Check my memory here...but I seem to recall when you bought the machine track wear was measured/estimated by measuring track links on the ground not as recommended by the stretched chain method which edb is also referring to.
Could be the chains are more than 50% worn. Keep in mind this is also average wear and it is possible to have some joints worn more than others. If it is a fluke thing you might consider replacing that one joint, possibly with another master pin and bushing but........adding new parts in with the old has its complications also. My guess on turning and segments would be $3-$5K but a guess is all it is.

"Old wrote:

Check my memory here...but I seem to recall when you bought the machine track wear was measured/estimated by measuring track links on the ground not as recommended by the stretched chain method which edb is also referring to.
Could be the chains are more than 50% worn. Keep in mind this is also average wear and it is possible to have some joints worn more than others. If it is a fluke thing you might consider replacing that one joint, possibly with another master pin and bushing but........adding new parts in with the old has its complications also. My guess on turning and segments would be $3-$5K but a guess is all it is.

Yeah, I had a CAT dealer do the UC measurements, and took them with D4Dan as well...

The guy from Ohio CAT told me I had about 500 hrs left b4 I had to turn them... I probably have 400 or so on the machine since I bought it, but at least 25% of those hours is idling...

I'll get a pin and do some measurements...

This is what I wrote 2 years ago when I bought the machine, looks like we were saying 65% worn for the pins:

As far as the UC, there was a guy from Ohio CAT that inspected the UC, but the links are Berco, and the guy was using his CAT book for the %worn numbers. And he was pulling numbers from the extended height CAT links, which these are not. Also the guy came up with a measurement of 810mm (31.88) for the internal pin wear, then he said they were 80% worn... Uhm, 810mm would be better than 0% worn. I was very confused by his inspection…

So Dan and I went through the measurements ourselves.

Link height = 4.68" 40-45% worn.
Across 5 pins = 32.31" 60-65% worn. (only problem is now that I think of it is we were measuring on the bottom of the track, we did not have the track stretched out on the top pulling the pins to their extent of the wear, but I’m no expert, and I saw the CAT guy measure them at the bottom too)
We did not measure external pin wear, but the CAT tech had 2.56" and said they were 90% worn... I didn't understand that either. They certainly looked way better than the D6C 76A I looked at last SAT, and those checked out at 65% worn.

Shoes: they are brand new.

Idlers: 30% worn.

Carrier rollers: ranging from 20-35% worn.

Track rollers: ranges from 30-50% worn.

And yes, this was not stretched... They could be getting close to 80% worn, etc...

I'll probably have to think about new chains & sprockets at some point in the near future. I'd like to build my house first b4 I have to do that though, lol...

Sure hope I can get 2 more years out of it b4 I have to do anything... Now that I have the 225, I'll be doing a lot less pushing for the other pond... Last summer I pushed dirt for a good 200 hours. I'll be using the dozer a lot less this time around...

I took some measurements today.

I used a 2" diameter steel pin to tension the tracks, put the brake on etc...

On the right side, across 5 links without the severly worn bushing in the mix I get: 32.41"

On the same side including the worn bushing: 32.63"

On the left side of the machine I get: 32.32

Link height, I get 4.625" tall for both sides.

For the diameter of the bushings on the right side:

Reverse drive wear: 2.513"
Forward drive wear: 2.545"

For the worn bushing:

Reverse: 2.494"
Forward: 2.534"

Left side:

Reverse: 2.512"
Forward: 2.565"

I heard that driving backwards a lot puts undue wear on the UC? I drive backwards a lot, guess it's a habit I need to get out of... Always backing up to logs, back blading dirt, backing up the bank of my pond etc...

I don't have a book to see % worn values from these numbers... Some of them look pretty close to what I measured 2 years ago (~300 driving hours ago)

Measurement should be for 4-links over five pins.
D6C pitch new is 8.00 in
50% worn @ 32.37
80% worn @ 32.59
100% worn @ 32.87

Rail height new is 4.78 in
50% worn @ 4.60
75% worn @ 4.48

I don't have any specs on bushing diameters.
I don't think the amount of backing up you are doing is all that excessive and no worse than constantly turning to be going forward.

"Old wrote:

Measurement should be for 4-links over five pins.
D6C pitch new is 8.00 in
50% worn @ 32.37
80% worn @ 32.59
100% worn @ 32.87

Rail height new is 4.78 in
50% worn @ 4.60
75% worn @ 4.48

I don't have any specs on bushing diameters.
I don't think the amount of backing up you are doing is all that excessive and no worse than constantly turning to be going forward.

Yeah sorry, 5 pins I meant...

So I guess I just have an oddball pin & bushing that I'll have to keep an eye on... But, looking at the numbers it almost looks like that one set is over 100% worn already... Must be a bum bushing...

OM, when I'm operating it, I always like to back up as opposed to using the brakes & clutches to turn around... Just a habit I guess...

Are the bushings case-hardened or through hardened? Maybe this bushing was simply not hardened properly and is wearing faster on both the inside & outside compared to the others...

Are there portable presses that can handle changing one pin & bushing in the field?

It is my understanding that the bushings are through hardened and the pins are case hardened along with the rest of the thick section undercarriage components. The heat treated zone usually only amounts to about 3/16+ in. in depth for most components.

Yes, there are portable presses that can handle pin pressing for all sizes of tracks. Check with your local Cat dealer or track service shop. Appears it would be worthwhile doing in this case.