Help!!! Bearing cage

[Delduck]

Thanks whipper.  For some reason I knew you would have it .  Thanks again

[whipperag]

Max IV centerline
middle to rear is 28.125
middle to front is 30.000

 

[Delduck]

Looking to see if someone has a good centerline to centerline number for the axle centers of a max 4. The year is 2000 if that makes a difference. I’m having a reinforcement strap being made for the tracks on the max. Unfortunately I have 2 broken axles, 1 in front right and 1 rear left so I can’t take any measurements.

[Delduck]

I agree the $$$ are getting a little ridiculous. But I keep telling myself that I don’t have everything on the machine properly, such as   Old chain so it was replaced, old axles, so replaced, now I’m finding out I’ve never installed the bearing cages properly because I didn’t have the straps. I run the machine at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle max. I think some of the problem is due to lack of knowledge on my behalf, that’s why I’m glad for all the imput. Something as simple as a picture is what I needed for wedge to see ther was no straps. I’d like to get it together the correct way before I say the machine is at fault. I still like what it does.

[whipperag]

   stepping up to #60 chain would be  must.
The $$$$$$$ amount needed to Maybe fix all the problems may not be worth it.
No matter how much money you spend you will still break stuff.
A winch with 2 miles of cable might be needed. .
 

[WFO]

 agree, larger and better steel. 60 chain. short of building a TANK. 2" maybe too big. 1.5" with a different spline count so as to use as much of the size of axle as possible for strength . if it were mine thats what I would do $$$$$$$$$$$$$ 

[ascaw]

Whipper, If Delduck does do an axle size upgrade with new sprockets, do you think he should upgrade the chain and sprockets to #60?  Do you think he may want to reinforce the frame also?  Seems like if he is putting that much stress on the machine, an axle upgrade may just find another weak link/part in the drive line.

Delduck, these machines must work great for what you are using them for when they are not broke, but I think you found something that may be too much for them without some real serious upgrades and big $$$$$$$$.  I hope you can come up with a good solution that won't break the bank.

[Delduck]

Yes I will    Thanks for the imput

[whipperag]

Sounds like you might want to try bigger axles.
Maybe 1-1/2 300m and all new bearings.
Then you would need all new sprockets.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I think the bearing cages need to be completely sealed to keep all
those weeds and reeds from wraping around the axles.
I think if you make the axles big enough you won’t need the bearing cages.$$$$$$$$
Maybe 2” dia.
And you would need new wheel hubs,
Between the tracks and the terrain,it’s just to much stress on the drive train.
No matter which way you go, you’ve got to stop stuff from wrapping around the axles.
With bigger axles and no cages you would still have to find a way to shield the axles
Can you post a pic of one of the broken axles with everything off it.
 
 

[Delduck]

Well, I’m in,          .     I have to try something different so I might as well start now

[wedge]

I have made the bearing extension's out of Pipe and Plate before. Worked Very well also ! Just put a Notch in the inside part for the Grease fitting.
I Thought I had one left to go by BUT you saw my shop ! 
It is a Mess rite now 

[Delduck]

Wedge I’m going to check the frame rail Monday but inside the tub looks fine it’s outside that is a mess. I think the cages are being bent bad from dragging it out of the mud so far, but I wouldn’t be dragging her if she wouldn’t break.

[Delduck]

Wfo.  I’m in,   If it is all that crap, which is a possibility, any ideas on how to strengthen or modify the machine. I’m definitely having a strap built for all the cages to connect, and thinking of making the cages out of round pipe. I will say the bearings still look good, but then again they don’t have much drive time on them. The only other thing I can think of is running rubber lines with fittings to any of the grease fittings that are non moving, just like bobcat does on my mini excavator. I’m going to try to find the pic of the other break and post both, taking the photo basically on the same work bench, they are 100% identical. It would be hard to tell the difference in the breaks.

[wedge]

You would think it would POP a chain or slip the track off ?
I think that with those wheel spacers and the bearing extensions the axle is being Flexed at the tub and outer frame ! I Bet ya the outer frame rail is cracked or twisted also !!

[WFO]

I'm  wondering if all that crap he goes over isn't binding between the tires and the tracks causing this. the bar will definitely stabilize the bearing cages and axle flex.