Usage:
All Track-Type Machines With Split Master Links
- SUPPLEMENT: 12/05/83
SERVICE MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 31, 1983, PAGE 1. Make a note in the article, "Clean and Protect Split Master Links During Track Reconditioning," that a tag is also available which has information and torque specifications for assembly of split master links. This tag, Form SMHS8348, will be attached to each set of track shipped from the factory. Dealers can order the tag and attach it to any track groups in their component exchange program.
--------------- END SUPPLEMENT ---------------
During track link reconditioning, be careful not to damage the serrations on the split master links. If the serrations have been bent or damaged from impact with the ground or heavy metal objects, the halves will not fit together evenly. This will cause the joint to become loose. One way to prevent damage is to fasten wood blocks over the top of the serrations as shown in Illustration 1. Track bolts are used to hold the blocks in place. This can be done immediately after the track is removed from the machine. The blocks will protect the serrations while the track is pulled across the ground to the wash area and then loaded onto the track press conveyor.
When the master link is disassembled, do these service procedures:
1. Remove the wood blocks and thoroughly clean the serrations and the track shoe/track link mating surface down to bare metal. Several different tools can be used to do this, such as a small sand blaster, a seal pick, a wire brush, an abrasive wheel, or compressed air. Any paint, rust, dirt, scale, or metallic debris left between the surfaces will quickly wear and cause the track bolts and shoes to loosen. Refer to Bulletin No. MP-13, "Track Link And Shoe Assembly Cleaning," Form SEBD8533, in the Undercarriage Reconditioning Guide, and to Pages 11 and 12 in the April 11, 1983, Special Edition Service Magazine, "Disassembly and Assembly of Track Links On The D8L, D9L and D10 Tractors," for complete information on tools and procedures.
Illustration 1. Use wood blocks to protect the master link serrations.
2. Inspect the serrations for damage. Any burrs or nicks must be removed with a small grinder. Do not reuse any split master links where the serrations are badly damaged or bent.
3. Clean the threads inside the split link with a thread tap. This is necessary to get the correct bolt torque and clamping force when the master links and shoes are fastened together.
4. Install plastic caps in the threaded holes to keep debris out. If the track will be moved around the shop frequently or is to be shipped, install the wood blocks.
When the track is installed on the machine, use the procedure which follows to connect the master links:
1. Remove the plastic caps and wood blocks.
2. With the track in place around the sprocket and idler(s), push the two halves of the split links together until they are fully engaged. If the reconditioned link joints are too stiff to do this by hand, apply force with a large hammer. With the serrations on one side of the master link fully engaged (no gaps), there must be no more than a 3.20 mm (.125") gap between the serrations of the other link. See Illustration 2.
3. Apply a coating of 2P2506 Thread Lubricant to the threads, shank, and washer face of the master link bolts.
4. Install the master link track shoe.
NOTE: When the master link track shoe is installed, all four bolts must turn easily enough to be turned all the way into their bores by hand. If the bolts will not turn by hand, the binding or misalignment must be corrected.
5. Tighten the master link bolts to the specifications shown in the chart which follows.
Illustration 2.
