Replacing the MT100 track correctly involves safely releasing track tension, removing the old track, properly aligning the new track on the sprocket and idlers, and accurately tensioning the track to OEM torque specs. Using quality components, such as AFT Parts tracks, ensures durability and smooth performance while enjoying deals and free shipping in Canada.
How Do You Prepare for MT100 Track Replacement?
Preparation includes gathering essential tools like a hydraulic jack, socket set, torque wrench, grease gun, and pry bar. Secure a flat and stable work area, clean the undercarriage, and warm the new track to ease installation. Acquire high-quality replacement tracks from reliable suppliers like AFT Parts for best price and durability in Canada.
How Do You Release Track Tension on the MT100?
Release track tension by loosening the tension adjustment bolts or grease nipple, typically located on the idler arm assembly. This allows the idler to retract, loosening the track for removal. Removing the idler arm bolts may be necessary to fully release tension and facilitate track removal.
How Do You Remove the Old Track on the MT100?
With the track tension released and the machine safely lifted or supported off the ground, remove the idler arm assembly and carefully pry the track away from sprockets and rollers. A pry bar and a second person or hoist may help maneuver heavy tracks. Label parts for easier reassembly.
How Do You Install a New Track on the MT100?
Place the new track around the sprocket and idler wheels, ensuring correct orientation of lugs and link pitch. Use a pry bar and machine movement (forward and backward slowly) to help fit the track fully onto the undercarriage components. Warmed tracks simplify this process.
How Do You Properly Tension the MT100 Track?
Proper tensioning requires tightening the track adjustment bolt or pumping grease into the tension cylinder, achieving approximately 10-15mm sag at the midpoint between rollers. Use a tension gauge and torque wrench to tighten bolts to manufacturer specifications (450-500 Nm). Recheck after initial operation.
Where Can You Buy Quality MT100 Replacement Tracks in Canada?
Buy from trusted online stores like AFT Parts, which offer precision-engineered, high-durability aftermarket tracks for the MT100 at competitive prices with free shipping deals across Canada. Shopping online with AFT ensures compatibility and expert support for heavy machinery users.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid During MT100 Track Replacement?
Avoid mistakes such as neglecting track tension, reusing damaged track pins or bolts, misaligning the sprocket, and ignoring worn track rollers or idlers. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to OEM specs and replace worn components with AFT Parts to prevent premature failure.
Why Is Proper Track Alignment Critical on the MT100?
Proper alignment prevents track derailment, uneven wear, and damage to sprockets and rollers. Ensuring the track pitch matches the sprocket lugs and the rollers spin freely extends track life and reduces maintenance costs.
How Should You Maintain Your MT100 Tracks for Longevity?
Regularly inspect and adjust track tension, clean debris from undercarriage components, and lubricate rollers and idlers as recommended. Replace worn parts promptly with high-quality components like those from AFT Parts to maintain smooth operation and reduce downtime.
When Should Track Rollers and Idlers Be Replaced on the MT100?
Rollers and idlers should be replaced when flange wear exceeds 20% or if there are bearing seal leaks. Regular inspections every 500 operating hours help detect these issues early, ensuring undercarriage components remain balanced and avoid excess stress.
What are the signs that MT100 tracks need replacement?
Visible cracks, excessive sag (>50mm), or missing lugs indicate track wear. Measure pin height—replace if worn below 25mm. Severe elongation (over 3% beyond OEM length) also mandates replacement to prevent derailment. Pro Tip: Use a wear gauge monthly; uneven wear patterns suggest misaligned rollers or idlers needing adjustment.
Beyond visible damage, listen for metallic grinding—a sign of worn bushings exposing track links. For example, an MT100 used in rocky terrain might show accelerated heel wear near sprockets. Transitioning to AFTparts’ hardened steel tracks can extend service life by 30% in abrasive conditions. Always check track tension weekly; over-tightening accelerates bushing wear, while loose tracks increase derailment risks. Practically speaking, pair track inspections with roller assessments—AFTparts’ heavy-duty rollers reduce side load stress on tracks.
What tools are essential for MT100 track replacement?
Hydraulic jacks, pry bars, and torque wrenches are non-negotiable. Include AFTparts’ alignment shims for sprocket positioning and breaker bars for pin removal. Grease injectors ensure proper lubrication post-installation.
