955 12A Traxcavator – nagging frozen track link

955 12A Traxcavator – nagging frozen track link

When I got this 955 it had a few sticky track links – typical for a machine that’s been sitting for a while.

After a little bit of running around most of the sticky links freed up and are now working fine.

There was one link that never even budged. It gave a really rough ride and was a real bother.

I got this idea to use a hydraulic jack to see if I could get it moving.

Yes, I know this type of set-up could break my chain – but I played it safe and kept my distance.

Even with the jack loaded up really tight the link wasn’t moving.

So, I hammered on the top of the pad and finally the chain got a little slack.

I jacked some more and continued to hammer.

After a while I was able to jack the link to a straight position.

I then backed the machine up – running the (now straight) link around the sprocket.

It snapped back to the original stuck (curved?) position.

I started adding penetrating oil.

Jack some more - hammer some – back the tractor up.

I repeated this for over and hour.

After a while the link was able to be easily pushed with the jack.

I took if for a ride and found there to be a BIG improvement – with the link flattening out on the bottom and bending around the sprocket & idler.

Just thought I would post this idea in case someone has a similar problem.

Don’t kill or hurt yourself!

Bill Glenn

Bill- I'm thinking that widening the chain's position to, or just beyond, the adjacent links a better mechanical advantage might be had.
Not sure, but it seems like it would.

Thanks, Daron

I agree with Daron--The chains are putting an upward load on the same two links that you are trying to push downward with the jack--moving the chains out a little past the pins should help a lot.

You are correct.

I should have said that in the picture the chains were barely snug which allowed me to slide the chain out farther on the track and the 4” square x ¼” wall tube.

It’s something I really didn’t think about when I took the picture.

But anyway… thanks for the comments.

This must mean your pins and bushings are in real good shape on your Cat. They usually wont lock up like that unless there is very little internal wear.

Tom