450 track adjustment

[little1406]

My last post was "450 track snap". I decided my tracks were a bit looser than spec and injected some grease into the Zerk and was pleased to see the front idler move obediently along the rail. But I got them too tight.

Both the operator's manual and the service manual for the 450 (no following letter), say "To loosen track, first loosen jam nut on set screw of track adjusting cylinder. Then turn set screw counterclockwise a slight amount to relieve track tension. As pressure is relieved, grease will run out of hole in bottom of cylinder."

When I look at my track adjustment cylinder, that description makes little sense to me. Instead my track grease Zerk is installed on a 3/4" hex boss that looks like the head of a standard 1/2" bolt, maybe a little taller. I discovered that just loosening that hex a bit allows grease to squirt out of a hole in the FRONT of the cylinder....so that it squirted onto the front idler wheel.

Anyway, with the tension properly set, I don't encounter that track snap anymore. That, or I'm learning to drive this thing so that doesn't happen (turning gradually, etc.).

My tracks are pretty well worn. Someday, I'll take some quality pictures and post them here for expert evaluation. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying having this machine running more-or-less properly.

BTW, I passed two important milestones recently:

1. I've now spent more hours operating the 450 than repairing it.

2. It now uses more diesel fuel than hydraulic fluid.

Yay!

[LeonardL]

Well Heck! Lets throw a party!!!

[Jack-the-Ripper]

One reason for track snap is worn track rail ("chain") and sprocket. The tooth initially hits the rollers on the track "chain" rather than the space in between. Sharply pointed sprocket teeth are one indication of excessive wear. I think there is a measurement spec'ed for the track "chain" as well. The tracks get longer as their rollers wear.

Alas, tracks and sprockets are heavy wear items that need replacement every so often even with the most careful use, and these are quite old machines now.

[Paul Buhler]

BTW, I passed two important milestones recently:
1. I've now spent more hours operating the 450 than repairing it.
2. It now uses more diesel fuel than hydraulic fluid.

Love those statements
- I think many of us can relate..

Keep that up and the old work horse may be worthy of some new paint.

[kedorland]

BTW, I passed two important milestones recently:
1. I've now spent more hours operating the 450 than repairing it.
2. It now uses more diesel fuel than hydraulic fluid.

Love those statements
- I think many of us can relate..

Keep that up and the old work horse may be worthy of some new paint.

That is hilarious.

Is a great benchmark to keep in the back of our minds.

Kevin