Cat 955L DON'T DO THIS! Track Tensioner Fiasco! Part 1

DON'T DO THIS! Part 1
Removing the welds from a terrible failed track tensioner repair.....
(what else will I find?)
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[@MManeval]

Alan, you are truly an inspiration! Your level of determination and self preservation is off of the charts insane!!! Today's young people would benefit so much from your example.... as I fear the next generations will lack the willingness to work so hard and the knowledge to do what you are doing! In a Mad Max sort of world... which is kinda how I see your fortress... there will be very few that would survive, and an Xbox or an iPhone isn't going to do it for them... you sir.. are a shining example of excellence! God bless you, and be safe!

[@chrislarson4328]

Perhaps, but they have a better shot of defeating the future AI overlords than our generation would.

[@PrincessAddie14]

Relax bro,. Alan isn't gonna save the next generation and your comment is just projecting your insecurities just say great video keep it up or simply like the video why's it gotta be about the world's problems

[@2nickles647]

The next generation already lacks the "working hard" willingness or attitude. The want to be given everything on a silver platter. Spoon feed.

[@kieranloftus6807]

Ashamed to say I'm guilty of this. I currently have a machine with 22 long and 4ft 6 wide tracks with one side welded, seasonal work in a panic, now I have to pay the price, hey u gotta survive!!!

[@rhondamoore1682]

He Is DEFINITELY ONE OF A KIND!!!😊❤❤❤

[@rghicklin]

thats a special grease fitting just from cat. cat still has them. be careful taking it out. lot of pressure on it

[@papawheelie5835]

Alan, it takes a real man to expose this kind of ridiculous "repair attempt" by the previous owners without publicly shaming and humiliating them. Your "can do" attitude and positivity are an inspiration. That said, I'd personally be tracking down the culprit and exposing them to the whole world.

[@GatvolFourie]

The kind of guy that does that type of botch work you are better off just avoiding em completely . Not ever meeting them is a blessing in disguise . Alan on the other hand is an inspiration for all . What an incredibly hard working guy. My back hurts just watching him

[@steventaylor681]

Old dogs really can be taught new stuff. You showed me how to remove some old frozen bolts in several of my antique farm tractors. You are The Wizard. Thanks Alan!

[@Not_Built-Right]

@steventaylor681 I have broken bolts and welded a nut on spun it out heat is a man's best friend when it comes to stuck bolts penetrative fluid is good too. Wurth Rostoff is gold in my book I have had quite a bit of success with their product. Hope that helps a bit too you will thank me later for that Wurth stuff.

[@steventaylor681]

Not-Built-Right - I've used all the methods you mentioned and had good luck over the years. What I learned from Alan was the pounding on the end of the broken bolt. I can see how that would help knock some to the rust loose.

[@rghicklin]

seals are blown out i the track tensioner. you have to break the track, roll the idler forward, then pull the tensioner piston out.

[@eddielane9569]

I believe the reason they welded it was either the zerk fitting was leaking causing the cylinder not to hold pressure or there is a leak in the seal making it lose grease when it's being used causing the track to loosen up so they welded it to keep it from moving.

[@derekkinsella2343]

I too had the same idea or the cylinder its self leak

[@douglasburford8452]

Or the recoil spring has disinegrated.

[@100SteveB]

I am guessing the last owners simply bodged her up to do one last job for them, maybe thinking she would be off to the scrap yard after that - to meet the cutters torch. Well, she met a torch alright, only it was not the scrap yards torch, it was Alan, bringing new life to the old girl!

[@kerrylewis2581]

That was a crazy repair made by the previous operator/owner. Even the Wizard is stumped on why they took this approach to repair/tension the track.

[@iFreemind10]

They had to have thought "I got it tight, just weld it in place and I'll never have to grease it again" haha. A fools dream to stop spending money on grease.

[@jeffproctor1690]

Alan: I would remove those grease zerks(?) And tap them for a standard replacable one at the shop. Should be easy. Next I would get a sawzall with a fine blade to run over the top of those skid plates to remove any welds or slag you couldnt reach with the gri nder. Good luck, love the vids.

