Ist Timer Removing Track, Wheels and Misc. to Grease Bearings

[Moldman]

First I would like to thank all who have been so good as to answer my questions. Seems like I need to remove rubber track, tires and wheels and cages in order to grease bearings. Seems like a lot of work. Just started on my 99" Max II today with the engine servicing, will be degreasing complete unit in and out, what a mess, even had two mouse nests. Is there any videos where I can watch the remove of track, etc.? As always thanks for all the help, it's deeply appreciated.

[hipowerone]

While I do not have a set of tracks, I have seen similar installations, and can assume that removing tracks might work in reverse. I would suggest a long ratchet tie down strap be available. Remove air, valve stem caps and valve stem valves from tires. Wrap the ratchet strap around the track on 3 wheels on one side, and ratchet the strap to compress tires and remove more air. When front and rear tires are compressed, close valve stems with valve stem caps only to keep air out of tires, and prevent them from re-inflating. Remove the ratchet strap. This should have made the tracks loose. Remove center wheel and tire, making tracks looser. You should be able to remove the tracks over the compressed tires. Some tracks have chains with link connectors which can be removed. Others have linked tracks with link bolts that can be removed to allow track removal.

[john swenson]

not sure how your tracks connect but the first thing i do on mine is deflate the front and rear tire to take the pressure off the track. then it's easier to remove the pin or bolt holding the track together. j.b.

[tbone9]

I use a 3' long hose with a right angle coupling.

[Canadian_Zuk]

I can grease all my bearings with the rubber tracks installed much easier than I can with the summer tires on. There is a ton of room behind the 21" tires and extensions.

[hipowerone]

On my MAX II, with just wheels, I jack the unit up, and using a flex hose on the grease gun, I can get all 6 grease fittings.

[msafi65]

No need to remove tracks to grease outer bearings. I would however remove the tracks and tires to do a very good inspection of all axle bearings. You can't really feel any play in the bearings with tracks on. Getting tracks off is easy. Deflate front and rear tires and remove one wheel. Going back on I leave the center tire off until track is on both front and rear tires. Deflate corner tires and crush down with vacuuming them at valve or with a strap, install the caps to keep them crushed. Install the track over one tire all the way against the body then roll onto other tire. With track in place remove caps and install center tire. Tire pressure for solid rubber tracks is 6-7 psi for Goodyear tires.

[mjbuck]

Just removed my tracks about a week ago. Get all six tires off the ground. Remove the middle tire and wheel and loosen the front and rear wheels. Finesse the tracks off back and forth. Front and rear tires will most likely come off with the tracks. Very easy.

[Moldman]

Summer Tires

Again thanks for all the great help. I will be removing track and tires this weekend to inspect, never done this before. I only have a few questions at this time: 1. Do I leave extensions on for use with the larger summer tires? and 2. How many grease fittings (TOTAL ) should I be looking for on a Max II? All help is deeply appreciated. Thanks