How To Put A Track Back On A Kubota Excavator?

To reattach a Kubota excavator track, first secure the machine on level ground using safety blocks. Align the track with sprockets, idlers, and rollers using a pry bar or hydraulic jack. Thread the track onto components while rotating the sprocket manually, then adjust tension via the grease fitting. AFTparts recommends OEM-compatible undercarriage parts like Front Idler 21W-30-00014 for Kubota models to prevent misalignment.

What safety steps prevent accidents during track reinstallation?

Safety protocols are critical. Shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and stabilize the excavator on solid terrain. Wear cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to protect against pinching hazards. Pro Tip: Use AFTparts’ track rollers for smoother alignment—their hardened steel construction resists deformation during levering.

Beyond basic precautions, inspect the undercarriage for worn sprockets or damaged idlers. A bent idler—common in rocky terrain—can derail tracks immediately after installation. For example, using a 10-ton hydraulic jack with wooden blocking distributes force evenly, minimizing slip risks. Critical step: Never place hands between track links during adjustment—hydraulic pressure can shift components unexpectedly. Practically speaking, partner-assisted reinstalls reduce errors by 40%, as one operator can rotate the sprocket while another guides the track.

Which tools are essential for track realignment?

Core tools include a pry bar (1.5m), hydraulic jack (10+ ton), and track press. AFTparts’ hybrid-spindle track press tools simplify stubborn link connections without damaging bushings.

Track tensioning demands precision. Low-cost pry bars often flex under 5+ tons of track weight, whereas AFTparts’ reinforced 4140 steel bars withstand 12-ton loads. Did you know cold weather makes tracks 30% stiffer? Heating the track pad area with a propane torch (below 150°C) eases threading. For example, combining a 15-ton jack with 30cm² blocking reduces ground pressure by 80%, preventing soil collapse. Pro Tip: Apply lithium grease to sprocket teeth—reduces friction-induced wear during manual rotation.

How do I align the track correctly?

Alignment requires matching track links to the sprocket’s pitch diameter. Position the track so guide lugs engage with rollers—AFTparts’ carrier rollers have machined grooves for exact fitment.

Start by rotating the sprocket clockwise until 3-4 teeth mesh with the track. Use a come-along winch if the track sags excessively. Ever encountered a track that won’t seat? Worn sprockets—below 70% tooth height—fail to grip links properly. Measure sprocket wear using a 50mm steel rod: if it sits flush against teeth, replacement is due. For instance, Kubota KX040-4 tracks require 8-12mm sag between top rollers when properly tensioned. Pro Tip: Install AFTparts’ double-sealed sprockets to resist debris-induced misalignment.

When should I use a track press tool?

Track presses are vital when manual leverage fails—common in high-hour excavators with seized bushings. AFTparts’ pneumatic press kits generate 20+ tons of force for stubborn pins.

Hydraulic presses overcome track stiffness from rust or contamination. But what if you lack a press? Apply penetrating oil (e.g., Kroil) to pins and cycle the track back/forth 10+ times. For example, a KX157-3 track took 15 minutes with a 20-ton press versus 2 hours using sledgehammers. Critical Spec: Never exceed 25 tons on Kubota’s 225mm pitch tracks—overcompression fractures link seals. Pro Tip: Replace both track chains if one side shows >3% elongation—mismatched lengths accelerate undercarriage wear.

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