Case 1150K Undercarriage Replacement Insights

[MikePhua]

Machine Overview
The Case 1150K is a mid-size crawler dozer from Case Construction Equipment, part of their “K” series. It is powered by a six-cylinder, 6.7-liter turbocharged Case Family IV engine with electronic fuel injection. Net power is about 118 horsepower. Operating weight ranges between 27,858 and 29,365 lbs (≈ 12,620 to 13,320 kg), depending on configuration.
The 1150K was built with a focus on both power and undercarriage durability. In fact, some models came with what Case called “Extended Life Track” undercarriage, designed to last up to twice as long as older lubricated track systems.

Undercarriage Specs
When selecting replacement undercarriage parts, it's vital to match the correct configuration. The 1150K comes in several undercarriage variants. Key specifications include:

• Standard / XLT / WT / LGP variants may differ in shoe width, track gauge, and track shoes.
  
• Examples:
  • The LGP (Low Ground Pressure) variant has a track shoe width of 34 in and track gauge of about 6.5 ft.
  • The WT (Wide Track) variant has a standard shoe size around 30 in, track pitch ~ 7 in, number of track shoes per side 43, track rollers per side 7.
  
• Other specs:
  • Track pitch (distance between pin centers in track chain) ≈ 6.9-7 in depending on variant.
  • Number of carrier rollers per side: 2.
  

Terminology and Key Components
Understanding undercarriage component names helps avoid mistakes when ordering or replacing parts:

• Track Shoe: The “pad” that contacts the ground; width important.
  
• Track Chain/Link: Connects track shoes to form continuous belt over rollers, idlers, sprockets.
  
• Track Pitch: The distance between chain links pins measured center-to-center.
  
• Track Roller / Bottom Roller: Supports the weight of the machine on the ground.
  
• Carrier Roller / Top Roller: Supports the upper span of track chain when machine is turning or on incline.
  
• Idler: Front wheel guiding the track, also maintains tension.
  
• Sprocket: Rear component driven by final drive; engages with track chain.
  
• Track Gauge: Distance between the two tracks (inside to inside of rollers or shoes depending on spec).
  

Common Problems & Wear Patterns
When the undercarriage wears out, symptoms can include:

• Track links worn, bushings loose → reduces track pitch integrity.
  
• Shoes worn or bent → reduce traction, uneven ground contact.
  
• Rollers (bottom or carrier) failing bearings or flanges → leads to wobble, noise.
  
• Idler group worn or seals failed → slow grease purge, contamination.
  
• Sprocket teeth worn or broken → slipping, uneven chain engagement.
  

Uneven wear often happens first on one side because of operator habits (turning more one way), terrain, or maintenance neglect.

Replacement Options
Here are options when searching for undercarriage replacement:

• OEM New Parts: Best match to original spec, higher price.
  
• Aftermarket / Extended Life Track Systems: Often lower cost, may offer improved wear materials. Case claims Extended Life Track undercarriage can double track life over older lubricated styles.
  
• Rebuilt / Remanufactured Units: Acceptable if thoroughly overhauled; check tolerances, material thickness, pin & bushing wear.
  
• Used / Take-off Parts: Cheapest initially but may hide wear or damage; inspect carefully.
  

Considerations Before Buying
To choose the right undercarriage, check the following:

• Machine’s serial number / build date — parts may differ between production runs.
  
• Variant (WT, LGP, XLT) to know correct shoe width, track gauge.
  
• Track pitch matching chain and sprocket.
  
• Condition: measure wear on rollers, inspect flanges and seals.
  
• Correct lubricants / grease for joints; environmental exposure (mud, water, abrasive soil) drastically accelerates wear.
  
• Estimate life expectancy: knowing your usage (hours per day, ground type) helps determine whether OEM, extended life, or rebuild makes more sense cost-wise.
  

Typical Costs & Life Span

• Based on field data: standard OEM undercarriage for a 1150K might last 2,000 to 4,000 hours under moderate use on firm ground. On abrasive or wet / muddy terrain lifespan may fall to 1,500 hours or less.
  
• Extended life undercarriage systems may promise up to 2× life compared to older lubricated types under similar conditions.
  
• Costs vary widely: new OEM undercarriage (complete shoe, rollers, chain, etc.) may cost tens of thousands of dollars; used / rebuilt options significantly cheaper but riskier.
  

Small Story
A contractor in the Midwest had a 1150K with the standard track undercarriage. Working in sand and gravel pits, the bottom rollers were failing around 2,200 hours, and the track shoes were worn thin by 3,000 hours. They switched to an Extended Life Track set (wider shoes, better steel) and regular greasing schedule. The new track set lasted 4,100 hours before needing major overhaul, almost double the previous lifespan. Cost per hour dropped enough that the owner recouped the extra cost of the upgrade within a year.

Recommendations

• For machines operating in harsh terrain or with heavy duty application, go with wider shoes (WT) or LGP style if ground pressure / flotation matters.
  
• Perform scheduled inspections every ~250-500 hours: rollers, sprockets, track tension.
  
• Ensure track tension is within spec: too loose causes thrown track / high wear; too tight causes premature roller & sprocket damage.
  
• Clean undercarriage regularly: remove mud, rocks, debris that accelerate abrasion and trap moisture.
  
• Negotiate warranty or return conditions when buying rebuilt or aftermarket: ensure parts supplier gives some guarantee (e.g. 1,000 hours or 12 months).
  

Conclusion
Looking for undercarriage replacements for a Case 1150K? Key is matching the variant (WT, LGP, standard), verifying track pitch, shoe width, rollers count, idler / sprocket condition. Depending on your usage, OEM or extended life undercarriage may provide better value. Regular maintenance significantly extends the life. With correct parts and practices, undercarriage downtime and cost can be minimized.