40c Roller interference

[fundytides]

Problem with one of my tracks. It's a 4 roller 40c and one rear roller is interfering with the sprocket on that side. This was a derelict tractor that I purchased years ago and ran more or less successfully for several years. Last year I put a new to me used track on one side and decided to replace the non-original rollers on that side with the correct ones. The rollers that I removed were much smaller diameter than the original rollers. I also rebushed the front idler. It now appears that the rear roller is catching on the sprocket. It looks like it is too close as there is no room for a safety block. Do I just drill new holes in the frame assembly and move the roller ahead enough to clear or is this going to create other problems.I haven't done any measuirements yet but suspect that whoever installed the non-original rollers may have changed the frame as well. Not sure if I can drill the new holes while the frame and track is in place or do I have to drop the complete frame assembly and move it out from under the tractor to drill it? Any suggestions are appreciated.

[gus]

Did you look or feel for other holes? Might be another set ahead more.

[fundytides]

No such luck! That would be an easy solution.

[Lavoy]

Roller shot, bearings out of the final drive, or someone has replaced the tapered nuts in the side frames with regular nuts, and it has pounded the holes out and allowed the track frame to come back. Regardless, moving the roller is not the answer if there is a much more severe problem causing it, or there is a simpler fix.
Lavoy

[fundytides]

Thanks for the suggestions Lavoy. Roller bearings are ok and new oil seals Will check main drive bearing and holes and tapered nuts in frame.

[fundytides]

Hi Lavoy, just took a quick look at the side frame. The rear bracket on the side I am having trouble with looks like it has had an amatuer welder attach the rear bracket to the frame and it has broken away again.Guess it's time to drop the frame and have the brackets welded properly. Were they originally riveted? Are the tapered nuts you are referring to used to attach the rear of the frame to studs on the casting? Looks like flat nuts on mine in this location. What is the best way to correctly determine the proper location of the rear bracket on the frame? Finally, it looks like the dozer blade that is on my crawler is contributing to my problems. It is loosely mounted to the crossmembers and free to move around quite a bit. Another indicator of a problem is that there has been no safety block on this side and when I tried to install one after I installed new rollers and track, the safety block would not fit between the cross farme and the sproket. What a mess. Any info or advice is greatly appreciated.

[fundytides]

Took the rear fender off today so I could get a better look at the side frame. As I mentioned before, it looks like someone tried, not very sucessfuly, to weld the bracket that the cross frame bolts to, back on to the side frame. The area of the side frame, that the bracket was originally riveted to, is completely broken away which looks like it has allowed the crossmember to move back and down. This is probably why my 4th roller is hitting against the rear sprocket, Unless I am told differently, it looks like I should remove the side frame and repair that area and reattach the bracket, Two questions: Is it ok to weld the bracket to the side frame instead of using rivets as original and how do I make sure that I locate the bracket correctly. Also, what is the best way to support the rest of the machine while I take the side frame (and the track assembly) off?

[gus]

Personally, I would look for a good side frame. It will be aligned and spaced exactly right.

[fundytides]

Pretty rare in this area. Not many of these old crawlers or parts for them available. Shipping from the US, Trump duties/tarriffs and the exchange rate make the cost of thigs like this pretty prohibitive.

[Lavoy]

Yes, you can weld them, but I would put bolts in all of the rivet holes, and then just use a couple short stitches to prevent movement.
Lavoy

[fundytides]

Thanks lavoy. I will follow your advice. Don't know how much of the rivet holes are left, hopefully enough to locate the plate properly and I will use bolts and weld as suggested. The plate looks like it haas taken quite a beating over the years and also tore a piece ouf the sideframe where the plate was mounted. From what I have seen in parts sheets that I have looked at, the dozer mounted on my crawler is a No. 61 Angling Bulldozer. Seems to me that the method used to mount these units must put a lot of stress on the crossmembers and the side frames. Maybe that is what tore the bracket off on mine and maybe forced the trackframe rearward. Anyway, I will do my best to repair the damage and get all the moving parts back where they belong. My grandson is a welder and does a lot of work on heavy equipment so I am sure he will keep me on the right track and do whatever welding is required.

[Lavoy]

As long as crossbar clamps are tight, and the dozer mounting clamps are tight, should not have caused any damage. Not having the correct tapered nuts or something else in the sideframe where it mounts to the cutch housings is what I have seen the most.
Lavoy

[fundytides]

Crossbar clamps are tight. Regular nuts, or bolts, attaching side frame to clutch housing. All dozer mounting clamps are loose and just floating around. Also, all pivot points on the dozer are very worn and sloppy. Lots of work to do here.