Has anyone priced out ball park price comparisons for new pads (std. 16",.5")
holes )compared to welding with grouser bar stock.
For some strange reason Cat does not have price books.(so I'm told). I don't want to be a nuisanse calling Cat all the time, to figure out my next repair priority.

I believe most folks just weld new material to existing worn grousers. I would have to think that would be cheaper than totally new pads.

Are we talking D4? If so, the 18" pads are still availble at about $21.00 + tax. Not sure if the 16's are still available or not. Comes to about $1,400.00.
If your bolts are bad, wich is allmost allways the case, add another $250.00 to $300.00 for nuts and bolts from Cat. I would suggest a track shop for the bolts.
Welding the "grouser bar" is a considerable task, but then again swaping pads ain't no piece of cake either:D .
Don't have a price on the grouser bar but any good welding shop should be able to get it for you.
If your sand traps are still good, i would go with the new bar. Should be able to do the job in around 20 hrs hard welding after you are set up and ready to weld, with grouser bar pre cut, depending on your welder. Don

What rod would you use for the job.

Nothing fancy here, 7018 1/8th rod, stick welder. Does a beautiful job and never had one break. Though i have only done 2 sets. I have a D4 now that is a good candidate for a re bar right now. Don

Thanks Al and Don for the info. I'll go with the weld option. I found a source for grouser bar stock near Detroit. Luckily the outfit I work for will loan me a band saw and dc welder.

it is easy to do, use a 7018 rod and ifyou move the cat and make the welds flat it is easy. don't use an AC machine and make sure you get right around the corners, LOL

kingofobsolete.ca/Newsletter2final.htm

also you can use a big rod too.

thansk

Tractor Don---

What grade steel did you use for the grouser bar?? Would think that you would want something more than mild steel for wear purposes.


King----

First time I picked up on your grouser bar story on the Black Cat----another interesting story from the Kingdom.

Delta Dirt

Here ya go DD. www.dura-tuff.com/grouserbars.asp

Looks like a good site for future reference Tractor Don. Thanks--

To my credit---so far, I've been holding all of my undercarriage wear to near zero (but you gotta take in a little allowance for rust while setting in "accumulated status")

Don't give up on me

---

I'll get one to going sooner or later. Never claimed to be a fast horse----more like a three legged mule in a fast horse race. But don't count the old mule out----he's been known to pull some pretty heavy wagons to the gin!!

----and the problem with that statement is: "been known"

Delta Dirt