Hello,
I'm new to the Cat buying/ owning circle. I'm shopping for my first Cat and I was needing some advice. I have owned all sorts of machinery. Nothing with a track. Someone please explain track percentages to me. Also Is this (in the case of repair) something you make with steel or do you need to buy? Thanks for informing a greenhorn!

Take a look at this link. Old Magnet has compiled a lot of data here.
(note the first link is for continuity, the second or bottom link is to the heart of the question)


www.acmoc.org/ACMOC_BB/showthread.php?t=...hlight=undercarriage
www.acmoc.org/ACMOC_BB/showthread.php?t=...hlight=undercarriage

Hi pioneer1930,
Was going to respond earlier but it slipped by.

Undercarriage components....track rollers, rails(links), grousers(track shoes), pins and bushings are all heat treated for wear....but only to a certain depth.
The percentage left for available wear is a means of communicating the condition of these parts.
You start out at 100% available left(new) and when the heat treat area is used up (1/4 in. to 3/8 in. depth is pretty typical) the component parts are considered worn out and need replacing or resurfacing(welding) depending on what the parts are.

Track pin and bushing wear is determined by measuring center to center over four links (5-pins) with the chain stretched and that length compared to original pitch. Generally if you pick up 1/8 in. per link the pins and bushings are worn out and either need turning (to an unworn position) or replacement.

There can be confusion to the % rating as some folks get it backwards and state the % as amount worn instead of amount left.

This is kind of a quick and dirty description but should get you started.
Hope that helps.....and Welcome:D