My 1981 D3B with 5100 hours, Powershift, has 24" pyramid pads, and has been well cared for. When I bought it, new pins and bushings (dry) had been installed recently. The bushings are slightly worn, but about 60% is left before turning. The rails appear tight. The idler flanges are sharp and the sprockets have little wear. The six track rollers are double flanged and appear original. The flanges are about 3/8-1/2" high. Cat calls for 3/8" release from "tight" for track tension, but that leaves about 3" sag in the track between the idler and track carrier, so I tightened until the sag is about 2".I use it for light clearing in plain soil, but the hillsides are steep and rough. My problem is that the rails often slip off the rollers on hillsides and when making turns. Then the rails run on the roller flanges and hang on the edges of the sprocket teeth. The rails work back in line after a few feet. Tightening the track to reduce the sag from 3" to 2" helped a lot, but I am afraid to tighten anymore since I am already tighter that Cat specs. The sprockets, rollers, and idlers seem to be in line. The shop manual says I should have three single flange rollers and three double flange rollers, but all six of mine are double flange. Also, the guides on each side of the rails behing the idlers and in front of the sprockets are worn enough that they do not hit the sides of the rails. Is it normal for the rails to slip off like this? I can tell it is wearing the sides of the sprocket teeth. Or do I have track/roller problems, or should I tighten the tracks a bit more? Thanks for your thoughts.
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