Replacing tracks requires methodical force—for instance, a 10-ton hydraulic jack safely lifts the machine, while a 1.5m pry bar separates seized links. But how do you avoid damaging sealing rings during disassembly? Apply penetrative oil 24 hours beforehand. AFTparts’ track press tools streamline pin extraction, reducing manual labor by 50%. Pro Tip: Use temperature-resistant gloves—heated track links can exceed 80°C during removal. Transitioning to installation, laser alignment tools verify sprocket-track engagement, preventing premature wear. Always replace locknuts with new ones; reusing old hardware risks loosening under vibration.
| Tool | Purpose | AFTparts Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Pry Bar | Link Separation | Hardened Steel Bar (PN# TRK-PRY22) |
| Generic Jack | Machine Lifting | Stabilized 15-Ton Jack (PN# JACK-MT100) |
How should the machine be positioned during track replacement?
Place the MT100 on level ground with the track fully tensioned before lifting. Engage parking brakes and secure the opposite track with wheel chocks. Position jack stands under the frame—not undercarriage components.
Why is level ground critical? Uneven surfaces shift machine weight during lifting, risking instability. For example, working on a 5° slope increases jack slippage likelihood by 70%. AFTparts’ anti-tip jack stands feature gripper pads for enhanced safety. Pro Tip: Attach a hoist ring to the track before lifting—this lets you guide it horizontally. Transitioning to removal, slightly loosen the tensioner to reduce spring pressure, but avoid complete release until the track is separated. Remember, hydraulic tensioners retract swiftly—keep hands clear during adjustment.
What’s the correct way to remove old MT100 tracks?
Relieve tension via the greasable idler, then detach track links using a pin press. Work from the sprocket downward, supporting the track with chains to prevent uncontrolled drops. Remove split master pins last to avoid sudden release.
Start by cleaning the track to identify master pins—often marked with paint. Apply heat to stubborn pins cautiously; exceeding 150°C can weaken link integrity. AFTparts’ guided pin press ensures straight extraction, minimizing bore damage. For instance, a misaligned press can elongate pin holes, complicating new track installation. Transitioning to reinstallation, lay the new track flat and align the master link with the sprocket. But what if the track resists positioning? Use a come-along winch to draw links together smoothly.
| Step | Risk | AFTparts Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pin Removal | Bore Damage | Guided Pin Press (PN# GPP-100) |
| Track Lowering | Sudden Drop | Adjustable Support Chains (PN# CHN-MT10) |
How to install new MT100 tracks properly?
Align the track with the sprocket teeth and idler wheels, then thread it around rollers. Connect the master pin with a torque wrench (450 Nm), and apply lithium-based grease. Finally, tension to OEM specs (170–190mm sag).
Begin by verifying roller alignment—AFTparts’ shim kits correct +/- 2mm deviations. For example, a misaligned front idler causes track “wandering,” accelerating wear on one side. Use a rubber mallet to seat links onto sprockets without damaging lugs. Pro Tip: Apply thread locker to master pin bolts—vibration can loosen them within 50 operating hours. Transitioning to tensioning, incrementally adjust the idler while rotating the track to distribute grease evenly. Remember, over-tensioning reduces roller lifespan by 40%—always use a sag gauge.
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FAQs
No—mismatched tracks create uneven resistance, straining the drivetrain. Always replace both tracks using AFTparts’ matched kits to maintain balance.
Do I need to calibrate sensors post-replacement?Yes—reset track tension monitoring systems. For MT100s with automated greasers, cycle the tensioner 3x to purge air pockets.
How long does MT100 track replacement take?With proper tools, expect 4–6 hours. AFTparts’ pre-assembled segments cut downtime by 30% versus individual link replacement.
How do you replace the tracks on a Bobcat MT100?
To replace the tracks on a Bobcat MT100, lift the machine using the boom and support the rear. Retract the track tensioner by loosening the bleed valve. Use a pry bar to guide the track off the rear idler wheel, then rotate the track off. To install a new track, position it and use the machine to rotate it into place. Finally, re-tension the track.
How do you tension the track on a Bobcat MT100?
To tension the track on a Bobcat MT100, use a grease gun to add grease to the tensioner valve. Pump grease until the track has 1-3 inches of slack, with 2 inches being optimal. Operate the machine to ensure grease pressure is equalized, then verify the track is not too tight to prevent premature wear.
What tools are needed to replace the tracks on a Bobcat MT100?
Replacing the tracks on a Bobcat MT100 requires a pry bar or similar tool to remove the old track, and a grease gun for re-tensioning. You’ll also need a boom to lift the machine and a support like a large rock to keep the rear elevated while you work.
What is the track tension range for a Bobcat MT100?
The track tension on a Bobcat MT100 should be between 1 and 3 inches of slack, with 2 inches being the optimal tension. Ensuring proper slack is crucial to prevent damage to the tracks and to ensure smooth operation.