Kubota KX101 3.5t excavator tracks change

[chrismac]

The steel tracks on my digger are absolutely past it, it seems hard to get replacements, I have 2 options at the moment, try new sprockets and rubber tracks, which involves some removal of stone guards on the idler side for some reason, if the sprockets fit, the ID of the new sprocket is 204mm the location diameter spigot seems to be nearer 185-190mm not got the old sprocket off yet for acutal size, tomorrow I might have it off though.

Or a good 2nd hand steel set from a kubota KH 101, similar in lots of sizes apart for one B shoe link stepping surface height, maybe someone can explain if this is actually relevant for an old machine.

Thanks

 

[RebarJunkie]

From what you’ve shared, the “B shoe link stepping surface height” mainly affects how the track chain rides on the bottom rollers and sprockets. It determines the clearance and contact between the links and undercarriage components. A small difference (a few millimeters) might not cause a problem on an older digger with worn rollers, but too much deviation can affect pitch alignment and lead to uneven wear or jumping on the sprocket.

If the KH101 track shoes match your pitch (X101.6) and bush/pin sizes, and the step height difference isn’t extreme (within 2–3 mm), they can often be fitted safely for light to moderate work. Just expect a bit of accelerated wear on either the rollers or the sprockets if tolerances aren’t perfect.

You mentioned swapping to rubber tracks. Removing the side guards is often necessary because the rubber tracks are thicker and flex differently around the idler. If you do go that route, check the tensioner travel and clearance first.

Have you managed to measure the actual sprocket hub diameter yet? That’ll tell a lot about compatibility before committing.

 

[chrismac]

From what you’ve shared, the “B shoe link stepping surface height” mainly affects how the track chain rides on the bottom rollers and sprockets. It determines the clearance and contact between the links and undercarriage components. A small difference (a few millimeters) might not cause a problem on an older digger with worn rollers, but too much deviation can affect pitch alignment and lead to uneven wear or jumping on the sprocket.

If the KH101 track shoes match your pitch (X101.6) and bush/pin sizes, and the step height difference isn’t extreme (within 2–3 mm), they can often be fitted safely for light to moderate work. Just expect a bit of accelerated wear on either the rollers or the sprockets if tolerances aren’t perfect.

You mentioned swapping to rubber tracks. Removing the side guards is often necessary because the rubber tracks are thicker and flex differently around the idler. If you do go that route, check the tensioner travel and clearance first.

Have you managed to measure the actual sprocket hub diameter yet? That’ll tell a lot about compatibility before committing.

Thanks for the reply, I did change to rubber tracks when done, one of the reasons the stone guards also need to be removed is the tracks are actually shorter than steel tracks, by two links I think, the idler sits far further in the carriage than with the steel tracks on, the tensioners were in need of some tlc, it did not take much to free it out but they are in a fairly poor state, with a lot of the chrome finish rusted off, but I gave them a good clean outside and in and reassembled them,

The sprockets were correct, there was a step in the hub which took up the slack so that was a relief, all back together now and seems to be fine at this point...... just waiting for the next issue

 

[Smallfry]

Thanks for the reply, I did change to rubber tracks when done, one of the reasons the stone guards also need to be removed is the tracks are actually shorter than steel tracks, by two links I think, the idler sits far further in the carriage than with the steel tracks on, the tensioners were in need of some tlc, it did not take much to free it out but they are in a fairly poor state, with a lot of the chrome finish rusted off, but I gave them a good clean outside and in and reassembled them,

The sprockets were correct, there was a step in the hub which took up the slack so that was a relief, all back together now and seems to be fine at this point...... just waiting for the next issue

How have you found the ride when tracking ? Is it smooth, or does it feel notchy and lumpy ?

Had to explain what I mean, but I prefer steel tracks over rubber, as they always seem better in this respect.