Best technique for releasing digger idler

[Greenbeast]

Popped a track the other day, need to whack it back on tomorrow but looking to minimise the time spent looking for lumps of wood just the right size to fit behind the blade, or other buggering about.

What's the best technique for a 3 tonner with steel tracks?

 

[Lincs Lass]

Has it got a grease nipple at the end of the idler ,if so undo it ,put the bucket against the idler and push it back in

 

[Greenbeast]

yes to grease nipple, i always had the feeling it couldn't make that movement (i.e. get close enough), but now i'm wondering if it's just because i've always had weight on the bucket to keep the machine up. Guess i will jack the machine tomorrow and try!

 

[Lincs Lass]

Stand it on a couple of hefty wood blocks under the main frame ,far enough out the line of the track,press the idler in and then put the track on the idler first ,as you put it back on the drive sprocket you can use the drive to finish it

 

[Greenbeast]

thanks, i will crack on in the morning. Top ram has sprung a massive leak so need to dismantle and try to source a replacement

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

 

[Greenbeast]

ha! Except his idler just came back on it's own!

 

[Greenbeast]

The track bit i don't find too tricky, just always spend longer getting the idler in

 

[Lincs Lass]

Of set the boom on the king pin ,that will get the bucket much closer to the idler ,,or a 3ft length of gate post against it and use the bucket against that

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

The track bit i don't find too tricky, just always spend longer getting the idler in

Sounds like this is not an uncommon occurrence for you does the idler ram need a new seal kit?

 

[Greenbeast]

Sounds like this is not an uncommon occurrence for you does the idler ram need a new seal kit?

I think it's healthy enough, it's an old machine and i have generally learnt to work within it's limits, i was pushing my luck turning with one track and pop.....