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NC Wayne
02-04-2006 21:04:16
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Re: LEARNING CRAWLER SERVICE/REPAIR in reply to Kevin (FL), 02-04-2006 19:55:11
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A man told me once that "They only make so many types of parts, it just depends on how you put them together as to what they do." That said, a crawler isn't all that different that any other tractor. The engine is still the engine, the transmision still does the same thing, the final drives do the same thing as the ones on say an old Farmall. The main difference is both the whole machine and the individual parts are typically larger and heavier to withstand the extreem service they recieve. That being the case the one thing to learn is how to make the machine do as much of the work for you as possible. There are a few things that aren't all that hard to learn that come in really handy, like how to get a crawlers tracks off the ground without a jack by using a few strategically placed blocks (provided it's a hydraulic machine with down pressure and not a cable machine). Typically you can block under the rear housing of the machine (or under a hitch is even better if the machine has one) and then throw a block or two under the the blade and put it down. You have to play with the positioning somewhat as it differes with the machine and the levelness of the ground it's setting on, etc. The end result is by doing this will pick the machine up on one side enough to get blocks under the track, and then by repositioning the blocks under the opposite track to provide clearance for working underneath if needed, etc. With just one side blocked it also allows you to turn one track independent of the other by releasing the the stearing clutch and holding the brake on the opposite side while the track in the air can turn freely. This comes in handy for to find a master pin, install the track, etc if the machine is in a tight spot and can't be moved any significant amount front to rear. Breaking and rewrapping the tracks isn't as hard as most people believe if you follow a few steps. Like anything else there are tricks of the trade for every machine, it's just a matter of asking what they are before you start working, instead of waiting til the job is half way done and you run into problems like people often do. Good luck with your new machines. Anytime you have a question about something on one fo your machines, the easiest way to do a particular job, etc just ask. I work on equipment for a living and I'm always glad to help others out when I can. What works for me might not always work for everybody but there are many others on here that know what their doing also and might have a favorite way to do things too. The good thing is most feel the same as I do when it comes to sharing their knowledge. So, feel free to ask anything we'll help any way we can so your never going into a job totally blind.
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