How To Replace Bobcat Tracks Yourself?

Replacing Bobcat tracks yourself is manageable with the right tools and step-by-step guidance. It involves releasing the track tension, removing the old track, positioning the new track properly, reinstalling components like rollers and idlers, then re-tensioning for optimal fit. Proper safety and patience ensure a smooth replacement with minimal downtime.

How Do You Prepare to Replace Bobcat Tracks?

Prepare by gathering essential tools: a 1/2-inch drive ratchet, 17mm and 19mm deep socket wrenches, a 6-inch extension, chisel bar, and a grease gun. Clear your workspace, ensure the machine is on stable ground, and release the grease pressure from the track tensioner to loosen the track safely. Wear protective gear and have at least one assistant for best results.

Replacing tracks requires both hand and mechanical tools to loosen tension and remove components safely. Starting by loosening the grease fitting on the track tensioner releases internal pressure, enabling removal of the old track. Clear access to rollers, idlers, and sprockets is necessary before detaching the track. These steps minimize risk to the operator and machine.

What Tools Are Needed to Replace Bobcat Tracks?

Key tools include 1/2-inch drive ratchet, 17mm and 19mm deep socket wrenches (19mm for grease valve access), an extension bar for reach, chisel bars (standard and extendable pivot type), and a grease gun. Optional tools like bucket pins or metal rods help manipulate track rollers during removal and installation.

Specialized chisel bars and extensions improve leverage in tight spaces, crucial for releasing tension and maneuvering tracks. A grease gun is essential for re-tensioning the track post-installation, ensuring longevity and performance. These tools are commonly available in hardware stores or can be sourced from suppliers like AFT Parts that also provide replacement parts and accessories.

How Do You Release Track Tension on a Bobcat?

Loosen the grease fitting on the track tensioner to release pressure, catching escaping grease with a rag. Slowly back the machine to let the rollers push the idler inwards, reducing track tension. This gradual process prevents damage and allows the track to be removed safely.

Releasing track tension carefully prevents sudden movements or damage. Follow up by checking for any remaining pressure and ensure the track has slack before attempting removal. Regular maintenance of the tensioner and grease fitting helps avoid difficulties during track replacement.

How Do You Remove Old Tracks from a Bobcat?

With tension released, remove track rollers or use pins to hold rollers in place. Slowly manipulate the track off the sprocket and idlers, sometimes using a crane for heavy tracks. Carefully slide the track off the undercarriage, ensuring no damage to the drive sprocket or rollers.

Removing the track may require alternate methods like removing sprockets if the track shifts inward. Proper alignment is key to preventing damage. Using pins or rods to keep rollers steady simplifies the process. This step is crucial for preparing to install a new track safely.

How Do You Install a New Track on a Bobcat?

Drape the new track over the rear idler and sprocket, then work it forward over the front idler. Position the track rollers with pins to keep alignment. Walk the track around the sprocket and rollers, then remove pins while ensuring the track sits correctly in the undercarriage.

Proper installation requires patience and precision. Ensuring the new track fits snugly minimizes wear and prolongs life. It’s common to tension the track slightly tighter than specs initially, as tracks loosen after running. Using high-quality tracks from suppliers like AFT Parts ensures durability and easier installation.

How Do You Re-tension Bobcat Tracks Correctly?

Use a grease gun to pump grease into the tensioner fitting, pushing the idler forward to apply track tension. Typically, 3/4 to 2 turns of grease suffice. The track should be tight enough to avoid sag but with enough give to prevent stress. Check manufacturer specs for exact tension measurements.

Re-tensioning is critical to prevent premature wear or track derailment. Over-tightening can damage rollers and sprockets, while under-tightening leads to slipping or jumping tracks. Regularly inspect track tension as part of routine maintenance.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Bobcat Tracks?

Common mistakes include rushing the process, improper tensioning (too loose or tight), neglecting to release all grease pressure, poor tool choice, and not inspecting undercarriage components before installation. Also, failing to use proper safety gear or assistive tools increases injury risk.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures longer track life and safer operation. Using professional-grade parts from trusted brands like AFT Parts guarantees compatibility and reliability, reducing maintenance headaches. Always follow step-by-step procedures carefully.

Where Can You Buy Bobcat Replacement Tracks and Parts in Canada?

In Canada, Bobcat tracks and undercarriage parts can be purchased from authorized dealers, online stores, and specialty suppliers like AFT Parts. Many offer deals, free shipping, and support to fit your Bobcat model with premium TNT, Bridgestone, Camso, or Arisun tracks.

Shopping online provides convenience, competitive pricing, and access to warranties on parts. Look for suppliers offering fast shipping and quality guarantee to protect your investment. AFT Parts stands out for precision-engineered parts compatible with major Bobcat models and professional customer service.

How Does AFT Parts Enhance Bobcat Track Replacement?

