Tracks Plus OTT Steel Track Fit/Adjustment on 753 Issues?

[Talisman]

Okay guys I'm trying to fit-up new tracks on the weekend warrior semi-retired Bobcat 753 and the tracks are shifting laterally in turns and binding on the OUTSIDE of the rear "fenderwell" formed by the chassis just behind the rear tire. Just to clarify, the track somehow shifts laterally and rides out away from the tire tread enough for the inside track edge to catch on the vertical plate along the curved rear "wheel well", then rides along out there about 4 inches while carving a nice sliver of steel off the chassis and then pops back in as you straighten up. Its not pretty, but I've not witnessed it first hand- I'm just going by my sons contorted facial expressions as I pull forward. Set up is all stock w/ the exception of new 2-inch wheel spacers. It is a 1994 753 (Blue "753" Decal) w/ NEW Firestone Duraforce HD 16.5-10 tires @ 50psi. The tracks only extend within the face of the rear wheel well about 3 inches, the rest is set outside with the wheel spacer set up. The tracks were ordered for a 753 and I double checked the track sectional dimesnsions and they match what TracksPlus specs. for 10-inch tire dimensions (Track is 9-inches wide at base where the face of the tire tread bottoms out). Track slack is within spec at about 2.5 inches (Spec 1.5" to 3"). I can tighten another link or two but once you start to get 'em within the spec range it is a pita. I have reservations about putting any more stress on the old 753 axles. Tracks plus only suggestion was going ahead and tighten 'em up a little more. One thing I'm noticing is that when you go to the "short hole" in the link, the track links pivot gets real tight and dont flex well once you get the bolts all tight. Basically the track gets relatively rigid links in it. It looks like the extension of the link (first bolt hole section) is binding up somewhere within the track shoe. I'm wondering if just running it in a straight line will break-in the link pivot points? On the pontential issues with tire fit - You can see day light (~1/4 to 1/2-inch) of clearance between the tire side shouler and the track side pads which would certainly contribute to the lateral shifting. Is it possible the 16.5-10 Firestones HD tires shape just tapers too much at the face of the tread to fit the tracks right? What effect does slightly dropping down the tire pressure have on OTT track fit/performance? If anyone has any ideas or experience with the TracksPlus or other over the tire steel tracks, I could sure use some SSForum wisdom. I'm stumped and it does not look like TracksPlus has a solution. As a last resort, I may be facing the reality of having to pick up another set of wheels and very used tires to see if the tire form factor (wider, flat face at tread shoulder with another brand?) and/or worn tread (increased clearance from the machine wheel well) would help. Thats a big "what if" for the relative cost but if it worked I could recover some of the cost by selling the new Firestone HDs. I'll post a pic if I can size these photos down and upload a few.

 

[reaperman]

Its been many years since we used tracks on a 753. I remember at that time we had to use a low profile tire and those tires were "flat" across the top. The width of the tire fit firmly between the tracks side plates. If we snugged the tracks too tight they would bind while turning, so we ran them somewhat loose. And also disconnected the front drive chains, as directed by the bobcat dealer. Because bobcat saw issues between the front and rear chains fighting one another due to too much stress. In fact they claimed they wouldnt warranty any chain issues if tracks were used without disconnecting the front chains first.

 

[Talisman]

Its been many years since we used tracks on a 753. I remember at that time we had to use a low profile tire and those tires were "flat" across the top. The width of the tire fit firmly between the tracks side plates. If we snugged the tracks too tight they would bind while turning, so we ran them somewhat loose. And also disconnected the front drive chains, as directed by the bobcat dealer. Because bobcat saw issues between the front and rear chains fighting one another due to too much stress. In fact they claimed they wouldnt warranty any chain issues if tracks were used without disconnecting the front chains first.

Oh my golly, you are talking about getting into the chain case and removing the front drive chains?

 

[Tazza]

Oh my golly, you are talking about getting into the chain case and removing the front drive chains?

Removing the front drive chains is not uncommon. It prevents possible chain damage if the tyres are not of equal diameter from wear when running tracks.