[@toddvail2630]

Looking forward to part 2. I appreciate your ability to think things through & troubleshoot. I do my best to do the same whenever possible. The sad reality is that not enough people do that anymore

[@simonworthington3330]

No wonder they call you Wizard Alan as you do so much and enjoy your videos and messages m8. Petersen Vice Grips are fantastic and 50 year old tools and any mechanic knows a quality tool. Alway love to see you videos. Thank You M8 as your a pleasure to watch.

[@Sattracer]

Why don't you have a light tower out there? It would help you tremendously with winter coming on. You could probably buy one at auction (a fixer upper) and with your skills have it going in no time.

[@lamarzimmermanmennonitefar5269]

One of Edison's solar towers!

[@AnnieC1776Freedom]

I am just an old lady that finds this stuff interesting. I don't understand any of the mechanical workings, but enjoy watching. Put a camera up on the top to show the surrounding landscape. It is pretty and would like to see all around. Must be great to be up there with that view!!

[@derekkinsella2343]

Alan the 🧙‍♂️WIZARD🧙‍♂️,jack of all trades and master of all👌, 💙 from Ireland 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪 the knowledge you have is astonishing 😲 you can put ur hands to anything to create something amazing or make something work, your videos are amazing, I've learnt so much watching you, we need to see more of ur content, it's amazing to see ur channel grow so quickly and its well deserved 👏 I'm watching since your very first upload Thank you Alan 💯 💙👍

[@StevenCampbell1955]

I couldn't figure out why anyone would weld up those track tensioners. Heck I couldn't even figure how those move with just a bit of grease pressed into them. But I watched you work like I have never had to do and marvel at your tenacity.

[@leonhart2452]

Those adjusters are just a hydraulic cylinder. You just pump in grease instead of hydraulic fluid. For those that don't know how a hydraulic cylinder works, the cylinder is a tube with a piston inside. When you pump fluid into one end of the cylinder it pushes the piston. Some are single acting cylinders where fluid extends the cylinder and the weight of the load retracts the cylinder. Some are double acting cylinders. On these you pump fluid in one end of the cylinder to extend it, pump fluid in the other end to retract it. The adjusters on the tracks are single acting cylinders. You pump grease in to extend the cylinder. To retract you pul out the plug where you pump in the grease to release the grease. You have to then push on to track to push the adjuster wheel back. Such as when replacing worn or broken parts like tracks, drive sprockets or idlers wheels.

[@lisawilson4551]

I can’t imagine what the guy was thinking when he welded that solid, crazy repair that only a wizard cold fix. Great job Alan sheer determination is all I can say. Until next video.😀👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@deeannmcginnis2115]

Thank you for showing us how this is done! I learn something new every time you drop a video!

[@robertpirtle3638]

You have a old soul. Your getting really good with your videos. Keep up the good work

[@patrickbolin6569]

ive worked on many 955 977 and 983 old track loaders. those front idlers geometry is ridiculous. between wear bars going bad and springs/shims and finding the correct spacing to get it the idler running straight in the rail, it can be a real chore. props to you for undertaking the challenge!!!! quick tip if your track adjuster seals ever failing you dont have to pull the idler out. take the 6 bolts from the rod off to the piston then either porta power or bar the assembly forward and dont split the track in half. saves a ton of time. then put air pressure in the grease fitting to shove the piston out only 2 inches and you can reseal it right there! good luck!

[@cpaul1093]

If you could share a video that'd be fantastic! Thanks!

[@johntenhave1]

Great work Alan! You really are a lateral thinker and improviser, but most of all, man, you are determined! All the elements required for success. More power to you.

[@MrLENNIEG]

These people who bodge the jobs it takes five times longer to bodge it than to do it correctly in the first place . Great job Alan if any one can do it you can . Stay safe

[@richgenalski8639]

this man deserves the support humble and honest good natured go wizard

[@matttafakt]

Love your work ethic .. once again, learned a lot from you today. Thank you Mr. Wizard

[@TheMunky83]

Heavy D needs to get you a battery powered greaser

[@stangiles2001]

You had me at Alan has fire in the hole , again. The man is a genius

[@dgoold1]

Alan, the man, the myth, the legend.

[@Incorruptus1]

You're a true artist - mechanic. Seeking the understanding, and constantly improving your interest, knowledge and understanding of things. While never giving up, at least not easily, lol. And just engage and see what it leads to. Is true science and seeking knowledge. I like it. The Cat will go and better than it did. Great work!

