1984/06/04 Caterpillar

All Track-Type Tractors And Track-Type Loaders

The FT1818 Track Link Grinding Stand is now available for smoother and easier link trimming. Link trimming is necessary to remove the cold flowed material from the piece part to return it to its original profile before reassembly on the press and to prepare the link for processing in an automatic arc welder. As shown in Illustration 1, the stand utilizes an abrasive belt, so a minimum of chips are thrown.

Using an abrasive belt is more economical than using a grinding stone or a hand-held gas torch. Changing the belt requires only 2 to 3 minutes. Depending on the extent of link wear, grinding takes only 1/2 to 1 1/2 minutes. Typical belt life is one belt per 40 links.

The FT1844 Track Pin Grinding Attachment (Illustration 2), in conjunction with the FT1818 Track Link Grinding Stand, can be used to grind a 4.8 mm (.19") × 15° chamfer on the end of the track pin. Track pins are ground to prevent a broached link pin bore. Broaching of the link pin bore occurs if a sharp edge on the pin is pressed in and metal is "shaved" off the inside bore.

Undercarriage Reconditioning Bulletin, Form SEBF8539, provides instructions for using these fabricated tools.

Dealers in the U.S.A. and Caterpillar Americas can order drawings of Fabricated Tools (FT) from the address that follows. All other dealers can order drawings from their Subsidiary Service Departments.

Illustration 1. The FT1818 Track Link Grinding Stand.

Illustration 2. The FT1844 Track Pin Grinding Attachment.