Poor old jcb ** UPDATE**

[Self builder]

Jcb 801.4 1996 - replacing a damaged track.

Having released the track adjusting bolt as far it would go and taken delivery of the new track - from MST, £205 incl vat & delivery - I started to put on the new track.
I started by trying to put the new track onto the idler sprocket, which took some doing. And then tried to maul it onto the slowly moving driving sprocket......no way it would go on.
I checked the track to make sure it was the right one....it was. So I took the track off ...applied heat and was able to move the nut a little more. Tried to get the track on again.....no chance.

What can I do next ?

 

[DaveDCB]

Loosen idler off more I’d say..

 

[V8Druid]

track off - idler back out and suss just how much more travel is achievable .... and get the adjuster backed out to the limit
can you get your arm up in there with a die grinder with a wire brush in it to try to clean the threads as best as you can?
I'm guessing the thread is either M24/27 or M30 ? die nut in a socket on a long extension bar and try to clean it up
I doubt you'll ever get that new track on without the adjuster fully backed off

 

[Self builder]

Loosen idler off more I’d say..

Yeh I think you're right. I'll try tomorrow.

 

[DaveDCB]

Even with the grease filled idlers I always think it’s backed off fully but when you track them back on more still pours out!

 

[Self builder]

Even with the grease filled idlers I always think it’s backed off fully but when you track them back on more still pours out!

I hope I can loosen the bolt a bit more, I need about 1" at least.

 

[JD450A]

Put it on the sprocket first, maul it up on the idler, where are you in the world?

 

[hiluxman]

Put it on the sprocket first, maul it up on the idler, where are you in the world?

Was just about to say the same.

 

[Regy53]

2 people help if not dont it before, and a big bar

 

[V8Druid]

Put it on the sprocket first, maul it up on the idler, where are you in the world?

Mogville

 

[Steve]

Lower the machine down slightly as you are fighting with the sag of the track.

 

[Self builder]

track off - idler back out and suss just how much more travel is achievable .... and get the adjuster backed out to the limit
can you get your arm up in there with a die grinder with a wire brush in it to try to clean the threads as best as you can?
I'm guessing the thread is either M24/27 or M30 ? die nut in a socket on a long extension bar and try to clean it up
I doubt you'll ever get that new track on without the adjuster fully backed off

Thanks for your comments
I agree screwing the adjuster all the way is the best chance. The thread is 29/30mm. I do have a small grinder that I will try.

 

[Mick-the-fitter]

Try turning the top of the machine! Blade one end bucket the other, lift the tracks slightly off the ground, get an old ratchet strap, loop it round the top of left and right track, with track on the idler and in position on the drive sprocket, put a bit of load on the ratchet strap, drive backwards on both tracks, until the ratchet strap is underneath tighten it a bit more drive forward, two things could happen! The track will ride itself on or the other track will come off

 

[Self builder]

Try turning the top of the machine! Blade one end bucket the other, lift the tracks slightly off the ground, get an old ratchet strap, loop it round the top of left and right track, with track on the idler and in position on the drive sprocket, put a bit of load on the ratchet strap, drive backwards on both tracks, until the ratchet strap is underneath tighten it a bit more drive forward, two things could happen! The track will ride itself on or the other track will come off

Thanks Mick
I will give this a go, but firstly I will try to loosen the bolt a bit more to give it the best chance. I will do it in a few days when I'm free of covid.
Thanks for your time & patience. Steve.