Access holes in 1816C for Chains

Never owned a skid loader before but now get the fun of learning. BTW someone has replaced the Onan engine on this one with a Vangard 18 Hp. Anyway did some minor repairs and fixes, but now in the process of cleaning the chains, adjusting and oiling. I can see some access back under the seat but not enough to see the chains or clean as needed. I am sure others have cut access holes with either a large hole saw or a metal cutting saw such as a Sawzall with a good metal cutting blade. Any tips on how large to make the hole or about where to start cutting? I know there is a gas tank back there and I hope I'm smart enough no to get into that. Any suggestions??

I would avoid cutting access holes, unless you find a time that you MUST get in somewhere you can't quite reach. I personally would use a plasma cutter with a heat shield behind where it was being cut. Then you will want to bolt a plate over the hole you made, don't make them too big as you don't want to weaken anything.
With the thickness of the steel i assume you will have, a sawzall will take a long time....

Tazza said:

I would avoid cutting access holes, unless you find a time that you MUST get in somewhere you can't quite reach. I personally would use a plasma cutter with a heat shield behind where it was being cut. Then you will want to bolt a plate over the hole you made, don't make them too big as you don't want to weaken anything.
With the thickness of the steel i assume you will have, a sawzall will take a long time....

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Well on a Case 1816 its just about impossible to gain access to the rear wheel chains. Sure you could remove the hydraulic pumps and all those hoses but your talking a days work both ways. So how do you clean, oil and adjust without access? I will take another look today. I'd like to be able to use my plasma cutter, but there is a lot of old oil and dirt in that area.

wmgeorge said:

Well on a Case 1816 its just about impossible to gain access to the rear wheel chains. Sure you could remove the hydraulic pumps and all those hoses but your talking a days work both ways. So how do you clean, oil and adjust without access? I will take another look today. I'd like to be able to use my plasma cutter, but there is a lot of old oil and dirt in that area.

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I got an access hole in today using a 1 1/2" hole saw. Took about 15 minutes and some cutting oil. Hole is large enough to see the chain and if it needs adjustment. Unlike the front chains the rear one on this side was pretty clean and had oil on it. Needed adjustment. Good thing I have a 1/2 inch air impact wrench and some Kroil or it would never gotten done. The hole is large enough I could get my metal cutting saw blade in and make larger if needed.