What size grouser should I get for my D4D?

hello Barely Smokin',track life is shorten the with the wider grousers .
quote -
wide grousers take more hp to run ,bend on easier ,bolts loosen ,affect maneuverability.

you need to choose narrowest ones to work in the condition that you work in most ,if you could afford it you could have tracks with different size grousers to save wear,wide for soft ,narrow for hard ground,as this is for big companies you need to choose the best for all your work conditions ,
maybe just standard would do ??

not much help ,lol, bruce oz

As I recall 16 in. wide grousers was standard as part of the dozer package. 18 in. would be a good replacement but I would avoid excess width for the terrain you describe.

Hi I've got a 78A set up just about identical to your 83J. It's got 16's and I think it works just fine. If you are in many rocks I think I would stay with 16's, but if rocks are not a problem 18's would be OK too. Just my .02

Have fun

Bruce

Maximum usable D4 track shoes are 20" for 4A blade and 18" for 4S blade. With these shoe widths, if bulldozer blade joints are worn/sloppy, you may rub tracks on lift arms.

Hello Barely Smokin', if you don't go with different width track shoe have you given thought to building up the old grousers?I looked at your picture's in one off your other posts and cannot see for sure if your shoes look good enough but if they still overlap when they are flat building them up should be much cheaper than $40 a shoe.You don't have to be an expert welder to do it yourself.The material comes beveled just tack it and lay a pass of 7018 down each side.But if the front and back of the shoe has wear it is not so good as more dirt gets to the pins and bushings causing more ware on them. Good luck to you which ever way you decide to go.
Ray

Ray, that's a heck of a suggestion. I'll think about it. I've even got a stick welder within 20 feet of the dozer and a box of 7018 in the fridge (probably need a couple more boxes!). About 30% of the pads are bent, tho. I'd like to fix those. A bunch are loose so I'll be using the impact gun anyway. I'd have to check the gap between tracks.

How about welding a perpendicular tread in the middle of the track, in line with the chain, so you don't slide sideways on a hill...it'd be real easy if you're were working with brand new pads!

I just looked at your original post with the pics of the tractor...your plates look to be worn and thin at the tail which is why some of them are bent; if it weren't for that I'd go with Ray54's suggestion...but I think your plates aren't worth it, especially if you are in any rocky ground they will bend quite easily.

I would stick with the 16" plates if it were mine (I used to have a 47H which is the Jap built 83J equivalent).

My .02 worth. 😊

I called around today. The "cleats" on new 16" pads are available in either 1" or 1 3/8" heights....which do size do you all think I should get?

Someone on here should have the spec for the original grouser height. Do not exceed the original height. I think you probably want the 1". More height won't help you any and it will just tear up your yard. I know because Pete Smith talked me into using the taller ones on my D4 years ago. They are made of real good material, mine have not worn down any yet.

It will make a big difference for dozing.

Tom