 

[antfarmer2]

Removing the front drive chains is not uncommon. It prevents possible chain damage if the tyres are not of equal diameter from wear when running tracks.

Yep and you will find no masterlink on the bobcat unless they have been replaced will have to grind them off

 

[[email protected]]

Yep and you will find no masterlink on the bobcat unless they have been replaced will have to grind them off

the front and rear tires are linked together anyway, i don't understand why it would cause issues. i could see if the tires were worn different, but equal tread, why would they bind? they should technically be spinning at identical rpms. i'm sure there is a reason, just curious why

 

[antfarmer2]

the front and rear tires are linked together anyway, i don't understand why it would cause issues. i could see if the tires were worn different, but equal tread, why would they bind? they should technically be spinning at identical rpms. i'm sure there is a reason, just curious why

Picture it going over a bump or a rock taking up the slack in the track fighting the chain

 

[Talisman]

Picture it going over a bump or a rock taking up the slack in the track fighting the chain

Wow, this intel is a full gamechanger before the game was on. I need a shot of burbon in a dirty glass. I researched for months before investing in this machine and going to tracks was always part of the plan. I saw nothing out there that indicated a 753 would not take tracks without these issues. The Bobcat dealer quoted me aobut $3,500 for tracks before I found the Tracks Plus option. TracksPlus certainly did not have any reservations selling me "753 tracks". I spent a couple of days in the chaincase as part of the restoration, flushed the case, changed the case oil, and replaced the bushing/pivot bolt in the lift linkage on the center cover and adjusted the parking brake, re-seal the cover, etc. Thats just a fraction of the work done, the local bobcat dealer parts folks call me the "753 guy" and keep my serial number pinned on the wall. I guess I might come around but at this point just cant see cutting the front drive chains off. Everything in there is in great shape. Maybe I should sell the 753 and move up to an 8-series unless I find a track solution. I will only run it on weekends and I have to go regarless of the weather or I'd end up spending alot of time on the couch. (its not the rainforest but it does rain about 50-inches per year here in KY). I cant get the 753 back into the shed if the ground it wet, it just spins. The purpose of the SSL was just to play smart in approaching general farm maintence with the most challenging task being clearing up and expanding riding trails around 1,000 acres of wooded variable terrain (everything from creek crossings to hillsides). Moving to a full-on track machine is beyond my budget (they dont make them old enough yet Any thoughts?

 

[jerry]

Wow, this intel is a full gamechanger before the game was on. I need a shot of burbon in a dirty glass. I researched for months before investing in this machine and going to tracks was always part of the plan. I saw nothing out there that indicated a 753 would not take tracks without these issues. The Bobcat dealer quoted me aobut $3,500 for tracks before I found the Tracks Plus option. TracksPlus certainly did not have any reservations selling me "753 tracks". I spent a couple of days in the chaincase as part of the restoration, flushed the case, changed the case oil, and replaced the bushing/pivot bolt in the lift linkage on the center cover and adjusted the parking brake, re-seal the cover, etc. Thats just a fraction of the work done, the local bobcat dealer parts folks call me the "753 guy" and keep my serial number pinned on the wall. I guess I might come around but at this point just cant see cutting the front drive chains off. Everything in there is in great shape. Maybe I should sell the 753 and move up to an 8-series unless I find a track solution. I will only run it on weekends and I have to go regarless of the weather or I'd end up spending alot of time on the couch. (its not the rainforest but it does rain about 50-inches per year here in KY). I cant get the 753 back into the shed if the ground it wet, it just spins. The purpose of the SSL was just to play smart in approaching general farm maintence with the most challenging task being clearing up and expanding riding trails around 1,000 acres of wooded variable terrain (everything from creek crossings to hillsides). Moving to a full-on track machine is beyond my budget (they dont make them old enough yet Any thoughts?

Your tires are probably narrow, when I got my new Holland it had soliddeal tires on it and a came with a new set of Chinese tires ,same size. There is at least 1/2 to 3/4 difference in width between the two sets of tires and they are supposed to be the same size,10x16.5. Let some of the air out down to 40 or 45 lbs and it will broaden the tread a little but may not really fit till they wear down a little.