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The Caterpillar 953 is a compact, versatile track loader known for its durability and powerful performance in a variety of applications, including construction, landscaping, and excavation. However, like any heavy equipment, the 953 requires regular maintenance to ensure smooth operation. One common maintenance task that operators may face is link removal when repairing or replacing the tracks.
The process of removing the track links on the CAT 953 is crucial for tasks like replacing worn-out tracks, adjusting track tension, or performing other maintenance procedures. This guide walks you through the essential steps, common challenges, and useful tips to successfully remove the track links on a CAT 953 track loader.
Why Link Removal is Necessary
Track link removal is necessary for several reasons, including:
Preparation Before Starting the Link Removal
Before diving into the actual link removal, make sure you're properly prepared for the task:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
You'll need several tools to safely and efficiently remove the track links from the CAT 953:
Before working on any heavy equipment, it’s important to follow proper safety procedures. This includes ensuring the loader is parked on a level surface, the engine is turned off, and the parking brake is engaged. Always use safety stands or blocks to support the machine, especially if you are lifting it to remove the tracks.
Step-by-Step Process for Removing the Track Links
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for removing the track links from a CAT 953 track loader:
1. Lift the Loader Off the Ground
Using a track jack or similar lifting equipment, raise the CAT 953 off the ground. This is done to relieve the tension on the tracks, making it easier to remove the track links. Once lifted, make sure the machine is stable and secure.
2. Remove the Track Tensioner
The track tensioner maintains the proper tension on the tracks and is often connected to the sprocket. To remove it, locate the tensioner bolts and use a wrench to loosen them. After removing the bolts, take out the tensioner assembly carefully, as it may be under pressure.
3. Disconnect the Track from the Sprocket
The track links are attached to the sprocket via pins that secure the links to the track assembly. Using a wrench, remove the bolts that attach the track to the sprocket. You may need to slightly move the track forward or backward to get the correct alignment for disconnection.
4. Use the Track Pin Press to Remove Pins
To remove the track links, you’ll need to separate them by pushing out the track pins. The pins are the crucial components that hold the links together. A track pin press or hydraulic press is the most effective tool for this job, as it applies even pressure to push the pins out without damaging the surrounding components.
Once the pins are removed, the track links should come apart easily. Carefully remove each link, starting from the outermost link and working your way in. Handle the links with care to prevent damage or injury.
6. Inspect and Clean the Components
After removing the track links, take the opportunity to inspect the track roller, sprockets, and idlers for wear or damage. It’s also a good time to clean these components, removing any dirt, debris, or grease buildup. Inspect the track adjuster and other components for any signs of damage or wear that might require further attention.
7. Reinstall the Track Links (If Necessary)
If you are simply replacing or adjusting the track, now is the time to reinstall the new or repaired track links. Align the links properly, insert the pins, and secure them with the press. Be sure to check the track tension and adjust it accordingly before reinstalling the track tensioner.
Common Issues When Removing Track Links
Although the process for removing track links is straightforward, there are a few common challenges you may encounter:
1. Stubborn Track Pins
Track pins can become stubborn or rusted over time, making it difficult to remove them. In this case, use penetrating oil to loosen the pins and apply gentle pressure with a hammer or press to break the rust bond.
2. Misalignment of Track Links
Sometimes, the track links can become misaligned, especially if the machine has been operated under heavy conditions. In this case, carefully check the alignment of the track and sprockets before attempting to remove or install the links.
3. Damaged Track Adjuster
If the track adjuster is damaged or worn, it may need to be repaired or replaced during the link removal process. This is important to address, as a malfunctioning track adjuster can cause improper tension on the new track.
Conclusion
Removing track links on a CAT 953 track loader may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, preparation, and attention to detail, it becomes a manageable process. Regular maintenance, including inspecting and replacing track links, helps to ensure the long-term performance of your track loader.
By following the steps outlined above, you can remove the track links safely and efficiently. Remember, a well-maintained track system is essential for the proper functioning of your CAT 953, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and downtime. Keep your equipment in top shape, and it will continue to serve you reliably on any job site.
The process of removing the track links on the CAT 953 is crucial for tasks like replacing worn-out tracks, adjusting track tension, or performing other maintenance procedures. This guide walks you through the essential steps, common challenges, and useful tips to successfully remove the track links on a CAT 953 track loader.
Why Link Removal is Necessary
Track link removal is necessary for several reasons, including:
- Replacing worn or damaged tracks: Over time, track links can wear down, crack, or become damaged, affecting the loader's performance. Removing the links allows for easy track replacement.
