Grading tips?

[jsasker007]

I had more fun with the 35G today. It looks like my lower rollers are going one by one. I had a real noisy one last year and replaced it. I had more noise coming from the undercarriage lately. I was able to tell which side the issue was on by the noise. After running it for a while, I tipped that side up to check them. I did not relax the track, I just reached in and tried to turn them by hand. The first was a little tight, but I could rotate it. The second, I could rotate fine. The third one was hot! Found the culprit (or so I thought). I looked around and found the best price on an aftermarket was actually on Amazon. Last time I replaced one, there were none on Amazon. It came in last week, but with all the rain we have had I decided to wait for better weather.

I headed out to replace it today. I drove the excavator to the spot where I was going to repair it and heard the noise on the way. I could have sworn the issue was on the other side from where I was hearing the noise. I decided to take it for a short drive. When I got back, I lifted the side I originally thought the issue was on and sure enough, the same roller was hot. I replaced it and adjusted track sag. I drove it around a bit and got the noise again on the opposite side. So, I guess I've got at least one more roller to replace. I see if I can figure out which one it is and order another.

By the way, I was impressed with the one from amazon, at least so far. It came backed in a custom wooden box with padding. It kind of made me worry that it was delicate. The fit and finish were great. It took me longer to open that box than it did to replace it.

I haven't had to replace any yet. Is it a simple fix or will I need to get mentally prepared for a battle?

 

[yoderjac]

The first time was a little tougher because I had not done it before. This time was a breeze. Here is what I did:

1) Tip the cab with the boom perpendicular to the ground to lift the track on the offending side.
2) Loosen the grease nut to allow the track to sag. Depending on which roller it is you may want to run a block of wood through the track gears to increase slack. I did not need to do this for this one.
3) Take out bolts on both sides of the roller. I used a 1/2" breaker bar and put a black pipe over the end for leverage.
4) The first one I replaced was a tight fit and I needed to use a hammer to force it into place. This last was was just a few light taps to position it.
5) Replace the bolts.
6) Adjust track sag to spec. It is about 1/2" on the 35G
7) Drop the cab and start running it. It may be a good Idea to check track sag again after running it a bit.

 

[jsasker007]

The first time was a little tougher because I had not done it before. This time was a breeze. Here is what I did:

1) Tip the cab with the boom perpendicular to the ground to lift the track on the offending side.
2) Loosen the grease nut to allow the track to sag. Depending on which roller it is you may want to run a block of wood through the track gears to increase slack. I did not need to do this for this one.
3) Take out bolts on both sides of the roller. I used a 1/2" breaker bar and put a black pipe over the end for leverage.
4) The first one I replaced was a tight fit and I needed to use a hammer to force it into place. This last was was just a few light taps to position it.
5) Replace the bolts.
6) Adjust track sag to spec. It is about 1/2" on the 35G
7) Drop the cab and start running it. It may be a good Idea to check track sag again after running it a bit.

I'm thinking I may have to do this pretty soon. Got a "squeaker" in there somewhere on mine. Were yours greaseless or did you have a zerk on them somewhere? I should have had mine checked when maintenance was done by the dealer but if you don't tell them specific things to do they usually don't do anything extra.

 

[yoderjac]

I'm thinking I may have to do this pretty soon. Got a "squeaker" in there somewhere on mine. Were yours greaseless or did you have a zerk on them somewhere? I should have had mine checked when maintenance was done by the dealer but if you don't tell them specific things to do they usually don't do anything extra.

There are no zerks on the 35G rollers. I presume they are sealed lubricated. Squeaking was the first sign for me.