here is the one that I'm get'n!!!!!

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

I missed that link. I sure that would work just fine. You need something that pulls on the last pad on each end of the track if your making a dedicated tool.
I had a logeuring rachet tool but it was not much help because the ends had to be too far apart, I actually find the 1" ratchet straps better then that.
One thing nice about these tracks is they are not so friggin heavy you need a crane to handle them.
I pull the ends up with 2 ratchet straps, get the ends up on top and between the tires then put the ratchet hooks one on top of the fron tire and one on top of the rear tire and run the strap below the track so it hold each ends up for you.
Pull them snug, then once I get the ends together so I can see any hole I pull them with a tapered punch like this

and the hold them with vise grips like this

Then I switch to my tapered headless 5/8 bolt

pound it in and that pull the holes into perfect alignment, clamp with the vise grips once last time and switch the tapered bolt for the track pin
When you pull with the jack does the end pads stay pretty level? Most tigheners I tried twist the pads down which prevents you from getting the track tight.
I like you idea with the jack, if the hooks were made right to hold the pads straight, it would work really well.
Ken

First, my system is made so that you can have full unencumbered access to the in and outside bolts simply by doing everything from the front tires with the loader up out of the way.

Links:
www.t-mobilepictures.com/photos/photo03/9e/c3/f052b961b839.jpg?_rh=5e6cqi9b0ripoiev0e19hiw25
http://www.t-mobilepictures.com/308...d7d/ps/ENTRY/EDITENTRY?foneblog=1202493985299#
Second, that's the beauty of my jack --because the double-hooks on the jack it does keep the track pads level--they can't go anywhere or move since they are held in place following the natural curvature of the tire--sort of like a stiff belt going around a pulley. All you do is thread the track over the rear tire, then over the front tire--it almost keeps itself in place on the tire without any help. Then with the last couple track shoes on the ground lift them up over the front tire and place them in the lower track shoe hooks of the jack. Keep your knee against the jack and the track, and pull the track that is atop the front tire and engage it into the top hooks of the jack. Turn the jack handle and Voila! You are coming together! I can do one side in about 15 minutes by myself without anything but the jack. Note: If the track is fairly tight and won't go together, simply drive the machine forward and reverse about 6" to relieve any stuck track shoes engaged in the tire treads---don't drive too far either way or you'll peel off the jack.
Note
I fixed the links, but from that photo hosting site, you can right click on your open picture, "copy" and "paste" it in the text box instead of linking it if you like. Ken

 

[skidsteer.ca]

First, my system is made so that you can have full unencumbered access to the in and outside bolts simply by doing everything from the front tires with the loader up out of the way.

Links:
www.t-mobilepictures.com/photos/photo03/9e/c3/f052b961b839.jpg?_rh=5e6cqi9b0ripoiev0e19hiw25
http://www.t-mobilepictures.com/3083backhoe/_entry/8a38a9c90aff9e4e010b052442aa1d7d/ps/ENTRY/EDITENTRY?foneblog=1202493985299#
Second, that's the beauty of my jack --because the double-hooks on the jack it does keep the track pads level--they can't go anywhere or move since they are held in place following the natural curvature of the tire--sort of like a stiff belt going around a pulley. All you do is thread the track over the rear tire, then over the front tire--it almost keeps itself in place on the tire without any help. Then with the last couple track shoes on the ground lift them up over the front tire and place them in the lower track shoe hooks of the jack. Keep your knee against the jack and the track, and pull the track that is atop the front tire and engage it into the top hooks of the jack. Turn the jack handle and Voila! You are coming together! I can do one side in about 15 minutes by myself without anything but the jack. Note: If the track is fairly tight and won't go together, simply drive the machine forward and reverse about 6" to relieve any stuck track shoes engaged in the tire treads---don't drive too far either way or you'll peel off the jack.
Note
I fixed the links, but from that photo hosting site, you can right click on your open picture, "copy" and "paste" it in the text box instead of linking it if you like. Ken

Ok
It never hit me about the jack being over the front tire but that would help keep everything straight.
I have to order a jack for one of my trailers, I'm going to try that. Do you just use one hook on each end or 2, one on each side, 4 total, to help keep things straight?
You should hit up Rick and Sue to market it!
The taper and vise grip thing works great for when theose hole won't quite come together though.
Ken

 

[Tazza]

Ok
It never hit me about the jack being over the front tire but that would help keep everything straight.
I have to order a jack for one of my trailers, I'm going to try that. Do you just use one hook on each end or 2, one on each side, 4 total, to help keep things straight?
You should hit up Rick and Sue to market it!
The taper and vise grip thing works great for when theose hole won't quite come together though.
Ken

Geez Ken you work fast! was just about to fix the web links

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Geez Ken you work fast! was just about to fix the web links

I pasted the pic too, the dial up users will want my hide I suppose
Ken

 

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

I pasted the pic too, the dial up users will want my hide I suppose
Ken

Not sure how to post the pix so can I leave that up to you guys? Kewl. Anywho... if you'll look at the picture earlier in the post with the jack laying on the gound, you'll see the thick metal "hooks" of each end of the jack. The actual design of the hooks was done by trial and error using a cardboad template. Each finger of the hook is really only about 3/8" to 1/2" deep which is all you really need grip it. The deeper you make it, the longer it will take to load and unload it. I made the system in 'sippi and sent a pix of it to Sue. She didn't respond, so I put a fire under her and she finally showed Rick. According to "Suzy", Rick said and I quote: "Oh" (as in Ho-Hum. So What ) and that was as far as that got. Oh well. They have enough to do I suppose.