushing 8 bucks a piece!.. (4 per roller of course). I came to find that a piece of hose clamp cut and rolled into a ring was the right thickness and seemed to work great, t the grand old price of $1.29 for 6 of them, (and a blood blister).
Here's your chance to give me any info on why this might be a bad idea before anyone else tries it. Otherwise a bit of help for anyone that comes across this same problem. Use at your own risk....

[jtrichard]

you can also use 1/2 inch type M or L copper pipe type (L might be to thick) to make the bushings and use sae washer then the lock washer and bolt ..... OR if the holes are kinda iffy then tap out to 9/16 thats what i am doing on my 2010 to use the newer roller.... they must have thought that the 1/2 inch bolts were not big enough

[Lavoy]

I was wondering if 1/2" conduit would work as well? Or some other thin wall tubing.
Lavoy

[jtrichard]

yes 1/2" EMT should work its the same size as 1/2" copper

[Lavoy]

That is what I was thinking, and cheaper than copper.
Lavoy