Based on the bobcatpartsonline images, your loader is very similar to mine (443) and I'm in there right now doing all of the axles, seals and bearings. IMO you don't need to pull the axle to do the chain. If it's an unbroken infinite chain, I'd just break it (with a chain breaker) and get it around the sprockets. Then use a chain puller holder to pull the chain together as much as possible and put your new link in. The new link could be a master link with plate or you could press in a new link. Harbor freight has a chain breaker that works perfectly. I got my chain puller holder from amazon. If your seals and bearings are good, I'd say leave the axle in because it becomes a much bigger job to pull the axle.
