Steel tracks

[therick]

I have a 1990 743 Bobcat. I'm looking to put steel tracks on it. How do I gauge the length I need? The width I need? And would I have to put spacers on the hubs? TIA

 

[mrbb]

just a suggestion, but if I was in your situation, I think I would just make some contacts with the folks that make the tracks your considering,a s most of these companys have all the details you need based on the make model machine you have, this saving you time and getting you accurate answers at the same tine

some of the track makers also, have this info on there web sites too, for one to look up

also keep in mind some machines just cannot run them due to clearance issues

 

[therick]

just a suggestion, but if I was in your situation, I think I would just make some contacts with the folks that make the tracks your considering,a s most of these companys have all the details you need based on the make model machine you have, this saving you time and getting you accurate answers at the same tine

some of the track makers also, have this info on there web sites too, for one to look up

also keep in mind some machines just cannot run them due to clearance issues

Well the main reason I was asking is because they are all over the internet at a third of the price as new. So I was looking at second hand. Also as far as clearance, that's why I asked if spacers were necessary as some used tracks, mainly 12" ones, come with spacers. Thanks

 

[mrbb]

well, I understand your side
But also keep in mind what tire size YOU run, can alter things

and again if you go to web sites of track makers, they do STATE the size of tracks, so you can gain that info for free off them, and then search for used tracks(but make sure there using same sized tires as you are)
and its not just spacers that can make a machine or not, use tracks, its also clearance between frame and fenders and such, where as spacers will just make things stick out wider, , won't change clearances else where, as in up and down, front and back
and reason why some use 12 inch tracks, , is they swapped many times from 10.5 to 12.5 wide tires! , which can also change the OD of the tires and thus, size of tracks needed, and why I stated, some folks run different sized tires on there machines that what Stock/OEM size calls for
all the more so on older machines that have thru a few owners !
Just trying to help

 

[reaperman]

In the early 90's when the tracks first came on the market we put them on a a 753. We needed to use a low profile tire and a spacer on the center of the boom so the lift arms would rest above the tracks when in the full down position. We also had issues with small rocks (gravel) getting between the tires side-wall and the outer side of the track that comes in contact with the wheel. That constant rubbing of gravel between the track and wheel caused many flat tires. And sidewall flats usually mean a new tire. Also the tracks put alot of stress on the drive chains between the front and back axles, even snapping some chains. At one point Bobcat would disconnect the front chains on machines using tracks. Plus the tracks take more power to run, and it's noticeable, especially on a machine of the 743's era. I'm not trying to scare you, rather, I'm letting you know what I've we've experienced since the inception of ott tracks. With that said, they make a huge difference from tires alone.

 

[mike9663]

I have a 1990 743 Bobcat. I'm looking to put steel tracks on it. How do I gauge the length I need? The width I need? And would I have to put spacers on the hubs? TIA

I have steel track on my cat 262 seller new wich set fit, they work great for 8 years now

 

[Jeffro]

I purchased an older s250 with the Duetz motor. It came with a set of used tracks. The machine has two inch spacers on it. They are made by Grouser but branded with Jd. Not going to used the tracks. My tires are 12x16.5. I've talked to grouser and he said they made tracks for jd with their names on them. I think they are 14" wide.

 

[therick]

well, I understand your side
But also keep in mind what tire size YOU run, can alter things

and again if you go to web sites of track makers, they do STATE the size of tracks, so you can gain that info for free off them, and then search for used tracks(but make sure there using same sized tires as you are)
and its not just spacers that can make a machine or not, use tracks, its also clearance between frame and fenders and such, where as spacers will just make things stick out wider, , won't change clearances else where, as in up and down, front and back
and reason why some use 12 inch tracks, , is they swapped many times from 10.5 to 12.5 wide tires! , which can also change the OD of the tires and thus, size of tracks needed, and why I stated, some folks run different sized tires on there machines that what Stock/OEM size calls for
all the more so on older machines that have thru a few owners !
Just trying to help

Thanks. I appreciate the info

 

[oiu789]

Check out about taking off 1 of the internal drive chains to avoid internal drive damage. I was told to do so on my BC 873.

 

[therick]

Check out about taking off 1 of the internal drive chains to avoid internal drive damage. I was told to do so on my BC 873.

So is that basically making it two wheel drive?

 

[reaperman]

So is that basically making it two wheel drive?

Right, but it's not noticeable believe it or not because of the traction the tracks will provide. The drive system of your era machine was designed before tracks were a thing. Since tracks, the drive systems were built stronger, or so I was told by the local dealer a few years after they became popular. Back then, we traded off our machines each year and the dealer would automatically remove one set of chains. Until we made the switch to factory tracks