Body sag

[Rory_mcw]

Evening,

I have just refitted a set of 18" rubber tracks to one of my hire machines and it appears that they are rubbing the tub on the front lef side - below the muffler, it looks as though it may have gotten hot at some point and started to droop,

Question is, what's the best way to heat th tub and jack/push it back onto shape? The other 3 corners are fine.

I did think of a full body band them heat the tub and let it cool, anyone with any better ideas! Thanks

[amphibious drew]

Your plan sounds good. You could also just jack the machine up from that corner and let it sit in the sun for a bit.

[thebuggyman1]

IMG_0145.jpg

Suspended from the ceiling at the body seam.
Warm a larger area than you think you need to and let it cool for a couple days before dropping it down. You can test fit the tires while it is suspended, and the extra weight may help while it cools too.

[rodp]

Hi Rory, I used a hi lift on mine (with a timber spreader). I over lifted it a touch then went round it with a Leister hot air gun. Although you're not heating the whole lot at once it still seems to work. I did find you have to do a larger area than you think though, I think they deform slightly over quite a large area rather than a lot in one place.
I then stopped it happening again by fitting internal bracing, probably not what you want to do on a hire machine.

I don't think the sun in Scotland is going to work though

[Rory_mcw]

I'll lift it up today and get some heat on it, I did think about splitting the top and bottom tubs and square it up individually, I'll take some photos as I go.

[rodp]

If you're going to split it you may as well brace it internally to stop it happening again, if you just do the front of the sides it will only add a few hours to the job. At least then you know it's not going to need doing again in a few weeks / months.

[Rory_mcw]

I'll try to get onto it today, lift it with the tractor and give it a good heating

[Rory_mcw]

[Rory_mcw]

Started to make a body band, I didn't get much done before I had to go back offshore, however it is a start.

I have built it with a 10mm gap down the sides so when bolted together is should pull the tub seam line up slightly. 40x40x5mm

I did heat it and lift with tractor but don't think it's a permanent solution.

I will tie the front and rear into the chassis with custom winch mounts.

I have a new alloy liner and roof rack to go on too, I will update with more pics soon

[Dozerlarry]

Nice looking job!