MC Tractor Questions

Hi all, I've got a MC tractor (crawler) from around the 50-52 era. My great grandpa bought it new. Since I was a boy we have used it to clean sheds (it has a dozer blade) because of it's small size and manuverability. Until I was older I really didn't know what the condition of it was. I could remember grandpa and dad rolling the tracks off it once or twice when using it but that's about it.

In the last 10 years I've went into both final drive clutches mostly because the linkage was all shot and would break. Today I just finished up the second one. While I had the track off, I noticed how worn it was. I could pull the track sideways while laying on the floor a very substantial amount. I have a service manual but it doesn't say anything about how worn is too worn for the pins and bushings. it mentions that they can be pressed out and turned 180, or replaced, but that's about it.

I have not had a track roll off in the last 10 years. but, I'd say that's due to the fact that I've kept them tensioned to the specs it shows in the owners manual. The master pin and bushing didn't seem to be worn that much at all. any tighter and I'd have had a tough time getting it back together again.

I did talk with my Deere dealer, and they said that pins and bushings are still available though in a very limited supply. I believe they told be about $5 per pin, and about the same per bushing. Biggest question for me is who besides a track shop would be capable of doing such a task?

When I worked for caterpillar for a few years I know that ALOT of the shops money was made in the track shop. I'm not sure this machine is worth the amount I'd have to pay to have them rebuild my tracks.

Anyone have any suggestions or knowledge on these track systems?

I love this old machine, and it's the only reason we haven't bought a bobcat years and years ago. and do not own one yet. I wish Deere built their tractors today to last they way they did 65 years go.

Thanks

DF
 
JDCrawlers.com website has a lot of folks that can help you with John Deere crawler questions. A lot of good info available.
 

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