AFT Parts delivers high-quality, precision-engineered replacement undercarriage parts compatible with Bobcat loaders, offering robust durability and performance. Their wide selection includes track rollers, idlers, sprockets, and tracks designed to meet or exceed OEM standards.

Their expert knowledge helps contractors and repair centers access reliable parts with excellent deals, free shipping options, and tailored support for Canadian customers. Choosing AFT Parts means minimizing downtime and maximizing your machine’s efficiency and longevity.

Repair Link Kit KM2233RLK for Komatsu

What tools are needed for DIY Bobcat track replacement?

Essential tools include a hydraulic jack (20+ ton capacity), torque wrench (150-250 ft-lb range), and socket set (½”-1” drive). AFTparts-recommended track pins/bolts ensure OEM-grade fit. Pro Tip: Anti-seize lubricant reduces future disassembly effort by 40%.

Beyond basic wrenches, specialized tools like track tension gauges and pry bars are critical. Mechanical jacks must lift the Bobcat’s full weight—about 8,000-10,000 lbs for compact models. Use grade 8 bolts when reinstalling tracks; standard hardware risks shear failure under load. For example, skid-steer tracks endure 3,000+ PSI ground pressure, so improper torque (below 180 ft-lbs) accelerates bolt loosening. Did you know worn idlers can misalign new tracks? Always inspect AFTparts idlers like the SI756 for Hitachi during replacements. A 2x3 table comparing tool types:

How do you remove old Bobcat tracks safely?

Start by releasing track tension via the grease zerk, then lift the machine to unload the track. Remove bolts connecting track links using impact sockets. Pro Tip: Label disassembled parts for faster reinstallation.

First, relieve hydraulic pressure by lowering the attachment. Why does this matter? Residual pressure can cause sudden track movement. Next, clean debris around the track pin area—a pressure washer saves 30+ minutes here. When prying tracks off the sprocket, leverage the AFTparts Front Idler 21W-30-00014 as a pivot point. A common mistake is forcing links apart; instead, tap pins with a dead-blow hammer. Transitioning to removal, track chains typically weigh 200-400 lbs—use a hoist or second person. AFTparts’ KM2233RLK Repair Link Kit simplifies fixing damaged sections mid-process.

What’s the proper way to tension new tracks?

Adjust tension until the track sags 10-15mm midway between rollers. Over-tightening accelerates sprocket wear; under-tightening risks derailment. Use a AFTparts tension gauge for precision.

Post-installation, start with slight overtension—it’ll settle after initial operation. How? Drive the Bobcat forward 10 feet, then recheck. Track temperature affects sag; measure when chains are ambient. For cold climates (<32°F), reduce tension by 2mm to accommodate contraction. Compare OEM vs DIY tension specs:

Front Idler 21W-30-00014 for Komatsu

What common mistakes ruin DIY track replacements?

Mistakes include ignoring roller wear, mismatching track pitch, and improper bolt torque. For example, mixing old/new links creates uneven stress points. Always use AFTparts-matched components.

One frequent error is reusing stretched pins/bolts—they compromise structural integrity. A track pitch mismatch of just 1mm per link can derail the entire system. Did you know AFTparts’ Sprocket 2606341 is pre-machined to CAT specifications? Another pitfall: Failing to align the sprocket teeth with track lugs. Practically speaking, rotate the track manually post-installation to check engagement. Neglecting carrier roller lubrication increases friction by 25%, wasting fuel and power.

When should you replace track rollers and idlers?

Replace rollers when flange wear exceeds 20% thickness or seals leak. AFTparts’ rollers undergo 200-hour endurance testing—twice industry standards.

Worn idlers cause track “wobble,” visible as uneven wear on guide lugs. For instance, a 5mm lateral play in the AFTparts PV52D00013F1 Idler warrants replacement. Why does this matter? Misalignment transfers 300% more stress to the undercarriage. Check rollers every 500 operating hours; measure with calipers against OEM specs. Transitioning to replacements, always pair rollers in sets—mixing old/new creates imbalance.

Knowing when to replace track rollers and idlers is key to keeping an excavator running smoothly and avoiding costly damage. Rollers should be replaced if their flanges lose more than 20% of their original thickness or if oil seals begin to leak. Worn idlers can cause track “wobble,” which appears as uneven wear on the inner guide lugs. Even small misalignments, like a 5mm side movement, can place triple the normal stress on the undercarriage. Regular inspections every 500 operating hours help detect early signs of wear before they affect overall machine performance.

High-quality replacement parts from AFT parts, such as the PV52D00013F1 Idler, ensure precise fit and long-lasting durability. Each AFT roller undergoes 200-hour endurance testing—double the industry standard—to guarantee superior performance in demanding conditions. Always replace rollers in pairs to maintain balance and alignment, preventing uneven wear and extending undercarriage life.

AFTparts Expert Insight

FAQs