8008 Track replacement

[Shropshire_Lad]

Hi,

I'm trying to replace one of the tracks on my JCB 8008.

I have removed the old one ok (removed the grease nipple from the tensioner etc)

I have got the new one over the sprocket at the back, but it seems almost impossible to get over the front idler. How far back should the front idler go? There is currently about 1-1.5cm of idler bracket still proud of the main chassis (if that makes sense) Should all of that disappear, to allow more leverage etc.

The tracks are the correct ones, they were bought from JCB.

Thanks in advance.

 

[craig]

Welcome,

Did you just let the grease go, or did you bar/push the front idler back with the nipple out?

 

[Shropshire_Lad]

Welcome,

Did you just let the grease go, or did you bar/push the front idler back with the nipple out?

Thanks for the welcome,

I've pushed it as far back as I can once the grease was out, it still seems like it should go in further, but it won't.

I've also taken the whole ram / piston out that tensions in and that seems ok.

 

[craig]

Pull the idler out of the frame, have a look to see if there is a build up of muck in its slides, and try and work out how far it should go in.
Wrong parts from a main dealer wouldn't be uncommon, do the sizes match, should be moulded in the rubber somewhere?

 

[Shropshire_Lad]

Pull the idler out of the frame, have a look to see if there is a build up of muck in its slides, and try and work out how far it should go in.
Wrong parts from a main dealer wouldn't be uncommon, do the sizes match, should be moulded in the rubber somewhere?

Thanks Craig, yes I've already done that and cleaned a load of crud out. I've checked the part numbers and they are correct for the make and model. I guess I just need a bit more brute force.

 

[CPS]

Thanks Craig, yes I've already done that and cleaned a load of crud out. I've checked the part numbers and they are correct for the make and model. I guess I just need a bit more brute force.

don't be afraid to put the bucket to it and give it a push

 

[V8Druid]

Pull the idler out of the frame, have a look to see if there is a build up of muck in its slides, and try and work out how far it should go in.
Wrong parts from a main dealer wouldn't be uncommon, do the sizes match, should be moulded in the rubber somewhere?

my thoughts exactly

don't be afraid to put the bucket to it and give it a push

 

[Shropshire_Lad]

Thanks everyone, I finally got it on, by removing the ram that pushes the idler and removing the piston rod inside it to remove the remaining grease from inside it. That gave just enough room to get the track back on.

 

[DaveDCB]

No help now as you have won this battle.
But if the old track was still on(not split etc) I like to let the grease go and give it a track forwards/backwards in the air, that normally gets any remaining grease out..

 

[William127]

A decent ratchet strap wrapped the whole way round the track, hooked back to itself then cranked up sometimes gets the idler the whole way back in. Especially if you then give the idler end of the track a well aimed smack with a big hammer.

 

[Bri963]

Jack between the blade and idler, or fork lift fork inside the old track. My go-to’s.

 

[Mick-the-fitter]

Photos