1994/02/21 Caterpillar

Frame Reinforcement For Challengers With Gel-Filled Front Idlers and Front Counterweights {7050}

Usage:

Challenger 65 (7YC),
Challenger 65B (7YC),
Challenger 75 (4CJ) Tractors

The subject of this article is Challenger tractors with front counterweights or gel-filled idlers. Either situation can cause extra stress in the frame, leading to excessive deflection or even bending in extreme cases.

Pneumatic idlers provide some of the total recoil travel of the front axle. When idlers are gel-filled, some of that travel is lost. The result is that the system will "go solid" with less total travel. "Going solid" results in very high forces being transmitted to the frame.

When the tractor is operated in conditions that cause dirt packing on the belt and/or between the drivers, all available recoil travel can be required. If the idlers are gel-filled, the possibility of the system "going solid" is increased.

The reinforcement shown in Illustration 1 and Illustration 2 will enable the frame to absorb a reasonable amount of extra load without bending.

The following must be kept in mind. If the machine is excessively counterweighted, or run in extreme packing conditions without modifications to exclude material from the undercarriage, the high stress cycles can reduce the life of bearings, axles or other heavily loaded items.

Procedure to reinforce the frame of CH65 (7YC1-1899), CH65B (7YC1900-Up), CH75 (4CJ1-Up) Tractors

1. Fabricate reinforcement plate as shown in Illustration 1. Chart A lists dimensions for Illustration 1.

Illustration 1. Fabricated reinforcement plate with dimensions listed in Chart A and Note BB listed in Chart B.

2. Align upper edge of reinforcement plate with the top surface of the rail channel and the rail plate.

Show/hide table

Do not torch or weld on painted areas. The effect of gasses from burned paint is a danger to the person doing the cutting or welding.

3. Weld plate to frame. See Illustration 2 and Chart B for welding instructions and requirements.

4. Paint with black high gloss paint.

Illustration 2. View of fabricated plate as welded to right hand frame rail. See Chart B for requirements and locations.

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