- Track tension adjustment: Adjusting track tension is important to prevent excessive wear on the undercarriage and to ensure optimal performance.
- Undercarriage maintenance: Removal of the track links gives you access to the undercarriage, where you can inspect or repair components like rollers, sprockets, and idlers.
Preparation Before Starting the Link Removal
Before diving into the actual link removal, make sure you're properly prepared for the task:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
You'll need several tools to safely and efficiently remove the track links from the CAT 953:
- Track jack: This tool is essential for lifting the machine off the ground and taking the tension off the tracks.
- Track pin press or hydraulic press: This tool is used to push the track pins out of the links.
- Wrenches: For removing bolts that secure the track adjuster.
- Hammer: To knock pins or any stubborn components loose.
- Safety gear: Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots when performing maintenance on heavy equipment.
Before working on any heavy equipment, it’s important to follow proper safety procedures. This includes ensuring the loader is parked on a level surface, the engine is turned off, and the parking brake is engaged. Always use safety stands or blocks to support the machine, especially if you are lifting it to remove the tracks.
Step-by-Step Process for Removing the Track Links
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for removing the track links from a CAT 953 track loader:
1. Lift the Loader Off the Ground
Using a track jack or similar lifting equipment, raise the CAT 953 off the ground. This is done to relieve the tension on the tracks, making it easier to remove the track links. Once lifted, make sure the machine is stable and secure.
2. Remove the Track Tensioner
The track tensioner maintains the proper tension on the tracks and is often connected to the sprocket. To remove it, locate the tensioner bolts and use a wrench to loosen them. After removing the bolts, take out the tensioner assembly carefully, as it may be under pressure.
3. Disconnect the Track from the Sprocket
The track links are attached to the sprocket via pins that secure the links to the track assembly. Using a wrench, remove the bolts that attach the track to the sprocket. You may need to slightly move the track forward or backward to get the correct alignment for disconnection.
4. Use the Track Pin Press to Remove Pins
To remove the track links, you’ll need to separate them by pushing out the track pins. The pins are the crucial components that hold the links together. A track pin press or hydraulic press is the most effective tool for this job, as it applies even pressure to push the pins out without damaging the surrounding components.
- Align the press: Position the press tool on the track pin, ensuring it’s aligned with the direction of the pin.
- Apply pressure: Gradually apply pressure to push the pin out. Depending on the condition of the pins and links, this may require significant force.
- Repeat for all pins: Continue removing the pins for each link until the track is completely separated from the machine.
Once the pins are removed, the track links should come apart easily. Carefully remove each link, starting from the outermost link and working your way in. Handle the links with care to prevent damage or injury.
6. Inspect and Clean the Components
After removing the track links, take the opportunity to inspect the track roller, sprockets, and idlers for wear or damage. It’s also a good time to clean these components, removing any dirt, debris, or grease buildup. Inspect the track adjuster and other components for any signs of damage or wear that might require further attention.
7. Reinstall the Track Links (If Necessary)
If you are simply replacing or adjusting the track, now is the time to reinstall the new or repaired track links. Align the links properly, insert the pins, and secure them with the press. Be sure to check the track tension and adjust it accordingly before reinstalling the track tensioner.
Common Issues When Removing Track Links
Although the process for removing track links is straightforward, there are a few common challenges you may encounter:
1. Stubborn Track Pins
Track pins can become stubborn or rusted over time, making it difficult to remove them. In this case, use penetrating oil to loosen the pins and apply gentle pressure with a hammer or press to break the rust bond.
2. Misalignment of Track Links
Sometimes, the track links can become misaligned, especially if the machine has been operated under heavy conditions. In this case, carefully check the alignment of the track and sprockets before attempting to remove or install the links.
3. Damaged Track Adjuster
If the track adjuster is damaged or worn, it may need to be repaired or replaced during the link removal process. This is important to address, as a malfunctioning track adjuster can cause improper tension on the new track.
Conclusion
Removing track links on a CAT 953 track loader may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, preparation, and attention to detail, it becomes a manageable process. Regular maintenance, including inspecting and replacing track links, helps to ensure the long-term performance of your track loader.
By following the steps outlined above, you can remove the track links safely and efficiently. Remember, a well-maintained track system is essential for the proper functioning of your CAT 953, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and downtime. Keep your equipment in top shape, and it will continue to serve you reliably on any job site.