[@ronnydowdy7432]

❤ This is a very good start to figure out why someone thought they had do a fix this way. Enjoyed watching this episode Alan. Keep em coming love your content.

[@andrewkiwi1]

Thats just plain bloody rough welding that up. They must have done it for a reason because most people don't do crap repairs like that unless there no other way to economically repair it or they don't have time to repair it. Good luck Alan.

[@maryjames7193]

You have lots of patience. I enjoy watching you work and your great attitude. Can't wait to see it cleaned up and working.👍

[@Zero.0ne.]

Congratulations on getting that far. I had a feeling this would be a difficult fix. For now there's no telling what the original issue was. Good luck wizard!

[@chakrazoo]

we would weld a over size nut with a wire feed onto broken studs then attempt to back off. Sometimes you can get lucky.

[@tsirron]

It wasn’t the welders fault. It was the owner that owned the cat that told the welder to do it.

[@timtambornino5297]

knowing when to apply the hammer helps. I use a pipe wrench and a cheater after warming things up. your right about it working better after you clean it, great job ,sir. Waiting to see more. the wind may stop, the sun goes down, gravity never sleeps. your on a mountain top.

[@MikeVonGoon81]

lots of applied engineering in this video (as in applied with a hammer) ;-) nice job, Alan !

[@robertcribb3859]

Alan I'm new to your channel and I know why Heavy D, Disel Dave and Hauns call you the Wizzard pure determination and a never quit attitude

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Mr Wizard, you are the best ! Keep up the amazing videos !

[@joshuanicholsjr5327]

as always your driven till the end of the task great job allan be safe god bless

[@ralphhayward5693]

I like how you admit you don't really know but you dig in and find out what you need to do. Keep going, Alan. Your commentary is enjoyable

[@TheologicalDissident]

It's so cool seeing how you bring life to old machines that otherwise would never be used again.

[@reggiekilgore7448]

What were they thinking sorry man but you are the only man on the job which makes me happy sorry brother I like to watch you work

[@rickmarquette9141]

Way to go Allen nice job. Really like your videos. Can't wait for the next one.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

Made some HUGE progress today the dozer!! Great video!

[@lanejohnson1245]

Nice job. Your ability to articulate and narrate is improving episode by episode. Way to go! I look forward to the next one. Cheers.

[@iFreemind10]

You're a wizard of a human Alan! Nothing seems to ever come close to stopping you! Always love when the wizard posts and will always give you a view for sure 100% through!

[@jps99]

Who said Alan fixes everything with a hammer? Good job, Alan!

[@kevinmccormack5192]

Don’t set fire to your hair Alan. Fantastic work ethic. 👍

[@buggyfun123]

You obviously have a lot of experience with this stuff. Nice work! Wish I had a welder and torch.

[@Paul_Gale]

its only temporary unless it works (quote from RedGreenTV} Enjoying the vids Thanks for keeping us updated

[@randaltucker2981]

You and I are very similar in the way we approach things. Glad you are getting it back to right. You will be happy with the machine once you get it working reliably.

[@waylontmccann]

Good job Alan, now does someone have a pressure washer they can send him? ❤keep up the great work!

[@nathandavidson4244]

You the man Al!! Wizard Power!!

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Alen you're the coolest Wizard I know of. Just came to give you a thumbs up and say hello for the algorithm. 👍

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

Alan im sure other would agree but id love to see a walk around video showin your collection of miltary vehicles and other equipment, you could show what runs and what does not and what they need.just something to think about,stay safe and god bless.

[@Clawson_customs]

That's just crazy to weld them down. the grease jack on the joy miner's that we use at the mine take shims to keep them out and tight the grease jack just isn't strong enough to hold the pressure

[@kingmartire7017]

we want to see the next part of it, thats to bad for the sun that would be nice to see the product finish and fixed

[@themekfrommars]

Wizard at work! Nice job Alan!

[@jam6289]

Of course we would love to see a second channel ❤

[@nathantoth4185]

Alan is a shining example of what a real American is.

[@RainmanGA]

Great video, Alan. Love to see your solutions to the various issues you encounter!

[@alkennedy1124]

Now you know why it was welded right thanks BigAl California

[@bradh5629]

Love that strap on the googles Alan!

