How To Put A Track Back On A Skid Steer: A Master Mechanic’s Guide
Reinstalling a slipped rubber track on a skid steer requires safely relieving hydraulic tension from the track adjuster, positioning the track over the idler wheel, and leveraging the machine’s own drive power to seat the track. Success depends on proper grease zerk management and maintaining constant alignment to prevent permanent damage to the track lugs and undercarriage rollers.
Essential Preparation and Safety Protocols
Operating a skid steer or compact track loader (CTL) involves significant hydrostatic pressure and heavy mechanical components. Before attempting to remount a track, you must verify the structural integrity of the rubber track itself. If the steel cables inside the rubber have snapped or the drive lugs are severely deformed, re-installation is a temporary measure that will likely result in immediate re-slippage.
- Required Tools and Gear:
- A high-capacity grease gun with a fresh cartridge.
- A 9/16-inch or 5/8-inch wrench (for the grease zerk and bleed valve).
- A pry bar or a long steel digging bar (at least 5 feet in length).
- Hardwood blocks or cribbing capable of supporting the machine's weight.
- A clean shop towel or rag to wipe the zerk fitting before operation.
- Safety glasses and heavy-duty work gloves.
- Safety Standards:
- Always perform this task on firm, level ground. A sloped surface increases the risk of the machine shifting or the raised track snapping back under tension.
- Never put body parts between the track and the frame while the machine is running.
- Ensure the parking brake is engaged, but note that the track must be able to rotate freely once the tension is released.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Track Re-installation
The following workflow assumes a standard CTL configuration. While specific brands like Bobcat, CAT, or Kubota may vary in their specific bleed valve locations, the mechanical principle remains constant across all track-driven systems.
Step 1: Raise and Stabilize the Chassis
Position the skid steer on level ground. Use the loader arms and the bucket to lift the side of the machine where the track has slipped. Raise the machine high enough so that the tracks are roughly 6 to 8 inches off the ground. Place heavy-duty jack stands or pre-measured hardwood cribbing under the frame. Never rely solely on the hydraulic loader arms to hold the weight of the machine for an extended duration.
Step 2: Relieve Hydraulic Track Tension
Locate the grease cylinder housing, typically found behind a small access panel on the side of the undercarriage frame. Inside this housing is a grease zerk and a bleed valve. Clean the area thoroughly to prevent debris from entering the cylinder. Slowly loosen the tensioner bleed valve (usually a half-turn to a full turn). As the grease escapes, the front idler wheel will retract, creating the slack needed to slide the track back onto the rollers.
Warning: Hydraulic grease cylinders are under extreme pressure. Never stand directly in front of the bleed valve when loosening it. If the grease does not flow, the valve may be clogged with hardened debris; do not force it, as the fitting may shear off.
Step 3: Align the Track and Idlers
Position the rubber track so that it is hanging off the rear drive sprocket or the front idler. Use your pry bar to lift the rubber track over the front idler wheel. If the track is stubborn, start by seating the rear drive lugs into the sprocket teeth first. Once the teeth are engaged at the rear, work your way forward. Use the pry bar to leverage the track over the front idler pulley, ensuring that the inner guide lugs are aligned with the center of the track rollers.
Step 4: Re-tension the Track System
Once the track is properly seated on all idlers and rollers, tighten the bleed valve. Take your grease gun and pump fresh grease into the track adjuster zerk fitting. Watch the front idler wheel as it pushes forward, slowly taking up the slack. Continue pumping until the track tension reaches the manufacturer’s specification—typically a sag of 1.5 to 2 inches when measured at the center of the top span between the idler and the front roller.
Step 5: Final Seating and Verification
Start the engine and slowly rotate the track in both forward and reverse directions while the machine is still elevated. This allows the track lugs to center themselves on the rollers and ensures that the tension is distributed evenly. Stop the machine, re-check the sag, and apply a final pump of grease if necessary. Lower the machine to the ground slowly.
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Technical Specifications and Tension Benchmarks
Maintaining proper tension is the primary factor in preventing premature failure of the drive motor bearings and the rubber track's internal steel cord structure.
| Parameter | Recommended Specification | Impact of Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Track Sag | 1.5 to 2.0 Inches | Excess sag causes "derailing"; over-tightening destroys bearings. |
| Grease Pressure | 2,500 – 3,500 PSI | Required to hold the idler in the extended position. |
| Lug Alignment | 0.5 Inches clearance | Prevents metal-on-metal wear between rollers and lugs. |
| Daily Inspection | Every 8-10 Hours | Critical for detecting debris buildup in the undercarriage. |
Common Field Failures and Remedies
- Root Cause: Debris Impaction. Dirt, rocks, or frozen mud wedged between the track and the sprocket will force the track off the machine.
- Actionable Fix: Use a long-handled shovel or pressure washer to clear the undercarriage channel before attempting to remount the track.
- Root Cause: Failed Track Adjuster Seal. The grease cylinder refuses to hold pressure, causing the track to slacken immediately after installation.
- Actionable Fix: Replace the hydraulic seal kit within the tensioner cylinder. If the cylinder barrel is scored, the entire tensioner assembly must be replaced.
- Root Cause: Worn Drive Lugs. The rubber or internal steel teeth have been rounded off from excessive operation on concrete or abrasive terrain.
- Actionable Fix: If the lugs have lost their structural definition, the track is beyond its service life and must be replaced to prevent catastrophic failure while under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my skid steer track keep slipping off?
Frequent derailing is usually caused by either improper track tension or severe wear on the undercarriage rollers and idlers. Check if your tensioner is holding pressure and inspect the rollers for flat spots or seized bearings that prevent smooth track rotation.
How tight should a skid steer track be?
The standard is a 1.5 to 2-inch sag measured between the front idler and the first top roller. If the track is too tight, it will place excessive stress on the drive motor bearings, leading to expensive hydrostatic failures.
Can I put a track back on without a grease gun?
It is technically impossible to properly tension the track without a grease gun, as the adjuster cylinder relies on hydraulic grease pressure to push the idler forward. If your zerk fitting is broken, replace it before attempting the repair.
Is it safe to use a tractor to stretch the track onto the idler?
Do not use auxiliary machinery to stretch the track; this can cause the track to snap or result in an uncontrolled release of energy. Always use a pry bar and the machine's own internal adjustment mechanism to seat the track safely.
Maintain Optimal Undercarriage Performance
Regular undercarriage maintenance prevents costly downtime and extends the lifespan of your heavy equipment significantly. Ensure your fleet is performing at its peak by scheduling a professional inspection for any recurring track alignment issues.
