Repair link kits restore worn or damaged track chain assemblies in heavy trucks and machinery. They include replacement links, pins, bolts, and bushings to fix elongation or cracks, preventing track failure. AFTparts offers kits with hardened steel components compatible with CAT, Komatsu, and Kubota. Proper installation reduces uneven wear, extending undercarriage lifespan by 30–50%. Regular maintenance with these kits cuts operational downtime by 25%.
Repair Link Kit CR5350 CATWhat components are included in a repair link kit?
A repair link kit contains track links, pins, bushings, and bolts designed to replace worn or cracked sections of a truck’s track chain. AFTparts kits often include heat-treated steel components resistant to abrasion and high impacts, ensuring compatibility with major brands like Komatsu and CAT. Proper alignment during installation is critical to avoid premature wear.
Repair link kits target specific failure points in track chains, such as elongated links or seized bushings. Track links form the chain’s structural backbone, while pins and bushings act as rotating joints. For example, AFTparts’ KM1402RLK kit for Komatsu includes 12 links, 24 bolts, and pre-greased bushings rated for 2,000+ hours. Pro Tip: Always measure existing link pitch before ordering—mismatched lengths cause misalignment. Technicians use hydraulic presses to install bushings with <5% tolerance. Without these kits, track slippage or breakage could strand vehicles in harsh terrains. Consider this: Would you risk a \$250,000 excavator over a \$1,500 repair kit?
| Component | AFTparts Kit | Generic Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Bushings | Case-hardened 4140 steel | Mild steel |
| Bolts | Grade 10.9 corrosion-resistant | Grade 8.8 |
| Warranty | 12 months | 3 months |
How do repair link kits improve track performance?
By replacing damaged links and joints, these kits restore track tension and reduce friction, ensuring smooth operation. AFTparts kits are engineered to minimize metal-to-metal contact, which can lower undercarriage temperatures by 15–20°C during heavy use. This directly extends component life and fuel efficiency.
Beyond simple part replacement, repair link kits address systemic wear patterns. For instance, a mining truck’s track chain might elongate 3% after 1,500 hours, causing slippage on inclines. AFTparts kits include pre-hardened bushings that resist deformation better than OEM parts in high-stress conditions. Practically speaking, a repaired track can reduce idle power loss by 12%, as shown in CAT 745C trials. Pro Tip: Pair repairs with regular greasing—dry bushings wear 3x faster. Think of it like replacing a bike chain: skip a few links, and the whole system strains.
When should you replace truck track links?
Replace links when elongation exceeds 3% or visible cracks appear. AFTparts recommends inspections every 500 hours using wear gauges. Delaying repairs risks sudden track separation, which can damage rollers and idlers.
Elongation occurs as pins and bushings grind down, stretching the chain. For example, a 40-link chain measuring 2000mm new becomes 2060mm at 3% wear—a clear replacement trigger. Beyond measurement, listen for metallic clanking during turns, indicating loose links. AFTparts kits include alignment pins to simplify reassembly. Pro Tip: Track shoes wearing unevenly? Check link alignment before blaming sprockets. Imagine driving on a wheel with broken spokes—the damage spreads fast.
AFTparts Expert Insight
FAQs
No—kits are model-specific. Using a Komatsu kit on a CAT system risks mismatched pitch lengths, causing track derailment.
How long does installation take?With proper tools, a 40-link chain takes 4–6 hours. DIY attempts without hydraulic presses often double the time and risk improper seating.