[@bradh5629]

lol we just commented the same thing less than a minute apart and we are both Brad H's ! ;)

[@brianbuswell6112]

Those blocks are springs to keep the front idler from wearing the bushings on the side to side motion of the track . They welded them because there is an issue with the grease tensioner ram seals are out or something.

[@theLyzhendricks]

Glad u got it mostly working hope u get it fully working amd all back together so u can use it again its gadda be a big help around the fortress

[@johnmoore1025]

Take the grease caps off and drill the old grease nipple out then tap a thread for the new grease nipple. That way you will be able to replace them in future

[@robertbraker93]

I got a D7E and the previous owner had cut pipe and had it clamped around the cylinder shaft because the seals was bad and wouldn’t hold grease, it worked to keep the tracks tight but I got them rebuilt and fixed right !

[@roadie5872]

Great job on that machine looking forward to the next video

[@Suchislife312]

Good work Wiz😊

[@brentswallers7905]

Your a good man Allen. Keep up the work my friend

[@ryansauvageau6638]

Nice work Allen!!! Get R Done!

[@anthonyhaddix3598]

When you have some of the bolt protruding like that, you can thread a nut on the end and weld it to remove it that way, usually works for me.

[@agmesiabieshaar9699]

hy from Holland, love your Channel

[@Mike-sk7gt]

Hello from the UK love your channel keep it up

[@kevinwright1551]

Good morning Al. From Mt Pleasant Michigan area. Doing awesome job indeed. Keep up the great work.

[@johnkranz4004]

Excellent work Alan Nice job

[@user-fr5fz6vv6z]

Hey Allen love all your projects, very kool!!!! are you aware of C&CEquipment channel???? those guys tear down the stuff you are working on all the time I'm sure they would have the parts you need. Bad thing is they are in Indiana, but thats why everyone can ship stuff anywhere. Keep on going man, I'd love to be out there with you but I'm pushing 70 now, you go man!!! Gary

[@pgprice1663]

keep going Alan looking forward to part 2

[@andrewnicholson2339]

Oh boy that's crazy as f. Grease tensioner welded, never heard it

[@stevemuller82muller65]

Keep up the great work bro 😎🤙 much love from Pennsylvania 🥳🇺🇲

[@ericallan1373]

Seat looks great but who in their right mind would weld the track adjusters ??? 👍 great video

[@louis220558]

Great job

[@ragnorremix8426]

Totally wizard🧙‍♂️

[@robb236]

always a pleasure to watch .....

[@SuperMaryrose]

Thanks for these.

[@chrisparola3949]

So I think the grease into the cylinder moves the track and that assembly you cut free is a system of springs holding down a piece of steel slide with slanted one way teeth holding it from going back loose under load it may be at the end of adjustment

[@deankdx]

Nice tips on broken bolt removal and what you are doing and why.

[@bobmalone6076]

When you were struggling with the zirc I couldn't help but think you needed an extra Hans.

[@johnkirby6547]

Alan you are amazing 👏 ❤ Can't wait to see the next episode..

[@KFB3]

Awesome love your commitment and hard work.

[@mikego18753]

Thanks Alan.

[@chas2can124]

Wizard, this is not a FAIL.

[@jeffheins6624]

We can wait on you, work safe mr wizard

[@TheLimberPine]

Interesting watch as always

[@mikebell9166]

I saw a small air belt sander at Harbor Freight; only about a half inch tall, with a 5" or so reach. Be perfect for that small partly enclosed area that needs to be smooth. The hell of it is, all the proper repair parts are readily available from Cat; there was literally zero reason for the previous owner to weld the adjusters together.

[@edwardstephens247]

You are doing a great job.

[@williamwatkins1264]

Take the grease zert cap out and use a lathe to drill the zert out and tap for new zert. just thought that would help.

[@adambennett2176]

The wizard!!!! Man!!! Amazing

[@SootyDiesel81]

Perfect job for an Airarc

[@eshootziscrs2868]

Wizard, Would a female air fitting or hydraulic fitting fit in the place of the zerc? A make end should be easy to adapt to the grease gun. In fact using air pressure to assist wouldn't hurt. You're truly the wizard of all things.

[@chrismartin223]

It's great to watch your do amazing things. Thank you for sharing. :)