I need to replace my track rails (chain) and need a set of 7/16" bolts, 240 ea. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced source? Roverman

Halton Cat used off-the-shelf Cat grade 8 on my D2. These bolts need to be pretty stout. There's cheaper bolts. Look at them pretty hard before you buy them. Not all of them are up to specs.

You might look for a track shop that will reuse any bolts that come out OK. That can save you some money. A shop in Dayton, WA saved me a sack full of $$$ by reusing my D7 track bolts. Depends on how good they come out.

If you're doing your own track work, see how many you need before you buy new. Wire brush the threads and pitch any that won't pull tight again or are damaged.

Jack

When I redid mine 3 or 4 years ago I bought 7/16 Grade 8 fine thread bolts, 7/16 Grade 8 fine thread nuts and lock washers. As I recall, I tightened 'em to around 70 ft/lbs. Haven't had a bit of problem since.

Hello Roverman,

I note with great interest your search for 7/16" track bolts for your "D2", yes there will be lots of cheaper ones available, however track bolts have a huge job to do in being successful. Yes "CAT" bolts may be expensive now, but will be by far the cheapest in the long term !! I would say that most of the cheap bolts may torque up tight for a start but it would'nt be long before they have lost their grip through "Stretching" ( made of plastercine ) . One will very rarely if ever see loose grousers even after thousands of hours when genuine "CAT" bolts are used - BEWARE !!!

Regards

Alan T. Lewis
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND

When I bought new track bolts for my D8 15A, I bought them from Cat. They were the best price around that I could find. Track bolts for a D2 should also be a "best buy" at Cat. They are the correct quality too.

If you go shopping for the 2B5484 bolts and 2B5483 nuts, watch out for variations in the bolt length....even from Cat.....seems some barely make thread length and some are to long. Have sample on hand to compare if you can. Also some use lock washers and some don't.

It is good to use lock washers. When you go to torch them off in the future you can cut them at the lock washer and not cut the link or shoe.

I think the general trend is away from lock washers as they have a habit of breaking.

Roverman... try Copperstate bolt and nut. There is one in Mesa 480-926-2566
Empire Machinery (CAT) there in Mesa would sell for .13 for the nut, and .79 for the bolt. There are cheaper ones out there, but after paying freight, you may not be saving much over CATs price. No frt chg into Empire store on a stock order. Ed