A few moths back I removed the right side, lower engine cover to inspect the generator mounting place. Cover came off with only a little struggle and didnt need to jack the tractor up. I ran the tractor a few times and when I went to put it back on, it would not slide up between the track and engine. I tried everything short of jacking the tractor up. Looking and thinking, I noticed that the right track was closer to the radiator than the left track. Backing away, I could see that the right track seemed to be cocked inward a little. I assumed that the front idler bearings must be worn out. I took a long bar and pried against the idler to watch and see how much play there was and was surprised to see no movement in the idler, but the whole track frame moved about a 1/2 inch or more. Should there be play there, and could uneven adjustments on the idler springs (track tensioners) cause the tighter fit? I looked at another 22 and a 15 and both of them had at least a 1 inch difference in the clearance between the left and right side. Any idea where I need to do a repair or adjustment? Thanks ahead of time. Grant.

Hi, GrantJ.
Check out the track frame pivot bearings, both in the track frame itself and in the diagonal brace on the same pivot shaft in under the tractor. Also check the bolts attaching the diagonal brace to the track frame and to the inner bearing.

Just my 0.02.

I will go up tomorrow with my parts book and make sure I am looking at the correct thing. I could not see (or didnt recognize) where the pivot point was. Thanks for the info. Grant.

hello ,the cross Shraft were the big nut is and the angle iron stay under the trans is were they where out ,bruce


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twentywheels.com/imgs/a/c/j/t/s/antique_...emble_cat_10_lgw.jpg

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Thank you Bruce. The photo helps. I am also wondering if an uneven tension on the idler springs could cock the idler wheel itself. It appears that the threads that show, are not the same length. There is about an inch more thread showing on one side of the idler wheel than on the other side. I will take a good look tomorrow. Grant.

Just a note: The 'uneven adjustments on the idler springs (track tensioners)' are not supposed participate in track tension.

They, as they are named ' Recoil Springs". They are there to allow the idler to slip back temporarily if required.

hello ,the uneven adjustments on the idler springs will make the tractor run of to one side a bit when driving it but if the 2 mounting spots are not worn it wont make the track frame so side ways ,bruce

I just got a quick look at it today and the idler sits in the track frame at a small angle. The other track is not like that. When I put the bar on it, the idler didnt look like it was sloppy but the weight of the tractor was on it. I will be back at it in a couple of days and I think I will jack it up to get the weight off of the track and see if I can tell where the slop is. I see from the manual that the idler has bushings not bearings. Are these available or something to get machined? Thanks all Grant.